What is your most memorable race experience?

 Zane Grey 2011 was a rough day for me. I felt slow, dejected, and mostly wanted to quit. I didn’t win the race. I didn’t even place in the top 3; however, just finishing the race was a major accomplishment for me. I love that race – so tough, yet so fun!

What is your favorite place to train?

 I’m a busy lady, so on a day to day basis I stick to the Phoenix Mountain preserve and the McDowells, both close to my house. Still, I love an adventure. During the fall I venture out to Cave Creek, the Superstitions, and the White Tanks. My summers are filled with weekend trips to Flagstaff, where my absolute favorite place is Kendrick Mountain and the trails surrounding it.  I’m also basically in love with the Grand Canyon!

What is your favorite snack during a race?

I’m vegan, and as much as I can, I stick to whole foods. Black Sphinx Dates are great to race with. I’m also a fan of Cliff Gels.

If you listen to music during your run, what do you listen to?

 I do listen to music when I run, but my taste is varied and very eclectic (think anywhere from Bob Dylan to Tupac or Vampire Weekend).  I also like to listen to audiobooks and podcasts on my long runs. I think I’m the only runner that likes to listen to books like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice while running. NPR is also high on my list of running entertainment.

When you aren’t running, what do you do with your spare time?

Spare time? Who has that. I teach Freshman English at Arizona State University.  I also enjoy spending time riding bikes with my zany son Alexander or exploring new restaurants and places with my loving boyfriend John. I also enjoy cooking delicious vegan food and reading excellent books!

What inspires you to go the ultra distance?

I ran my first ultra to get some “me” time. Some women go for pedicures and spa treatments; I go for big mountains and rugged terrain. I’ve also met some great people running. It’s always fun to share the morning on a trail with friends.

What is your favorite book?

I have one wall-sized book shelf that is filled with books, so there is no ONE favorite book in my world. Some standout reads are: One Day, Love in a Time of Cholera, The Angle of Repose, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Jane Eyre, Middlemarch, Great Expectations, Ulysses, Frankenstein, Dracula, Wuthering Heights, 127 Hours, The Dialectic of the Enlightenment, Sputnik Sweetheart, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The House of the Spirits…I’m a giant book nerd. I also really began contemplating and appreciating nature after reading 19c British Poets William Wordsworth, Samuel T. Coleridge, Lord Byron, Percy B. Shelley, and John Keats.

Do you have any pets?

 I have my sweet, big Rottweiler, Jessie dog, who’s basically amazing. Then, there’s Diesel, a miniature pincher; he’s a little ball of energy

Any other sponsors?

None at the moment

What other past performances are you proud of?

 Look it up on Ultrasignup. I also did an Ironman and a couple of half ironmans.

What is your 2012 Race Schedule?

TBA

BLOGMy Vegan Running Adventures

RESULTSUltra Signup