Featured Runner

How long have you been a runner?
I had always been very active in many team sports growing up. Around early middle school age, I started running with my dad around the neighborhood on his easy evening training runs. My dad was training for marathons at this time and I was curious to see what running was all about and wanted to spend time with him.

I ran track in high school for 2 years. Then, as a freshman in college, I tried Cross Country for the first time. After school, I fell out of running, life happened, and I did not run for about 10 yrs. I started back up 2009 with a few 5ks, then decided I wanted to train for my first half marathon (Hidden Treasures in Salisbury). I thought it would be my one and only!

Is the marathon your favorite distance and when did you run your first one?
I don’t really have a favorite distance. I love them all for their own reasons. I run the marathon distance most frequently. I like the journey, challenge and the pace of the marathon distance. In 2014, St. George Marathon in Utah was my first marathon which also happened to be my dad’s last marathon in his quest for one marathon in every state.

Your goal is a marathon in all 50 states. How many so far? Do you have a target date for finishing?
I have run a marathon in 19 different states. I try to get 2 new states each year and I am aiming to complete all 50 around the age of 60-65.

Congratulations on completing multiple Boston Marathons. How many have you done? Another one this April?
Thank you! Yes, another Boston this April 2025. It will be my 5th consecutive Boston marathon.

How many races do you estimate you’ve run in your career?
Wow!
Hmmm, I don’t keep track of how many 5ks I have run. Maybe close to 250?

You are now a DUC! You completed the Delmarva Ultra Challenge, a 100K. Tell us about it!
DUC!!! So much to say…. it was absolutely amazing! It was perfect!

About 2 years ago, after completing all 24 5Ks at Pemberton, I hesitantly thought I could tackle the 100k distance. However, the night time miles kept me from signing up. I do not like trail miles in the dark!! My night vision is terrible and I’m terrified of falling and causing an injury that would put me out a few weeks or months.

Last year, I thought about it more and more. I wasn’t sure how many more years DUC would continue and I thought I got to give it a try.

Brian Outten, a friend of mine, for a few years had been very encouraging in my ability to give DUC a try. He had no doubt I’d be able to finish it, and finish it well! Brian assured me if I signed up, he would too, running alongside me. So here we go! Brian and I snagged two spots before it filled up.

I had that feeling that this year’s DUC would be run on the Blades trails or the beach. (Roads work, too.) I couldn’t think of what else could be left to run in the area.

Friday evening, when I saw we would be running the beach, I was so excited! The fear of needing 3 lights (headlamp, chest lamp, and a waist belt lamp) to see all the roots wasn’t an issue anymore! I went down to one headlamp, which I only needed about half the time! I also comfortably wore my road shoes!

The journey started, and I totally felt like I had home field advantage and was running in my backyard. I recently had run from Indian River Bridge inlet to West OC on the roads on Christmas Day. Also, that was followed by another run from Fenwick to OC inlet on the beach just a few weeks prior to race day. I knew exactly where we were and the miles flew by! I live only three miles from where we finished. The tailwind was quite helpful as well!

Brian stuck by my side, and we decided to switch to a run-walk interval around mile 16. We made sure to have gas left in the tank for the second half at Algonquin. We finished together on the boardwalk, still full of so much energy and excitement!

When I toed the line for Algonquin, I felt amazing! But, I reminded myself to take it easy so without a doubt, I’d finish to get that 9th mug. I started the race with a walk/jog routine for the first half.

At the halfway point I felt really good and my legs wanted to run so I picked up the pace quite a bit for the following 10 miles, or so! The rain picked up and I started to become uncomfortable with my footing. I slowed my pace, reminding myself, just finish! The last 5k was tough, but I finished with another signature leap over the finish line!

It seems to me your injuries are rare, if you have any. How do you stay healthy?
Yes, knock on wood. I’ve been injury free!

About 8 years ago, my IT band was nagging me for a few weeks while marathon training. My training never stopped. I just lessened up my mileage a few weeks before building it back up again. I sprained my ankle during Pemberton 2024 and continued to run 10 more 5ks with it pained. That would really be my only injury that has sidelined me. I rested for 10 days.

I have no magical recipe for staying healthy other than, I love rest days, sleep, and I know run streaks are not for me! If I run more than 4 days in a row, it is accidental.

I’m not a good example of stretching, lifting, eating, or drinking, etc. I would rather be under trained and well rested, then over trained and burnt out.

Any words of advice about training?
Consistency, sleep, and running buddies are key!

Solo runs are mentally strengthening, but running with a buddy and that accountability is what makes running so enjoyable!

When did you start running and why?
I played a lot of sports growing up and was a sprinter in high school for a few years but didn’t get into running as an adult until about 2018. I had made a career change that involved more stationary time and I needed to up my cardio. At first it was just jogs around the neighborhood and I built distance from there. I got back to working in some old sprint workouts as well and really enjoyed the variety/change of pace.

You jumped into ultras soon in your running journey. What was the first? How many have you done and what’s your longest distance?
When I began running again, I had some friends that had run a few ultras and the competitor in me was intrigued. Not necessarily competition with others but with myself. Those friends (Josh W and Erin) came down from Pittsburgh to stay with us in 2018 to run the Algonquin 50k and I decided I would train to run Algonquin in 2019 as my first ultra so that’s what I did! I was hooked after I finished and registered for a 50 mile race the next day.

I don’t exactly keep count but from looking at race results, I have done about 35 official ultra events. I have done quite a few ultra distances on my own either self-supported or with the support of friends as well.

The longest race I have run is 100 miles. I have done four of those.

You have had some epic adventures, from runs across Delmarva roads and sand to your first fourteener – climbing a mountain peak above 14,000 feet. Share some details about those.
I like to add in an “Adventure Run” between races. They give me a new goal and an opportunity to try things out in a minimally supported format. My first run like that was in November of 2020. My friend Josh W had registered for the Laurel Highlands Ultra in Western PA; the race date had to be moved due to covid and he couldn’t make it. He still wanted to complete the course under the official race cutoff so we made a plan to tackle it together. With the support of my wife Kristi and his girlfriend Erin, we completed the 70+ miles in about 20 hours. That was an amazing experience that made me want to do more like it.

