Q: When did you first join R4R and how did you learn about us?
A: I joined in November 2017. My kids were part of the Youth Fitness Program, and I was talking to another parent about how I wish I could improve my running. She mentioned the Blue Crew, and I’ve been a member ever since.
Q: What’s your very favorite “Movin’ into Life” activity?
A: I’ve always enjoyed hiking. There is nothing better than being in nature and slowing down your busy life to appreciate all the little things you may have missed. My favorite new activity is standup paddleboarding. I was introduced to it during the Bay to Blue challenge.
Q: Why did you decide to lead the Spartan group training this year?
A: I wanted to share the knowledge I have gained from doing 47 in-person Spartan races. There was interest in the group, and they asked if I could help with training. It was their dedication that motivated me to help in any way that I could. I have to give a shout-out to Trung and Kyle, who helped set up many of the obstacles and the training regimen.
Q: What would you say to a Blue Crew member who is considering a Spartan race but thinks there’s no way they could do it?
A: I did my first Spartan race on a whim. I couldn’t run more than ¼ mile or do any hanging obstacles. You’ll be surprised that it doesn’t take months and months of training to successfully complete a race. The best advice I can give is to sign up, find some friends, and go for it. The best exercises to prepare you for a race are dead hangs, farmer’s carry, and burpees.
Q: What has been your most unusual or interesting job?
A: My first job was delivering newspapers when I was 10 years old. Back then we carried all the newspapers in a pouch and hand-delivered them to the porch.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A: People find it surprising that I have lived in Sweden longer than I have lived in China. However, they are more surprised to find out that I wasn’t born in the United States. Although I am not fluent in Spanish, I can understand Spanish better than Swedish or Chinese.
Q: What has been your proudest moment since being a part of the R4R family?
A: I think my greatest accomplishment, to date, has been completing CIM within the first year of joining R4R. I never considered myself a runner, but all the support from the R4R family motivated me to get out of my comfort zone and do something that I didn’t think was possible.
Q: How would you describe your Runnin’ for Rhett experience to a child?
A: I tell children that R4R is more than just running. For me, it’s about health and social well-being. Whenever I feel stressed or need someone to talk to, I find a local meetup to unwind.
