Quote: "Running was a 'I can beat anything' feeling for a long time. Nothing else mattered but my running."
Age: 40
Residence: Smyrna
Occupation: Full-time, stay-at-home mom of three children and working part-time on contract jobs from home in the computer field.
Number of Peachtrees: This will be my 13th.
Why do you run? Running is a stress release for me. I also love watching all the people and working to run as well as I did years ago.
Why did you start running? I started after I had surgery on my neck to remove a tumor. I had nerve damage to my face for almost two years and still have some today. I had surgery in February 1998 and ran my first Peachtree that July.
How was your first experience in the Peachtree? The first time I was so nervous, from the day I got my number until it was over. I trained. I was ready, but the unknowing of what it was all about was overwhelming. And I still had facial nerve problems and didn't like to be around anyone. But when I got out there, it was a high like no other. The crowds cheered no matter what you looked like. It was really amazing.
What is your favorite story? My first time it meant so much to me, and I have since encouraged my mother, sister, sister-in-law, and now my daughter to do it. This year will be her third at the young age of 12. She is the reason I have not had great times — because I run with her, and last year she improved by 15 minutes. This year we hope to do even better. This year will also be her last time to run the Peachtree Junior.
What is your favorite tradition? Get up early enough to be inspired by the start of the wheelchair racers. It is such an inspiration to think about what they have overcome and then be able to race!
What is your favorite race T-shirt? My first from 1998. Also, the two I received after running while pregnant with my two boys.
Do you run alone or in a pack? Alone until my daughter started. Now I run it with her.
What do you like about the race? The energy from the whole experience.
Would you make any changes? Shorter port-o-potty lines.
Favorite spot on the course? In front of the hospital where the patients come out to cheer us on since it was a medical problem that got me started running this race in the first place.
Do you have any superstitions? I wouldn't say superstitions, but I have an Atlanta Braves ball cap that I have worn for every race.
What songs will you listen to before the race? I just listen to the crowd of people. I don't really listen to music on the course since there is so much going on.
What's your favorite food after the race? Waffle House.