I’ve done a few others on Delmarva – like the whole of Assateague Island in an FKT (Fastest Known Time) attempt and the Trans-Delmarva Route that takes you from the bay to the ocean. These adventures were inspired by Trent Swanson’s and Gabe Matyiko’s past efforts.

My absolute favorite though, has to be Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon. This is a big bucket list run in the ultra community. We started on the South Rim of the Canyon and ran to the North Rim and back South. 47-ish miles and over 11,000 ft of elevation gain and loss in one of the most beautiful places in the world!

I’ve done one 14er so far, Mt. Elbert, with more on the goal list to come. (Note: Mt. Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado and the second highest in the contiguous United States.) I could not do any of these adventures without the support and inspiration of my friends and family. My wife Kristi is by my side as my number one fan and crew chief and is an accomplished runner as well.

What do you enjoy about running? Are you always focused on time or do your workouts vary?
I enjoy running because it provides me an opportunity to challenge myself, see new places, meet interesting people and stay in shape. My wife and I take advantage of our training while we travel- from sprinting through the airport to hiking to really cool destinations. We’ve seen a lot of natural beauty on our feet.

I typically prioritize distance and time on feet over speed, but I do add in 1-2 structured workouts per week depending on what I’m training for. Variety is key in training and speed workouts still have their place, even when training for endurance races. Don’t get me wrong; I like to try to challenge my paces, but I make sure to not let that overshadow the experience and joy of the journey.

What are your running goals?
Honestly, I don’t have any specific goals other than to stay healthy enough to keep doing this for a long time. I look up to people like Eddy Godfrey and Penny Williams. They’ve become friends of mine over the years and I can only hope to be running the way they are when I get to their level!

What do you do when you’re not running?
I have always enjoyed strength training and still do 3-4 days of that per week. I also enjoy camping and really anything outdoors. Camping, backpacking, kayaking, biking. Anything to get outside and explore the great outdoors!

When and why did you start running?
I started running in 2020, picked up the habit during Covid and because close friends with Matt and Brittany Wolske who encouraged me to give it a try.

Do you have a favorite distance? How about a favorite place to run?
My favorite distance when I’m running by myself is 10 miles. I enjoy the challenge of new PRs. I really enjoy trail running and like the beauty and peace of the trails at Pemberton Park and Naylor Mill.

What’s your training schedule like? Do you cross train? 
I try to run with Eastern Shore Running Club at least once a week and I really enjoy my Thursday evening runs with the Delmar crew. I am currently training for the Tuckahoe 25k in November and Algonquin 50k in February and I do my long run solo on Sundays.

Any particular running goals?
To complete the Algonquin 50k in February.

What do you do when you’re not running? 
I enjoy fishing, I am very involved at my church, Christ Methodist Church. If I’m not running, on the water, or at church, you can find me with my amazing wife Erin and our two Dogs Lucy and Piper. 

How long have you been a runner?
I have been a runner since Dec. 31, 1996. That was the evening my husband, Brian (then my fiancé), asked me to go for a run with him. Until that time, I did only gym workouts (step aerobics classes and lifted weights). That first run wasn’t easy, but definitely changed the course of my life. I did several 5ks in Salisbury that spring and, as it usually does, the race distances grew from there. Every year since that first run, I try to get a run in on New Year’s Eve to celebrate all the running I get to do.

You lead an active life. What other sports/athletic interests do you enjoy?
I love to be outdoors, so most of my interests are out on the water, trail or roads. I love road cycling (mostly on a tandem bike with Brian) and riding my fat tire bike on the local trails because it is pure fun and makes me a better runner. I also love paddling whether it is on a stand-up paddle board, a kayak, or rowing on a tandem sculling skiff (of course, with Brian). I make sure I get out and take a walk every day. I also love to garden. I have fun knee boarding when we take out the boat in the summertime. I learned to snow ski in my late thirties and love the feel of sliding down the side of the mountain. Most of all I love to lift weights. Brian and I have been able to put together a home gym that helps me be able lift heavy. It is the foundation for all my other activities.

You have a long list of races to your credit. Do you have any favorites or anything that stands out?
The races that Brian supported me through, or I trained for and traveled to with friends are most memorable. During my first sprint distance triathlon, Brian ran out to finish the last few tenths of the run with me. He did the same for my first marathon, the OBX Marathon in 2007. My first half-ironman distance triathlon was in my home state, Rhode Island. I believe it was in 2012. My dad, sister and brother-in-law came out to cheer me at the finish line. I went back to Rhode Island to celebrate my 10th marathon in October 2018 by running in Narragansett. My dad, sister, brother-in-law, niece and her family came to see me finish. My dad passed away six months later.
In 2016, I learned about Athletes Serving Athletes and became a wingman. Those training runs and races opened up the opportunity for my first ultra-marathon. It is a favorite because it was the beginning of amazing friendships and the community that I am a part of today. Training for and running the Algonquin 50k with Diana Barabas, Kerri Lambert, and Tori (Fears) Crowley was so special. Until this time, I usually ran alone because I didn’t have many friends who were runners or who wanted to run this long. I have traveled with other friends from the running community to other marathons including Detroit, Michigan and Richmond, Virginia. Those experiences are extra memorable.
My first 50 miler, at Greenbrier Ultras, is a favorite because it was so unique with the midnight start. It was seven loops and each loop felt like its own course as the views changed from midnight, to sunrise, to sunset (it took me over 21 hours). Brian and Robert Buecker were the best crew. Sabine Sayler and Kate James were amazing pacers. More recently, I have a fun memory of my running the First State Trail Race (May 2024) where I forgot to pack my running shoes. I did however, have a pair of Earth Runner sandals with me and ran/hiked (and what felt like cross-country skied) the whole muddy course in them. My other memorable races are also the races I have DNF’d (several Olympic distance triathlons, the JFK 50, the first Tuckahoe 25k, and the Laurel Highlands 50k). Each DNF has been an incredible training experience and I learned so much about doing the work, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, and how each step is a gift and something I get to do.

