Q: When did you first join R4R and how did you learn about us?
A: I first joined R4R at the beginning of 2011. My friend Chris Bennett was joining and as a longtime runner, she suggested I join to not only workout but also to be able to see her weekly.
Q: Describe your role as the Runnin’ for Rhett board chair and what it means to you.
A: As the board chair my main role is to guide the board in what is happening in the organization as well as how they can best support our mission, our employees, and the continued growth of our organization. As a longtime member of Runnin’ for Rhett and a very active member of the Youth Fitness Committee, it means a lot to me to be able to work with the leadership of our organization. I love being able to share what our various programs are doing as well as helping board members find the way they can contribute that means the most to them. It also means a lot to be a part of the board and to have seen the immense growth R4R has gone through in the last 10 years and to be a part of helping it to continue to grow in the next 10.
Q: What’s your very favorite “Movin’ into Life” activity?
A: There really are too many to list. Some of my favorites have been the destination races where a huge group gets together and spends time getting to know each other better. I also really like our quarterly events. They are a great way to bring everyone together to celebrate and kick off our future events.
Q: This year you led our post-Urban Cow CIM training and for some members it was their first marathon. What would you say to someone considering running the CIM in 2022?
A: I would tell them that if you have a desire to do so, don’t hesitate. It is an incredible event and the amount of support Runnin’ for Rhett offers makes it so much more impactful. This year we all had our running partners with us on the course but we had over 20 Blue Crew members who showed up along the course to cheer us on. It makes a huge difference to have all that support.
Q: What has been your most unusual or interesting job?
A: When I was in high school, I went every Saturday and Sunday morning and made beds and cleaned rooms for residents in a nursing home while they were eating breakfast.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A: I am the middle child of three, and when my parents each remarried, I was the middle child of 5 on both sides. I have classic middle child syndrome 🙂
Q: What has been your proudest moment since being a part of the R4R family?
A: My proudest moment was when I crossed the finish line of my first 50K. I had an incredible group of people who I trained with for a distance I never dreamed I could do. When I crossed that finish line with Beth and saw so many baby blue waiting, I cried because I was so overwhelmed with gratitude.
Q: If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
A: I would be broccoli because I am useful in many different ways and most everyone likes me
Q: How would you describe your Runnin’ for Rhett experience to a child?
A: I would tell a child that being a part of the organization you will be able to do things that you never thought was possible. It is about so much more than running in the fact that you are surrounded by so many caring and loving people and that alone makes showing up on those tough days easier. I would tell them that while I did not get to meet Rhett, his inspiration has helped me to feel so much better about myself and has given me the ability to be the absolute best version of myself by encouraging me to get moving in a variety of ways and by introducing me to some of the greatest people I know.
Q: As Runnin’ for Rhett’s board chair is there anything additional that you would like to share with our Adult Fitness community?
A: I want to sincerely thank you, our members, for showing up. Whether it is coming to a Meetup, volunteering at one of our events, participating in our programs, or your financial support, you are such an important part of who we are.
