Why I started Running: I started running in seventh grade when my friends convinced me to join track with them. I was not an athlete at any level but I loved track. I was always the first one back from our training runs and the distance never seemed long enough. Sadly my Mom died in eight grade and it was not possible for me to be in after school activites, but I continued to run on my own. As adult I would only run on the treadmill or I would bike. I'm not sure why I stopped running. The end of 2005, and that day I started running and have not stopped since. I think I run to stay strong physically and mentally. I race to challenge myself. Running has also built a strong network of friends that I cherish deeply. Running Stats: I have completed three marathons: Twin Cities Marathon 2006 4:06 Grandmas Marathon 2007 3:58 Twin Cities Marathon 2008 4:03 Personal Stats: I am married to a wonderful man who doesn't exactly understand why I need to do this running thing, but supports my running whole heartly. We also like to fish, and he likes to hunt. We're both in computer related professions. I have two sons, Tate seven and Lane six. They are both in Tae Kwon Doe. Sometimes I feel guilty for the time running takes away from them but I feel there is more to being a parent than being together, you must live your life as an example. I try to teach them to never give up, whatever you do never give up.

1. Running since January 2007. 2. 1 marathon (Lincoln, NE. May 2008), next one is Tulsa on 11/16. 3. Married for 7 years 4. 1 son, almost 3. 1 more boy on the way in January.

just wondering if everyone would help me to get to know you guys a little better. You all seem to know each other pretty well here. like: 1. How long have you been running? 2. How many marathons have you done and which ones? 3. Marital status? 4. Kids? anything else interesting... ok, I'll start: 1. I've been running since 1997... but it was VERY sporadic. I was basically a gym rat and I'd throw in an occasional 3 mile run or a 5K here and there. In 2004, I decided to train for a marathon and I've been running consistently ever since. 2. This one I've mentioned. Marine Corps (04), Grandmas (05), New York (05), Philly (06), Chicago (07) 3. Married for 10 years 4. 2 kids, girls, ages 7 and 5 i can't think of anything else to add except that I like this group. Smile

Hi, I'm Erika and for some reason I can't remember I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. Started running in 2003 when I got a bit bored at the gym (like Kimmie!) and started running a few local stupid races. Decided to run the local marathon in 2005 (Equinox) and met up with the group on Cool Running started at the time by IndyRunningGirl. That's where I met Cashmason and I think Murphy for the first time (and Pace 2 Race?). Can't remember now. Married for 19.5 years to a guy I used to ride the school bus with. Two teenage boys (14 and 16) who are both into soccer, the youngest is a soccer-stud and lets everyone know it. One very old dog, one very big cat. Full time job, large garden, house, the works. Life is just as stressful here as in any smallish city/community, just less traffic. I like to race all the local Running Club races with the goal being to win my AG, or place very high. I like winning the end of year AG award for the series. The series has everything from 1 mile to full marathon, but I prefer the longer and trail type races the best. I hate 5k's.... Marathons... Sept. 2005 Equinox March 2006 Napa Valley Sept. 2006 Equinox #2 August 2007 Humpy's in Anchorage AK (first BQ) Sept. 2007 Equinox #3 Oct. 2007 Bellingham Bay (BQ#2, and Marathon Maniac qualifier) Nov. 2007 Seattle (PR race and BQ#3) Dec. 2007 Christmas Marathon, Olympia WA (BQ#4) Jan. 2008 Carlsbad Marathon (BQ#5 and Silver Level MM qualifier) April 2008 Boston Marathon (new PR at 3:38:48) Sept. 2008 Equinox #4 (course PR at 4:15:05) Nov. 2008 NYC Marathon (3:57) Next Up: Jan. 2009 Disney World April 2009 Boston June 2009 Seattle Rock-n-Roll Sept 2009 Equinox #5

Hi, just joined this forum today. I've been spending most of my time in the masters forum, and a little bit of time in the 2000 and a couple of others.

1. How long have you been running?

Since May 2005. Previously I played indoor soccer, but when I tore my second ACL decided to find something less twisty. The first one I got reconstructed, but the second one is still torn. Doesn't seem to affect my running, though. My wife has been running a lot longer, and she finally got me started after trying for like forever.

2. How many marathons have you done and which ones?

Frederick, MD (2006) Chicago (2006) Vermont City (Burlington, 2007) Hartford (2007) Boston (2008) Portland, OR (2008)

3. Marital status?

Married since 1996

4. Kids?

I have a boy (23) My wife has two girls (27 and 23)

anything else interesting...

I brew beer -- see http://www.lousbrews.info to see my setup. I guess that's in my signature already, though. I also love to ski -- snow, downhill. Don't get enough of that here in the mid-Atlantic, though.

Why I started Running: I first started when I was doing BFL and started doing HIIT on the treadmill. My husband convinced me to get out on the roads and I was forever changed after that. Started in May of 2005 and ran my first marathon in Nov of 2005. Running Stats: I've ran 7 marathons Philly in 2005 & 2007 4:40 first one 4:01 second one Steamtown in 2007 & 2008 4:01 first one 3:56 second one Lehigh River in 2007 4:11 I believe New Jersey Marathon in 2008 4:03 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey 2008 5:07 (pacing good friend for her Marathon debut) I've done 1 Ultra event where I ran 50 miles and i've raced in 1 50 mile ultra 11:15 though you could take a good 10 or so minutes due to starting late Personal Stats: I'm married to a wonderful man (second marriage and have 5 wonderful children 4 boys and 1 girl ages ( 19, 18, 17 and 2 7 year olds) My oldest three are from my first marriage and the twins (boy/girl) are from my current husband and hopefully the one I'll grow old with!

Why I started Running: I ran some in high school. In college I switched to water polo, but still ran some, and continued it into 20s. Eventually my knees started bugging me, and I figured I should either see a doctor or stop, and I picked the easier option (stop). Two years ago I was intermittently swimming, and a couple colleagues signed up for a local 5K and split their time between actually training, and good-natured trash-talking, and I couldn't miss the opportunity to watch the race, so I ran it with them. And like a reformed drunk wandering back into a bar and having a drink, I was hooked again. Running Stats: I've ran 4 marathons, and am already signed up for two more -- I've found I enjoy them. I'm racing a bunch this year - have done 13 races so far this calendar year (mostly shorter stuff). I'd like to do Flying Monkeys, but last year I decided it was too close to something else (MCM?); maybe this year now that I'm enjoying doing more than one marathon every 6 months, I'll risk it. Personal Stats: I'm married to a woman who hated running, but who got bored of walking and decided to go faster, and somehow found herself running. Then we both started doing road races together two years ago...