Let’s talk about that FKT!  You hold the Fastest Known Time supported female record for Assateague Island End to End (north to south), which is run entirely on sand. Tell us about it.
Oh, what an amazing adventure! It honestly leaves me speechless. In May of 2023, I was inspired to try to run/hike the full length of Assateague Island when I crewed a group of runners who ran a 50k from the McDonald’s in Chincoteague, Va.,to the Assateague Visitor’s Center in Berlin, Md. The majority of this 50k was on sand, along the tideline of Assateague Island. For your non-local readers, Assateague Island is a beautiful and dynamic 37-mile-long barrier island off the east coast of the Delmarva Peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean. The northern two-thirds are in Maryland, and the southern third is in Virginia. I knew of the handful of men who had completed running the full length of Assateague as well as one woman, Erin Festerman, from Pennsylvania. I then decided that I wanted to be the first local woman to run this amazing barrier island. I reached out to Nate Hanley who is one of these few who have run the full length of the island and supported Erin in her efforts. He enthusiastically agreed to help with logistics and be my crew chief. Nate also was the one who told me about the FKT and that it was our goal to get on the Fastest Known Time website for first supported female on the Assateague Island End to End course. This was an extra bonus for me.

I am still in awe of how perfectly this adventure came together. I believe God blessed it in the way He brought my crew together. When I talked to each person about my goal, no one hesitated to offer help and they all fulfilled their commitment. There was perfect harmony as we picked the date (Oct. 14, 2023). The weather, the scenery, the conversations, everything was perfect. There are so many little things that made the day special. The calm waters on our boat ride over at 2:30 a.m. An unseen deer bugling his call as we arrived on the beach. The lights of Ocean City behind us and the stars in the dark sky overhead. The sunrise over the ocean as the clouds rolled in. The fishermen that were so pleasant, curious and encouraging as we passed them. The horses, birds, shells, and the varied terrain of the dunes. I could not have asked for a more perfect experience.

I am forever grateful for my crew. Their dedication to support me helped me focus on being consistent in my training. I worked hard because I knew they were so willing to give up their time for me. For Karen Cathell, who shared the first ten miles with me in the dark before sunrise. We developed the foundation for our friendship as we faced fears of the unknown and waking sleeping horses. It was so special to stand on the beach with her in the dark and stare at the stars. For Nikki Rittling, who shared the next 12 miles with me through the most beautiful sunrise. She made the miles go by so smoothly with conversation and her presence. For Kristi Hanley, who helped with the aid stops and kept me on pace for the next eight to ten miles. It was a precious opportunity to spend time getting to know her better. For John Crowley IV, who was the behind-the-scenes hero of the day for taking me and Karen by boat to the starting point. For Nate Hanley, who wholeheartedly supported my goal and helped to make it next level by encouraging me to post on the Fastest Known Time website. He perfectly handled the role of crew chief managing all the logistics, timing, and my irrational fear of waking sleeping horses on the beach. I am most thankful for my husband, Brian, who was there for me through everything and helped me believe I could do it.

Assateague is a beautiful and dynamic place. Each section of the island is different and has its own landscape. This experience is so valuable to me not only in what I was able to see and learn about the Assateague, but also in lessons I learned while training for the FKT and the friendships made.

Check out my recap on the Fastest Known Time website: https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/colette-outten-assateague-island-end-end-2023-10-14

As a physical therapist by day, how does that help you in running? How do you try to prevent injury?
The training I have received as a physical therapist helps me feel more confident in how to manage discomfort and recognize potential injuries.

I believe the best thing I have done to manage and prevent injury is to hire a coach. The accountability and structure are powerful in creating consistency. I have learned that consistency in training is key in injury prevention.

You are often a crew chief for your husband Brian’s running adventures. How does having a crew help an ultrarunner?
I think having crew helps an ultrarunner because of the energy and encouragement provided. Having someone there during the ultra-marathon who will help you remember any specific needs (food, headlamp, jacket, dry socks) can make the race go more smoothly.

What’s next on your schedule?
The Richmond half marathon in November.

How long have you been a runner? 
I have been a runner since 2015 when I haphazardly signed up for a 5k with zero training. Immediately after completing that race, I signed up for a 10k, then over the next few years it just kind of escalated to the 50k distance. After a while, thankfully I did learn training was important.

What do you enjoy most about running? 
I love the adventure and the people this one crazy decision brought into my life. Without the simple act of putting one foot in front of another, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet and become friends with so many people from all different backgrounds. The running community celebrates your wins and lifts you up when you’re down.
During longer difficult distance races, you have to do a lot of problem solving so there’s the mental challenge. Also, with certain distances the physical challenge builds confidence, which rolls into other facets of your life. I love the places, trails and even animals that you normally would miss riding in a car. I really enjoy following the ultra running community and backyard events because it’s a lot of normal people, with normal lives achieving extraordinary things and that’s inspiring to me. I’ve also had the privilege (and challenge haha) to train and run a few races with our rescue dog, Luna. She’s all about races and loves the attention.
I really love all of it. Except humidity and biting flies.

You call your running group the Rural Runners of Virginia. Tell us more. 
Originally it stemmed from a few of us that went to the same gym in Onancock, Virginia maybe 10-12 years ago.
There was a casual group that would get together for a 5k on Sundays. There have been various versions of us getting together throughout the years, depending on what races folks have signed up for. We started doing run/walk intervals several years ago to accommodate all different paces. Fast folks might end up with a little more distance but it keeps everyone together.
It’s a low-key way to get some easy miles in, socialize, then go about your day. We primarily run around the Onancock area but take field trips to run other areas of the shore, so we’re unofficially officially the Rural Runners ESVA. We only ask one question to prospective members and funny enough it has absolutely nothing to do with running.

Do you cross train?
I am a group fitness instructor at the Chincoteague YMCA so my cross training is built into my schedule. I have been a Pound and Ampd Burn instructor for 7 years which isn’t something I saw coming, being the kid who hated to lead gym class.
I love my crew at the Y. They never let me slack off, they keep me inspired and I’ve made a lot of great friends over the years.

You post a lot of delicious baked goods and farm stand food on social media. Is this your full-time job?
My full time job is working my family’s farmstand, Thorntons’ Produce. I’m Google maps, Yelp, AllRecipes and a cashier rolled into one. I do some small batch cottage baking as well. Mostly sweet potato biscuits, breads and cookies. I like being creative and runners love carbs so it fits.

Any favorite gear to recommend? 
My favorite gear is my hydration vest Osprey Dyna 1.5 but really any well-fitting vest is a game changer if you want to run long. My friends call it my Mary Poppins vest. I’m ready for most anything the road or trail will throw us. I also swear by Tailwind Recovery drink for after longer runs. It’s not gear but works wonders for soreness when your mileage goes up.

