About Me

I have been running since March 2009.  While I have never considered myself an athlete, I have been told I am.  As of June 1st, 2014 I have 45 half marathons to my credit in 12 states.  I have also completed numerous 5k and 10k events as well as a 13k, 8k, 12k, and a couple of 2 milers with my family.  In March of 2013 I completed my first full marathon with Beyond Limits Ultra.  I then returned in March 2014 to run my first ultra with Beyond Limits Ultra and did a 50k.  While the marathon was far from what I hoped it would be time wise, it was still an amazing experience.

With my family at the Clovis Memorial Run 2 miler, 2014

Taking what I learned from my marathon, I felt much better prepared for my 50k, which everyone kept insisting was "just 5 more miles".  My marathon finish was 8:44 and my 50k finish was 9:33.  While neither is ever going to win any awards, I am extremely proud of my body, mind, and spirit for being able to get those 5 more miles done in just 49 minutes.  Next up is a 10 hour night time event in June 2014 where I am just hoping to not fall asleep, as I am not a night person.

Before the BLU 50k for me and 50 miler for Shane.  Photo credit:  Giovanni Guevarra

I am an elementary teacher by training, and currently substitute teaching in Dinuba, California (my hometown).  I spent 5 years teaching full time in Las Vegas, which is where I began my love/hate relationship with the sport.  My first 5k was completed with my good friend Lois at the 6 Tunnels to Hoover Dam race sponsored by Mountain Man events.  Lois and I went on to complete our first half marathon's in July of 2009 in San Francisco.

Coming around the corner to the finish of my 1st 5k, Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam, March 2009

I am also proud to be a member of the Visalia Rawhide event staff.  While I don't really have a favorite sport or team, I enjoy the atmosphere of being out there.

Selfie from my 1st day at work!

In January of 2014, I was also honored to be named a member of the Renegade Racing Reps program.  Renegade Racing has always held a special place in my heart.  In March 2011, the Coaster Run at Knott's Berry Farm was our first ever family event.  I could not have been more happy to be sharing a race experience with my parents.  And now, I am happy to represent an amazing group of people/runners.

Just 2 of the amazing people I am proud to call a part of my running family.

I started running to give my other half and I something to do together.  I loved seeing the look of sheer surprise on Shane's face when I told him I was going to run.  He knew I had bad knees and just didn't like to run.  He also knew I didn't really like to sweat either.  Just seeing the look of surprise on his face when I told him lets run was worth all of the pain since then.  Shane also joined Lois and I in San Francisco.

With Lois before the start of our 1st half marathon in San Francisco in June 2009

Also became a part of Running Troops in 2013, as a part of the founding council members.  Our belief of inspiring, challenging, and serving others in the running community.  So proud to be a part of this amazing group, bringing together all runners and walkers of any ability and celebrating each accomplishment, no matter how big or small.

With Running Troops founder and one of my BFF's, Charlene! 

Please join us as we run across the country collecting memories, race bling, and blisters.  Hope you enjoy our journey, just as we have!

City of Laguna Hills Half Marathon, May 2014.  I wanted this one for my Dad.  This will always be one of the hardest earned medals as I went through so many emotions out on the course, in the finish area, and when I presented the medal to Dad.