All About Sarah

All About Sarah

Sarah Holden

Syracuse University

Loves to Run:  Marathon, 5k, Triathlon, DI Lacrosse

How did you start running?

When I played lacrosse there was so much running, but mostly sprints.  My college graduation present was signing up for the Philadelphia Marathon 2012, with my brother. 

I thought that it would be so nice to train together, but then he moved away.  My training plan was very strict, but my brother was caught up in work.  A month before the race, he sprained his ankle and it was craziness.  We started the marathon together, but I beat him! 

My goal was to run under 4 hours and I finished in 3:59, my brother ran 4:20! 

What is your most memorable moment, running?

The moment I crossed the Philadelphia Marathon finish-line and saw my entire family, with all of my Syracuse Lacrosse teammates!

How did lacrosse change your life?

I started playing lacrosse in the sixth grade.  My dream was always to play Division-I.  I played lacrosse for Syracuse University, all four years of college.  The first two years I worked very hard, and my junior year I started seeing action in games. 

My senior year, we made it to the Division I NCAA National Championships!  Having the most prestigious game be the final of my collegiate years, was incredible.  I just loved every second of it, playing with all my best friends! 

What was your lacrosse number at Syracuse?

17!  I chose this number because my uncle and I share the same birthday, July 17.  After my uncle passed away, playing as #17 was such a special way to honor his memory. 

Did you enjoy coaching lacrosse, collegiately?

I loved coaching for Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.   Academics are so challenging for student-athletes, all of those girls truly committed to the team.  It was a truly amazing experience.

What was it like to compete in a Ragnar Relay?

Last May, I ran in the Cape Cod Ragnar Relay.  My lacrosse friend entered a team, but one of the girls dropped out so I filled in!  We had 12 runners with only one van, and it was an interesting weekend! 

Everything started in Hull Ma and ended in Provence Town Ma.  I ran leg 8 at 2am, and it was so nerve-wrecking to run alone in the dark.  I worked really hard to catch up to a man wearing a headlight, we ended up running the final stretch together. 

The course was absolutely beautiful.

How did you get into triathlons?

I loved the competitive aspect of lacrosse, and playing for all of the fans.  That competitive edge, sparked my interest in triathlons. 

One of my good friends completed her first full-ironman and suggested the half-ironman. 

Despite not being a strong swimmer, I signed up and trained an entire year.  I competed in the Timberman Triathlon, in New Hampshire. 

What is a typical week of training like?

When training for a marathon, I run every day of the week.  Triathlon training mixes everything up a little.  Sometimes I have two workouts a day, swimming in the morning and running at night. 

What is your favorite way to cross-train?

Lifting is huge!  While playing lacrosse at Syracuse, I was taught proper technique for lifting.  Lifting, is something that I seriously enjoy doing.  Lately, I have been working on stretching and foam rolling.  I love going outside to hike and explore.

Who are your greatest supporters?

My family, has always been my support system from lacrosse onto the marathon.  I have a special story about Fleet Feet.  The first time I went to Fleet Feet, I met the store-owner Ed.  Ed fit me for my sneakers and became my running mentor.  We still keep in touch!   

What is your typical diet?

I love food!  My diet is different depending on my training.  In training, I eat all high-protein and very lean. The breakfast go-to is always eggs, my absolute favorite.  My boyfriend is Greek, so Greek food is always good!

What are your favorite accessories and apparel?

I really love running in Brooks sneakers with Nike leggings and tops. I use a Garmin Stopwatch, too!

Where are your favorite places to run?

I am not too picky.  I would definitely choose a back-country road over a busy street in the city.  Sometimes, I run along bike paths and explore new straights!  

Do you have any advice for other athletes?

Just keep going, it is all worth it!  

Photography, courtesy of Sarah Holden.

ThatPrettyRunner

All About Morgan

Morgan Rocheleau

University of Maine

Loves to Run: Marathons, half marathons and 5k's

How did you start running?

I started running for weight management.  In my early college years, I was not living a very healthy lifestyle.  My weight peaked at 310 pounds from eating unhealthy foods and drinking beer. 

Junior year, I lived with my buddies on the cross-country and track team. 

My friends motivated me to start running one mile every day.  I lost over 100 pounds, just from running.  Ever since college, I have been a very dedicated runner. 

What is your favorite sport, other than running?

During college I was really involved with my club basketball team.   Basketball, is definitely my favorite sport!

How does running make you feel?

Running is an escape from reality, a time to enjoy nature and one of the best ways to socialize.  Every day when I go for an afternoon run with my buddy, we talk about everything from work to what we are going to eat for dinner.  Having a running buddy is terrific! 

What motivated you to run your first marathon?

When I was in college, I told someone at the gym that I am a runner.  He looked at me, and replied, “You are never going to run a marathon.”  That stayed with me for years, and was my motivation to run the Maine Marathon at age 29. 

How did your first marathon go?

My first marathon was the Maine Marathon.  I felt a little naïve running that distance the first time.  My dad gave me one gel during the race, and that was my only fuel.  I put my gel in the shorts pocket, with the plan to take it at the next water station. 

