Questions

Why do you run? I started getting back into it the past couple of years – it feels good to push your body and get your mind clear.  I like doing races and giving myself a competition to focus on.

What do you not like about running? Running in the muggy DC heat wears me out quickly. I don't mind the winter – it's easier to keep running when the alternative is freezing! But sometimes it gets so swampy in DC that halfway through a run you just want to take a nap.

Who was the first person you talked to in Front Runners and what did you talk about? My friend Bruce got me to do the Pride 5k last year, and had great things to say about the Front Runners.

What is your favorite part about the club? Everyone's super friendly and accepting – you can show up without really knowing anyone and get right into a training schedule.  And depending on how you feel, you can run with people who will push you to run farther or faster, or take it easy.

 

What is your favorite club running route? I like the Tuesday night winter route – running along the mall from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.  It's touristy but still pretty cool to run through all the monuments.

Which is your favorite day to run with the club? Saturdays are my favorite day because it’s a good mix of people, and they always make a point of introducing the new folks and make them feel welcome. Definitely a fun run!

Do you race and if so, which is your favorite race? Yes – my favorite is the Nation's Triathlon in September. It's a lot of fun, and swimming in the Potomac isn't as awful as everyone says!  I'm also signed up for the new D.C. Tri in June, where you bike and run around Rock Creek Park and the Capitol – so that might be my new favorite in a few months.

Are you a fair weather Front Runner or a hail, rain, and snow hardy soul? I'll run in the snow, but if it's too lousy out I'll stick to swimming or biking inside. One of the benefits of being a triathlete!

Bagels Etc. or Starbucks and why? Starbucks –it's fun to watch the expressions of people upstairs as the gays slowly take over.

Which is you favorite Happy Hour hangout? Still haven't been to one – if I had to pick a place in DC, I'd say Nellies (900 U St. NW).

Which Golden Girl are you? Betty White -- she can say the most ridiculous things and be in the most ridiculous situations and seem like she's being serious.  I think that's what I'm going for in life.

Have you ever dated a Front Runner and is it a good idea? Nope – I guess it's not a bad idea as long as neither of you are competitive. My boyfriend's a swimmer, and when we swim together I get grumpy pretty quickly!

Now that same-sex marriage has come to DC, have you anyone in mind? Last year my boyfriend and I moved in together – in Virginia though!  So no certificate…

What’s your favorite place to go in Washington? I know I sound like a tourist again, but the Air and Space Museum is always a fun time. Every time I go there, there's something new to see or do. And if it ever underwhelms, you can go to the gift shop and get the freeze-dried astronaut ice cream.

Which Front Runner inspires you most? One good friend who's gone through some incredible personal trials and some heavy physical challenges, but still manages to kick my butt on the trails!

What is your most cherished memory of the club? In two months?? There's been some fun times, but I want to give myself some time to make some good ones!

What advice would you give to new people joining? Just show up – it's a great support network, a great way to stay committed to running, and a great group of people.

What is your motto in life? Does "Semper Fudge" count?  I guess if I have to come up with a motto, it'd be something like "be good, take care of yourself, and try to make people laugh."

Interview by Brian Beary, Design by Marcel Acosta

March 2010