What’s next on your schedule? 
Next on my schedule is Pemberton 24 (yay!) with my goals being simply surviving and having a great time.

How long have you been a runner?
41 years! Yikes I’m getting old! I fell in love with running as a young child, always being obsessed with racing my friends and watching the Olympics. I wanted to be an Olympic runner when I grew up, lol. In middle school we had to do the mile run in gym, EVERYBODY in my class complained about it and dreaded it, but I secretly LOVED it! That’s when I was hooked; I knew I would be running for the rest of my life.

What’s a typical week of running for you?
My weeks vary depending on time availability, but I need to do some sort of outdoor run or walk every day. Usually about 45 minutes will set my mental health straight.

Do you enjoy other fitness activities?
Yes! I also love strength training because it feels so good to feel “strong,” and it’s so important as we age to keep our muscles and bones strong and support our joints. And I love yoga, too, when I can squeeze it in.

Do you have a favorite race distance? 
10 milers, I always feel pretty decent through mile 10!

You founded Coastal Run (then St. Michael’s Running Company) in 2021. What led to you opening the store?
In 2020, my husband and I sold our Healthcare Management Consulting Business after 13 years. I had managed finance in the company and decided that my next venture would need to fulfill my desire to help people and give back to the community as well as be something that I love to do. After dealing with the pandemic stress of 2019-2020, I realized that my enthusiasm for exercise as a means to manage stress and boost health was infectious and might be able to help others feel better too, thus SMRC was born. From the beginning, my main goal was to provide a community to people who enjoy movement and fitness. I was hoping to be a gathering place for folks looking for the comradery of others who felt the same. Originally, I thought I would be able to run the store, coordinate yoga classes, do personal training as well as run/walk groups, educational offerings and 5K’s for charity. Jumping in headfirst and knowing absolutely NOTHING about retail (except what Google and some library books told me), I quickly learned that was not realistic. However, I am happy to say that the dream of building friendship around fitness did manifest as we now have a solid group participating in our Coastal Run Crew. Meeting several times each week to run, walk and even play racquet ball, pickleball and basketball together, we have become close friends who can sometimes even be found competing on local trivia teams or enjoying the original, Walk & Wine nights at the St. Michaels store.

Coastal Run has now expanded to 4 locations – St. Michaels, Easton, Kent Island and the state of Maine. What’s the story of your growth? (Do you work at all 3?) 
So I really have to give credit to my husband, Shawn, and my son, Rick, for the expansions. Shawn kept reminding me that growth was healthy and that expansion should be a goal; but, despite my desire, I was hesitant and not really sure how to chart the path. That’s when Rick said he’d like to come on board to champion the growth. It wasn’t easy, but he had a vision and helped to define the steps as well as roll up his sleeves and make it happen. From late nights putting fixtures and shelves together, to early morning stock metrics meetings and budgeting sessions, he has been instrumental in moving us from small boutique to a brand. I am excited to say that all 4 of my kids have been part of our success. My oldest, Alexandra, opened the Maine store and is using her project management skills to help us get organized. My 2^nd, Becca, is our creative driver. Although she has a full time job outside of Coastal Run, she designs our logos and pitches in to help her partner, Jay, at the St  Mike’s store when it’s busy. Adam, my youngest, graduated college this year and has come on board to help facilitate Events, Marketing and On-line Store. We are excited to add these to our business plan. In any given week you can find me, Rick, Adam (& sometimes Shawn) working any of the Maryland stores. But don’t worry, when we are not there, you will be in good hands with Kathryn Gearhart, Jay Bowen or Annie Plumley.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself. 
I grew up in Baltimore and then lived outside of Philadelphia for 21 years with Shawn & my kids. We moved to the Eastern Shore in 2016 to be closer to Shawn’s family and fell in love with its peacefulness and beauty. Beyond fitness, I enjoy reading, traveling, gardening & cooking. I love pets and have currently contained myself to only two dogs and one cat.

The standard first question: when did you start running?
I always ran when I was younger, mainly because I had lots of energy and was too uncoordinated to really excel at any other sport. From the age of 10 to high school, my dad would take me to a lot of the local 5K road races on the weekends which was a lot of fun. I ran cross country and track while at James M. Bennett high school. Joey DiCarlo and I are the same age and ran cross country together.

Do you have a training routine?
I am pretty hot and cold when it comes to training. If I don’t have a race on the schedule, I am sleeping in, not running a whole lot and doing other things with the little free time I have. However, when there is a race on the books, it’s a different story. Super in-depth training plans or online running coaches are not my thing, so I normally just print one off that I like online and get after it. I look for 100-mile training plans with six days on, one day off and mileages ranging 40-75 miles a week with hill work. I will do almost all of my running in the morning unless I have a work conflict, then it’s night miles before bed. I try not to skip any days or miles if I can avoid it.

You have done notable events around the world. Tell us about a couple! (UTMB?) How about FKTs? 
In the world of Ultra Running, at the 100-mile distance there are three races that stand at the top, bucket list level events, if you will. Western States 100 in CA, the Hardrock 100 in CO, and the UTMB in Chamonix, France. In talking with other ultrarunners, I quickly figured out that to get into Western States or Hardrock 100, I would most likely have to dedicate a good 5 years (or more) of running qualifiers and repeatedly entering lotteries to even have a shot at getting into either of these races. Knowing that, I quickly shifted my focus to earning my slot to run in the UTMB (Ultra Trail Mont Blanc).

Like the other two races, UTMB also requires you to earn points via an elaborate system of running official UTMB qualifying races. One such race that I ran was the Ultra Trail Snowdonia, or UTS 165 (km) in 2021. Trent Swanson and I flew over to Wales for this amazing event. I ran the 165 km race and Trent ran the 50 km distance. The Welsh country side in Snowdonia National Park was incredibly difficult terrain to run and I quickly learned that Europeans have a completely different style of putting on ultramarathon events. Most races do not allow pacers (which wasn’t an issue for me because I hardly ever use them anyway) and this race only allowed one drop bag location at mile 50! Course markings can also be pretty sparse and almost every race at the 100 mile distance has a hefty mandatory kit requirement which is indicative of how self-sufficient you need to be with the expectation that participating in these events requires a certain level of back country proficiency. They definitely don’t hold your hand.

