The following is self explanatory…
Nicknames: Chris, Boardman
Hometown: somewhere is Germany
Employment: Self
Family: Hubby, my Old English Sheepdog, Nelson, one stepdaughter (21), one stepson (20), my dad and stepmom (in Germany).
Other sports, hobbies, interests, etc.: skiing (which I have not done in forever), yoga, hiking, pilates.
Most Prized Possession: Nelson
Favorite Food: bananas with unsalted peanut butter, fruit in general (believe me I eat TONS), pasta, Indian food.
Favorite Movie: American Beauty
Favorite Spectator Sport: Soccer, Tennis, Football, F1.
My friends describe me as: social, loyal, disciplined, energetic.
My trademark expression is: “Awesome”
If money were not a consideration, I would love to: live the life I live right now but with more travel and freedom to give more money to good causes.
In the next 5 years, I hope to: Run another marathon PR, run the NYC marathon, venture into the world of Ultra marathoning, stay injury free.
In the next 10 years, I hope to: continue to stay injury free and place in my age group, run the London Marathon and possibly others overseas.
Personal accomplishments: I left my home behind after high school and moved to the States all by myself, in 2003 I became an American citizen and in 2008 I helped Barack Obama win the Presidential election.
Personal fact that will surprise my friends: starting in elementary school I played classical guitar for 9 years with twice weekly lessons. I have not played since.
Favorite Running Shoes: Adidas Supernova Sequence
Favorite Distance and PR (post collegiate): I think the marathon is my favorite as I keep going back to it. My PR in that distance is 3:29:36 which I will try to break in May.
Best Race and Why: Santa Barbara 10-Miler 2007. I don’t think I had ever felt this good for an entire race before that 10-Miler or since. I never once slowed down, but kept getting faster with each mile. And I crossed the finish line with one of my best friends.
Worst Race and Why: I have had my share of races that sucked were less successful and more on the painful side. I try to always move on and not dwell on them too much. One sticks out however: the 2004 L.A. Marathon. My first 26.2 miler and a heatwave had descended upon Southern California which brought the temperatures to a toasty 96 degrees by the time we reached 18 miles. It was awesome!
Average Weekly Mileage (past 12 months): 40 -50
Favorite Local Race: Pier-To-Peak!!! The only race I truly do not run for time, ever, but just for fun! It is spectacular!
Most Memorable Running Experience: Boston Marathon!!!
Favorite Place to Run: Along the waterfront in Santa Barbara.
Glory Days PR: I consider these the “glory days” so anything is possible.
Realistic Running Goals for this Year: 5K in under 20 minutes; San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll in 3:20
Wildly Optimistic Running Goals for this year: 5k in 19 minutes; Marathon is 3:15
Lifetime Running Goals: To be able to continue running healthy and injury-free.
Personal Training Tips: Eat before you go out for long runs and races, don’t overtrain and HAVE FUN!
Why I Run: It is truly my daily meditation and keeps me grounded. Everything looks more upbeat after a nice long and/or hard run!
I love runners who: make me want to run faster.
I don’t care for runners who: who constantly make excuses for bad finish times. Move on already!
My views on: bananas: the world’s most perfect food!
Favorite Quote: “Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential. ” ~ Barack Obama
Today’s Running Tip: Focus on what is doable!
With all the advice out there on how to become a better runner you can easily get confused and might push yourself to hard! Always remember that you probably took up running for fun and to de-stress. Stay focused on what you can realistically accomplish without burning yourself out!
