Tell us about your progress this year.

I had been a few years removed from intense running/racing. I reached out to a coach who agreed to coach me to run my first marathon! I ran the Richmond Marathon with a time of 2:48:23 which I never thought I’d be able to do but my coach’s training helped me run consistently.

Tell us how your coach (or plan) helped you achieve this progress.

My coach helped me build into a solid training cycle by giving me a large base. We started building slowly around 15/20 miles and capped around 50/60 miles a week. My coach is Andie Cozzarelli – she was helpful and encouraging. She gave me great workouts and running plans and worked with me if my body was feeling overly fatigued.

How has managing your training on the app helped you become a stronger runner?

It gave a great frame of what I was doing day by day and week by week. As I had some little rust buster races it was nice to see my VDOT level change as well as my paces. I love how easy it is to track my training in the app.

Tell us about one of your favorite or most impactful workouts.

I did a 22 mile long run workout. It was, at the time, the longest run I’ve ever done. It was meant to simulate marathon racing as I was gearing up to do my first ever marathon. My paces were set to start around 6:50 pace for 4 miles then 6:35 pace for 5 miles and then 3 miles at 6:30 pace. The workout broke me… I was so tired and empty especially towards the end of the 6:35 part and start of 6:30 pace.

I actually ended up not finishing the workout but I learned so much. Around mile 18 was when my body was empty in this workout I learned the importance of training before the big run and during the race. I learned how crucial all of that will be and I learned mentally how the race could go. Because of this workout I was mentally prepared to run a great marathon time

What is your GPS tracker of choice?

Garmin Forerunner 55

What is your favorite running shoe?

Saucing endorphine elite (for race day)

What are your goals for 2024?

I already signed up for Chicago. Would love to PR, hoping to run a Berlin Qualifier