The following year in 2022, after running all my qualifying races and applying to the lottery for my second time, I earned a spot in the UTMB. I took my family over for a two-week vacation through Switzerland, finishing up in Chamonix, France for the race. The course takes you around the Mont Blanc Mountain range, passing through France, Italy and Switzerland during the race. Part of your mandatory kit is to have your passport in case of an issue, drop or medical emergency. Crossing the finish line at the base of the French Alps with my family will probably forever be one of my most amazing and cherished memories.

There have been so many other amazing ultrarunning experiences; it’s hard to just pick a few. Establishing the Assateague End to End route with Trent back in 2015 was special, we just didn’t realize how special until years later. Setting the official FKT on that route in 2022 and running the R2R2R in the Grand Canyon are probably the other big highlights for me so far.

Every distance has its own mental challenge, but these ultras are in their own category. How do you keep going? 
The key for me is putting in the work so I have the confidence the day of the race to know that I belong on that starting line with the rest of the runners regardless of what elevation I train at or how flat the Eastern Shore is. After that, it’s staying focused from start to finish whether it’s 6 hours or 50 hours, you have to be on it and engaged mentally. Don’t zone out, forget to drink, eat, layer up, layer off, take salt tabs, always need to be looking for course markers, know the distances between aid stations, where the big climbs and descents are, strategize what you need to grab or dump before you get to your drop bag…. be present every minute of the race as much as possible and more things will go right then wrong. The last thing for me is the most important. Always try to be positive. As soon as the negativity creeps in, figure out a way to turn your attitude around or listen to music. Enjoy the experience even if you’re grinding; set small goals throughout the race and celebrate each victory even if it is as simple as making it to the next aid station or finishing a climb without stopping. Be grateful in the moment and don’t squander the months of training and sacrifice being away from your loved ones. I don’t like DNF’s.

How do you keep injuries at bay with so many miles?
I don’t put down as many miles as some folks do throughout the course of the year since I am not running unless actively training for a race. That being said, I love the idea of functional fitness and staying active in any way possible whether it’s yard work, mountain biking, kitesurfing or surfing. The main issue is finding the time to fit it in which is why I like to take time off from running. I am 45 with a pretty physically demanding job that has beat me up pretty good over the years. Being tall and lifting heavy things, I struggle with lower back issues. In 2019 I had meniscus surgery on my left knee due to a work injury, and in 2021 I tore all the ligaments in my right ankle during a mountain bike crash.

I have a strong team of professionals that I lean on to keep me going while training and to help me bounce back when I am recovering from an injury. I try to make quarterly visits to the chiropractor though out the year or go as needed to stay on top of my back issues. When recovering from an injury or even if I feel like my body is telling me something is wrong, I run in to see one of the many amazing local physical therapists in the area. And, of course, last but not least, regular massage therapy sessions are a big part of my regiment monthly while training, upping that to once every two weeks, two months out from a big race.

You direct the DUC – Delmarva Ultra Challenge which is an iconic running event coupled with the Algonquin 50k. Why did you start that?
So after two years of putting on the Algonquin 50K (subsequently the only two years I have ever run the race!), Trent and I were talking about how we could elevate the event and offer a longer distance alternative to the 50K. It was pretty evident early on that the Algonquin had a unique vibe with an electric atmosphere that was the main draw for most runners, however the difficulty of the race itself and the terrain really was not the event’s strong suit. So the question was, how can we attract those trail runners to the Eastern Shore that come from areas that have longer trails, mountains, more varied terrain and are looking for a challenge? The answer was to get as creative as possible, think outside the box, and come up with an original idea that still allowed the runners to participate in the Algonquin 50K with everyone else and not miss out on the magic of the finish at Milburn Landing.

Most people that attend Algonquin Ultra’s events don’t realize how much brainstorming and planning goes on when creating and tweaking these events to make sure they are unique, fun and well-run. Trent and I drive a lot for work, so needless to say, hours of these brainstorming sessions happen on the regular. (Just imagine how much Trent talks running and races considering I am just one of a whole handful of ALQ Ultras crew members!)  It was in this fashion that we came up with the current format for the DUC 100K, which is best described as “Race Director suicide.” Create a different 50K course every year that no one has run before, during the worst weather window possible, at night, with limited volunteers (most everyone is volunteering the following morning at the Algonquin), limit your race to only 25-30 people so you’re guaranteed to lose money every year … let’s just say it’s been a wild ride with highs and lows and no one to blame but myself ! 😊

Do you prepare for Pemberton 24 emcee duties or does that come naturally? 
I would love to say that I prepare for months to keep everyone entertained and awake for 24 hours but that would just be a lie!

What’s next on your schedule?
In July, I am running the Jigger Johnson 100 in Waterville Valley, NH. This is the only 100 mile race in the White Mountains; it has no course markings, no crew allowed, around 33,000’ of climbing, a 54 hour cut off and last year a DNF rate of 70%. (My kind of race!) In August,  I am going to link up with Michael Coutu and run the Eastern States 100 in PA.

Left to right:
Pic 1: Running in Wales for the UTS 165 (km)
Pic 2: Jordan Gilsdorf and I completed the first complete start to finish run through of the now infamous Algonquin 50k course. Trent and Brian Swift finalized the route, gave us a map and off we went. We made a few wrong turns and added 4 extra miles but having the honor of first tracks made it all good!
Pic 3: Closing in on the finish line with my daughter Lucy at the UTMB in Chamonix France.

When did you start running? 
This is a funny story! My dad was a runner for my entire childhood, and as much as he wanted me to run, I just hated it! When I went to college, I started running / walking a few miles once or twice a week, but I still didn’t enjoy it. After college (2013) I met my husband, Aaron, and he told me he wanted to run a half marathon. We were still in the stage of me wanting him to think that I was “cool,” so I signed up with him. That began my “real” running journey. 

Congratulations on finishing the Salisbury Marathon. What was your training like? 
Thank you! I did a 16-week marathon training block. I am very strict with my training, so most weeks look very similar. I would do an interval workout once a week, a shorter tempo run once a week, and a long run once a week. Two other days of the week I would do recovery runs. The distance of these would be based on where I was in my training. I also took up boxing this year which really worked my strength and cardio. After two months of boxing, I actually PR’d my 5k! 

