I believe in running with a grateful heart. Every step of the way, there is something to be grateful for, whether it is a good day or tough day. No matter what type of runner you are, running is a great way to not only be physically fit, but strong in mind and heart.
Read my story below
RRCA Level 1 Certified Running Coach, Triathlete, & Mom
My Story
Running is for everyone. You can start at any time, you can be fast or you can be slow. You can be brand new or experienced. Your running experience is all about you. What do you want to get out of running? I’d love to help you get started running or hone your running skills. Everyone has a unique story that leads them to running, just like me!
The day I ran my first mile I didn’t know if I could finish it or if I would ever run again. With encouragement from a friend I ran that mile, and later that week I signed up for a 6 month marathon training group. In December of 1996, I completed my first marathon. No one in my family ran or did anything athletic. With training, friendship and encouragement, I became a runner at age 29. Today, 27 years later, I am still a runner and interested in sharing my passion for running with others.
As a mid to back of the pack marathon runner, my long shot dream was to one day qualify for Boston. It took 10 years of training and racing to qualify for Boston, with a lot of ups and downs, but my persistence paid off. In 2007 I ran my first Boston marathon, grinning from ear to ear! I continued to distance run after my daughter was born, but started to focus on the sport of triathlon when she was two. After years of racing Olympic and Half Iron triathlon distances, I decided to run a marathon again after a 7 year break. My goal was to get back to Boston at age 50. Three marathons later, I qualified again and ran Boston in 2017 at age 50. Once again, I had the time of my life. I’ll be running it again for the 3rd time in 2023.
After Boston in 2017, I tackled another long term goal, the full Ironman triathlon – 140.6 miles of swimming, biking and running. At 51, I became an Ironman and completed another Ironman at 52. I completed my 3rd full Ironman at 55, and ended up on the podium. Running a marathon at the end of a triathlon is a great way to end a long day of endurance racing when are you are a runner!
I look forward to learning your story and helping you with your running journey.
“Run with hope in your heart and share that light with others who need it.”
Gene, Charity Miles
Grateful Heart Adventures 