Any favorite workouts to share? 
My favorite workouts are ALWAYS interval runs. I like that intervals break up your workout and that I get to do them with my friends! When we do intervals, we run on a track so anyone can run no matter what their pace is… There is no way to get dropped! I like a good ladder workout with descending times – for example 400, 600, 800, 1600, 800, 600, 400 with a nice jog/walk recovery in between.

Do you have a favorite race distance or event? What’s on your running calendar the rest of the year?
I really love the 10-mile distance! I was so upset I couldn’t run Tim Kennard this year because it’s one of my favorite races. Currently, I’m not signed up for ANYTHING! Since I didn’t qualify for Boston at Salisbury, I will be trying again at some point soon! I’m thinking I’ll either try to qualify in June (PA) or November (GA). I have been being bullied (kidding- kind of) into signing up for the Island Tour, and I do want to try to PR my 5k at Ben Layton this year.

You are a busy mom of two and you own a business, Galaxy Gymnastics. How do you balance all the demands of life and get your run in, too? 
My support system is UNMATCHED! Many times I get up between 4:30 – 5:00 a.m. to run before the kids get up, but if I don’t, I will try to sneak out of work to get in a run. I have amazing managers at the gym who hold the fort down if I need to go for a training run. My husband or parents will also take the kids for a few hours if I need a long run on the weekend. I try to remind myself how lucky I am that my body is able to run and not to take it for granted. 

Do you have any gear you like to recommend? 
I LOVE my Athleta Rainer tights! Athleta is worth every penny! 

What advice would you give a new runner or someone trying to improve? 
When I started to take running seriously, the furthest I could run was .6 miles. My first half marathon was an 11:45 pace (2:34:06); I currently run a sub 1:45 half marathon. I am NOT a natural runner, but I have worked really hard over the years. Here are my top 3 words of advice. 

1. If you want to get faster… Run with people you love and people that are faster than you. My running really got better when I started running with Melissa Lahey, Kaytlyn Senkbeil, Melissa Wilson, Brian Swift, Matty B, Jay DeBerardinis, etc. I was struggling to keep up with them at first, but I JUST KEPT SHOWING UP and hanging on until it became comfortable. Not only did it make me faster, but when I was fast enough to be able to talk while I ran, they really became my best friends!
   
   
2. TAKE DAYS OFF if you need it (mental health, physical health, whatever). Prioritizing your health and recovery is hard but necessary! If you’re just starting and you’re healthy, don’t go more than 3 days without running / walking. Getting in a grove is hard, but trying to get back into a grove after you stop is even harder! I call this “The Three Day Rule.”
   
   
3. Sometimes you won’t have motivation and you’ll have to rely solely on DISCIPLINE. I think about this a lot. Even if I don’t feel like doing a workout, that doesn’t mean that I just get to skip it. Do it for yourself. Your goals are for you and no one else. Enjoy the journey.

How did you become a runner? 
I started running in 2018, solely to keep up with my son Nolan. He was only 5 at the time, had entered his first 5k with my wife when he was 4, and was already showing promise as a distance runner. I knew if I sat on the sideline for much longer, he would be faster than me in no time and there would be no catching up.  Nolan turns 11 in a few weeks and I can still hold him off in a 5k, but he is not far behind!

Do you prefer roads or trails? Do you run many local races? 
I would say its a 50/50 split between road and trail running. I really like trail running, assuming it’s not too technical, but also like to get into a groove and knock out miles on pavement. Fortunately we live close to the Lewes/Georgetown multi-use trail and can easily go for miles on a paved path without traffic.
I enter some local races. When I started running in 2018 and for a few years after, our family would all enter 5Ks almost every weekend. As I grew as a runner, I started to gravitate to longer distances until I eventually caught the ultra-marathon bug. I enter a lot fewer races now, focusing on those that I know will challenge me or support a cause important to me and my family. 

You were diagnosed with cancer at only 38. Now you are speaking out about early detection. How were you diagnosed? 
I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2021 at age 38. I was very fortunate to show a symptom (blood in stool) that at first I ignored, thinking it was the result of a recent dietary change. It stopped for awhile, but when it returned I told my primary care physician about it. That led to a consult with a gastroenterologist and then a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy found a suspicious looking polyp that was removed during the procedure. The polyp turned out to be cancerous and had spread into the wall of my colon. The intervention at this point is what is called a bowel resection, where a surgeon removes the cancerous section of the colon and reconnects the healthy sections together. From all the scans and tests I had done prior to the surgery it did not look like the cancer had spread beyond the intestinal wall, but there was no guarantee until the surgery was completed and the surrounding tissues could be tested. The good news is the surgery was successful, the cancer had not spread and I did not require any radiation treatment.

Prior to my diagnosis I didn’t know much about colorectal cancer, other than that you should have a colonoscopy when you turn 50. That was 12 years away and certainly not top of mind. After my diagnosis, I started to research the disease to see why I had been affected so early and learned that colorectal cancer, while decreasing in older adults, is significantly increasing in young adults in their 30s and 40s. Research does not know exactly why this is happening, but it is strongly suspected that a sedentary lifestyle along with a diet high in processed foods is to blame. I consider myself to have a healthy diet now, but like a lot of others who grew up in the 80s and 90s, I ate processed foods just about exclusively.

The good news for me is that my body gave me a clue something was wrong. Many are not so lucky, and I often think about how different my life may have been if I didn’t have a symptom and did not discover the cancer until it had progressed. Every day I realize how lucky I am, and therefore want to do what I can to educate others on this disease, its signs and symptoms and the importance of regular screenings. 

What was your treatment like? Were you able to continue running? 
Since my treatment only required surgery, I was able to return to activity pretty quickly. I tried to go into surgery as healthy as possible in hopes of a speedy recovery. I rode an indoor bike within a few days of coming home from the hospital, which was probably a bad idea, but it helped me mentally. My doctors said it would take my body about 6 months to fully adjust to the new modifications, and I would say it took about a year. Running was a challenge for that first year, and I did have some dark days when I was not sure it would ever be part of my life again. On a random weekday in March 2022, 1 year after my surgery, I woke up feeling strong and decided to try a longer distance run. I ended up completing a marathon distance route from my house. It was pretty slow and I alternated running and walking but I got it done. That day was a big confidence boost and made me believe I could get back into the distance running I enjoyed so much.

You are race director for the Blue Ribbon Run-A-Thon to raise awareness for colorectal cancer on March 23. The cost to sign up for the run-a-thon is modest; how will funds be raised and where will they be donated? 
I wanted to keep the cost of the Run-A-Thon down so that many can participate. 100% of the registration fees, along with donations we receive from individuals and our corporate sponsors, are donated to the Beebe Medical Foundation, the fundraising arm of Beebe Hospital where I was treated. The funds raised specifically go to the Population Health department and are used for public education and awareness campaigns in our local communities.

Last year’s run-a-thon was a different format over a 24-hour period. How many miles did you run? Is that a distance PR for you? 
Prior to my cancer diagnosis, I was training for my first 100 mile ultramarathon. Last year’s Blue Ribbon Run-A-Thon, held on the 2-year anniversary of my surgery, was centered around a personal goal of completing 100 miles in under 24 hours and proving to myself that cancer would not hold me back. The course was six 16.5 mile loops from Lewes to Rehoboth and back. We had about 50 participants last year who ran alongside me during the 24 hours as pacers. I completed the 100 miles in a little over 23 hours and am proud of that accomplishment, but am more proud of the $11,000 that we raised for colorectal cancer awareness in that first year.

Last year’s Run-A-Thon is the only 100 mile endeavor I have taken on to date, but I am signed up for the Virginia 24-hour Run for Cancer in late April and hope to go over 100 miles during that event.

Anything else you’d like to add about yourself? 
For the past 4 years, I have been coaching with the Seashore Striders youth Cross Country team in Lewes, and 2 years ago, I starting coaching the Sussex Academy Cross Country team in Georgetown. I like to be out there running with the athletes during practice, and making the transition from running with elementary-age kids to high school runners was eye opening!  That first season training with SA in 2022 will always be special to me. Those kids helped me get back on my feet and I’m not sure I would be where I am without them.

For how long have you been a runner? 
I’ve liked running here and there since I was in elementary school. I really started running seriously about 12-13 years ago when I had a professor at Wor-Wic who loved to run and was so enthusiastic about it all the time, so I thought I would try it, too. I recently ran into her and told her how she inspired me to start running again and told her about my running accomplishments and goals. I hope to inspire someone the way that she did me someday. 

You had a stellar year of running, with 52 races in 52 weeks completed, and all of them local to Delmarva. How did that come about?  
I saw a post on Facebook from Trent Swanson with Algonquin Ultras at the end of October/beginning of November 2022 asking who would like to run 52 races in 52 weeks. I thought it was a joke (Trent is full of jokes) but I replied to the post saying that I would like to do it. It wasn’t a joke, so I submitted my running resume and a little while later I received a calendar in the mail congratulating me for being the ‘chosen one’. It did take a lot of thinking before I knew I was ready to want to do it though. 

When you couldn’t find a local race, two were created for you. Which were those? 
We did the Yellow Fire Hydrant 10k on Feb. 25. It was put together in less than a week and went extremely well. The second race that was created was the Jolly Holly 5k-ish on Dec. 23 and I think that was put together in about a week and a half and was also an amazing race. It was amazing how quickly these races were put together, sign-ups were created, an entire 5k course was created, and bibs, shirts, stickers and placement awards were all organized in such a short amount of time to help me reach my goal. 

I’m aware you had a few injuries throughout the year. How were you able to keep going? Did you ever think of quitting the challenge?
I did have a stress reaction in my hip that started hurting me at the beginning of August. I kept running on it for a while but eventually had to see Dr. Kate James and Dr. Jonathan Murphy and got an MRI. I was told to not do any sort of running or walking for 8 weeks but I decided to be very careful, walk a few races and know that I may need to stop before I can finish the year. I was never ready to quit, although I was realistic in that if my injury turned into a stress fracture or got worse, I would have had to stop.

By the numbers: did your race times change through this? Did your average 5k time change from January to December? What was your longest distance for the challenge?  
My times for almost all distances changed drastically this year. My first 5k on January 1st had an 8:06 average pace and I thought I’d never be able to go faster than that. At one point in the summer, I was pr’ing my 5k time every week. On July 22, I got my fastest 5k so far at a 7:11 pace. After my injury, I ran my last 5k at a 7:36 pace. After running for years, I never saw myself as a fast runner or a racer.  It’s amazing what you can do if you really put your mind to it and focus on something.

My longest distance for this challenge was 50k. I did a 50k on Jan.28 and then on Feb. 4, I did the Algonquin 50k. There were no other Eastern Shore races on Jan. 28 and I had already signed up for Algonquin, so in order to keep to the goal of 52 races in 52 weeks, I had to try. Those were the most stressful 2 weeks of the year because I was afraid I would get injured running that distance twice in 7 days.

How many miles of races did you run? Any idea for the whole year? 
I ran approximately 315 miles of races last year.  I think that is about 100 miles or so less than half the miles I ran total last year. 

There’s a saying, “The person who starts the marathon is not the same as the one who finishes.” How could this be applied to your 52 in 52 challenge? 
This saying is extremely accurate when thinking of my experience running 52 races in 52 weeks. I went into this knowing that I would do everything I could to finish the year. I learned a lot about making and keeping commitments. I also learned how extremely strong willed I can be. There were plenty of obstacles that I could have let stop me but at no time was I ready to quit. 

Tell us about your non-running life! 
While running is my favorite hobby, I do have a few other things I like to do in my spare time. My second favorite hobby is playing pool. I have been playing for 3 years now and am currently on 4 different APA teams.  

This year I have taken up biking. I bought a mountain bike and will start mountain biking, but have just been riding on the road so far. Biking is a nice change of pace from running but I’ll always be a runner first. 

I also like visiting my sister and her family in New Jersey.  As much as I loved running all over the Eastern Shore last year, it will be nice to be able to get away for an entire weekend here and there to spend time with my sister and my nieces. 

Since I finished my 52 races in 52 weeks, people have been asking what my 2024 running goal is.  For 2024, my running goal is to run more trail races and ultramarathons. My next biggest challenge will be a 100-mile race at the end of April. 

When did you start running? Is this a lifelong habit or did you pick it up later in life? 
Running has been a lifelong habit with only a few drop offs when I moved to Maryland from South Carolina 37 years ago. It started in junior high. The junior high cross country coach in Greensboro, NC,  asked me to come out to run but I preferred football.

Do you remember your first race? Tell us about it! 
I do not remember my first race but I will take a picture of some early bibs. I have most of my bibs. (Can you imagine?) My first and second marathon was Marine Corps in DC with the first one in 1992.  I knew and swore I would NEVER,EVER do another marathon after that first one. I went out way too fast (7 minute miles for the first 10-12, then slowed and then DIED around 18 and somehow finished around 4 hours ). Never again!

You are an accomplished runner with a long history of races. How many marathons and ultras have you run? What’s next on your schedule? 
My first ultra was Patapsco 50k with Mark Granger and Melissa Wilson.  That was in 2014. Trent, Gabe, Roy and a few other Flatlanders were there as well.

What’s a typical week of training look like? 
A typical week for me is 7 miles after a Fixer Upper workout early Monday, 3-7 miles on Tuesday, 7 miles of intervals at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday with the “Do the Work” gang (meet in front of the Y at 11:30), 6-7 miles on Thursday, and off on Friday. Saturday is long run day. For example, 15.5 miles last week at Phunt Trail Race, 19.5 miles at Trap Pond the week before and 16 miles at Ben’s the week prior to that. No running Sunday. As I have “matured,” I realize and value rest and recovery more than ever!

I recall you had a significant injury a few years ago. What happened and what advice do you have for runners dealing with injury? 
While running Stone Mill 50 miler in 2021 with several Flatlanders including Justin, Al, Matty B and The Crushers, I took a hard fall around mile 36. I knew I was hurting but my quads were also burning so I thought no big deal and finished the 50 miler. Probably not smart. Long story short, after about a week back home the pain was lingering and after seeing the doctor, getting an MRI, etc., it turned out that I had a broken femur ( hip area) so I completed the final 14 or so miles with a broken femur. UGH.
Similar story at Patapsco 50K in 2022 but this time 3 ribs broken at mile 25 but I finished. I did not realize in either race that I had any broken bones OR I might have stopped.  Might have stopped…With an injury, you just have to be patient and wait, wait and wait some more until you get the green light from the doc. We want to be able to run forever so we have to be smart. Yes, I know what you might be thinking …

You are very involved in the community. What do you do to volunteer? 
My community involvement includes past volunteer coordinator (12 years) at Trinity UMC ASP (Appalachian Service Project), several past board positions, including the YMCA and my current board member status at HALO, our local incredible homeless shelter.

*Editor’s note: Because of his extensive resume of community service, Eddy received the local Rotary Club’s most prestigious honor, The 4-Way Test Award in 2016. The award is presented to someone who embodies the spirit of Rotary – “Is it TRUTH? Is it FAIR? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?” 

Anything you’d like to add? 
Salisbury and the shore have an amazing running community because of the PEOPLE!The 11:30 group now runs on Wednesday from the Y (intervals with a 7 miler).  I am a proud original member of the Eastern Shore Running Club (Vanessa has taken that to another level) and love the Algonquin Running Group which I also support totally. It’s amazing what Trent has brought to our running community with his ultra / trail love of running and it has created another world of running on the shore. I am blessed, too, to have total support from Mary, my significant other, in all training runs and races, regardless of when or where they may be and that’s a big help!
In summary, I love my running and if all goes as planned at Alqonquin50k on February 10, my next event will be running the 128th Boston Marathon on April 15th at age 70! BOOM!

What’s your favorite distance? Do you have a favorite race or one that holds special meaning?
I like middle distances best, so 10 miles or the half marathon. And for whatever reason, I like an inaugural race. I think there’s something special about that. 
If I was going to choose a race that is special to me, I would have to say the Pemberton 24. It was the only one I’ve ever done that I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish. But once I made up my mind I was doing all 24, that was that and there wasn’t any other way. And it was kind of an honor to be on the Greenbackville Team. It was a little intimidating, as I’m not an ultrarunner, but they were like my big siblings, pulling me along. And if you have an hour or two, I’ll tell you about how Colette Outten kept me alive those 24 hours. 

How has running changed over the years?
My first thought was, has it changed? But yeah, from $15 entry fees and plain paper bibs, with cotton t-shirts, to all these fancy long sleeves and chip timing and race swag. And, all the gear! The shoe choices are endless. 
On a personal level, I have found the beauty of running with people, the last several years. I used to train pretty much alone and I still enjoy solo running. However, I have so much joy in the people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve created through this sport. 

Everyone wants to know about gear! What shoes are you wearing these days? 
Well, currently a Cam Walker Boot. Ha! But really, my first runners were the Nike Pegasus and I still use those and their more substantial sister, the Vomero. I’ve always had a lot of success with both of those. I also enjoy the Brooks Glycerin. I train and race in either of those. 
I also recently bought trail shoes, also Nike. The Juniper Trail, I believe they’re named. And now, how many trail runners are reading this, cringing at the idea of Nikes for trail shoes. 
Shoes are super specific, though. I definitely do not recommend buying based on what another runner is wearing. The best practice is to get fitted at a running store. 

Any favorite gear you recommend? 
Being a runner that started before a lot of tech gear and equipment, I’ve always been pretty minimalist and kind of maintained that. But as I get older, I also enjoy the comfort that comes from quality clothing, such as wool base layers in Winter. And mittens. But number one on my list, a good sports bra, that doesn’t chafe. 
I’m also set to get costume orthotics and I think they’ll be really valuable in maintaining my longevity. 

Any running advice to pass on?
Well, much of what I said about gear, find clothes that will keep you comfortable and wear shoes that protect, not just your feet, but your entire body. Spend the money! Secondly, enjoy it, whatever that means for you. Don’t compare to anyone else, or even your old self. Just enjoy every part of it. It’s such a gift ,even the struggles. Whenever I’m hurting in training or a race, I think how I’m going to feel when it’s over. Am I going to be proud of myself, or am I going to think, I wish I’d hung in there?

What do you do when you’re not running? 
Hang out with runners, think about running, talk about running. Actually, I really enjoy home improvement, cooking, the gym, reading, my sons and family, and work. I really enjoy my work as a respiratory therapist at the hospital, and that’s a big part of my life. I have a million things I enjoy doing. It’s hard to pick on any given day where I want to place my attention.