When I reached into my pocket, I realized that my dad had already opened the packet for me, and the entire sugar- mixture exploded everywhere.  It solidified on my skin, I started chafing and bleeding...  The last ten miles, I was just trying to get the gel off of my skin! 

I remember finishing the first half of my marathon in 2:01, feeling strong.  At the finish-line, my students and entire family were waiting for me.  I finished in 4:13!

What was your most bizarre running scenario, ever?

Once, I ran laps on the hotel stair-well late at night.  I was on a business conference weekend, and very devoted to my training plan.  

What is your diet like?

Every day, I have a supplement protein shake.  I try to eat a salad with every color of the rainbow in vegetables!  After running, I snack on a banana with peanut-butter.  Almonds are great for munching throughout the day.  

Who are your greatest supporters?

There have been so many people throughout the years.  I love running with my buddy, every day.  The first glimpse that I had into the wonderful running community, was back in grad-school. 

I ran a 10k road-race with my girlfriend.  After I finished the race, a man came up to let me know he thought that I looked strong out there.  In my marathon, the crowd cheered and really kept me motivated to finish. 

After my races, I always thank people for cheering me on.  The running world is full of great people, who really support each other.

How did your first long run feel?

When I was training for my marathon, the first twenty mile run was crazy.  I stopped for a break because I was so tired, and could not start running again.  I literally walked the last three miles.  This is how I knew in my marathon to run all the way through, no walking.  

What is your favorite running apparel?

I wear long Nike shorts and tee-shirts. Nike is my favorite.

How do you strength-train?

I lift weights three-times every week, plank, and do push-ups.  Lately, I have been doing yoga and it is helping my flexibility immensely.

Races you are looking forward to running?

I am signed up for some Ragnar Relays and 5k’s this year!

Photography, courtesy of Morgan Rocheleau.

That Pretty Runner

All About Sheri Piers

ALL ABOUT SHERI PIERS

American Elite Marathoner

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Adult Nurse Practitioner

 

How did you start running?

I started running when I was little and joined the USATF Track Rec Program.  I have not stopped, ever since!  Even throughout high-school and college sports, I ran 3 miles every day.  After having kids, my running has increased tremendously.

What is your favorite sport, other than running?

I played basketball for four years, at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.  I love basketball!

How were your marathon experiences, in the beginning?

The Maine Marathon was my first 26.2 experience.  I finished in 3:42, wearing my Saint Joseph’s College basketball shorts.  I honestly did not know if I was going to run another marathon after my first. 

My second marathon time was 3:20, and I qualified for Boston.  After that, I told my running partner Kristen that I wanted to run a sub-3 hour marathon.  She believed in me, so I hopped on board training and ran 2:57 in my next marathon. 

Kristen, tried qualifying for Olympic Trials several times, and in her next attempt she invited me to join the journey.  Together, in the Philadelphia Marathon we qualified for Olympic Trials.  Now, I’ve ran Boston 13 times and 30 marathons.

What is your most memorable marathon?

The Boston Marathon in 2012, I came in tenth place as the first American finisher.  I did very well running in the heat, it was over 90 degrees outside.  I was running alone for most of the race, not in a pack, it really felt like everyone was cheering just for me!

In the Boston Marathon, the elite women take off a half hour before the men.  It is harder to run Boston when you start in the elite race because there are only about 40 women.  I always know how well I am running, by where the men catch me. 

One year, I remember getting to mile 23 before the men caught up.  It is very cool to watch the men.  The year MEB won, I felt chills as he passed me on the course.  It was so exciting, I could not believe there was an American winning!

What are the most difficult parts of the Boston Marathon?

Boston is always either freezing cold or smoking hot.  The Newton hills are bad, and it’s because it is all downhill in the beginning.  We are all going out at flying paces, last year I asked myself, “Why is Shalane Flanagan next to me, right now?!” Boston always starts out so fast. 

The course is mean, you shred your quads the first 5-6 miles, hit the hills and then the CITGO sign. OMG, I always feel like it is never getting closer. 

Except, there have been a few years I have looked to my left feeling pretty good about seeing that CITGO sign, so early in the race.  Every year I think, “I am never going to reach that CITGO sign.” 

What is your marathon PR?

My personal record is 2:36:59.  A friend asked me what my goal time for Twin Cities was and I said, “If I run 2:36:59, I’ll be happy.”  When I crossed the finish-line my stop-watch said 2:37:10 and I was livid.  Then, I found out that my chip-time was exactly 2:36:59!

Have you ever ran the New York City Marathon?

Yes, once for the Master Championships and that was good enough for me.  New York City is so difficult because of the footing and pot-holes.  The race is very cool and I finished top ten in 2:42. 

What was your most bizarre running scenario?

When my kids were little as they took naps, I ran laps around the house.  In the drive-way, I marked how many laps it took for one mile!

 

What is your favorite marathon to race?

Twin Cities! The weather is always perfect in the low 40’s and everyone is so friendly.

How do you fuel?

I love candy so much.  I love skittles, starbursts, bottle-caps, and gummy bears.  The morning of a race I eat three dry pancakes.  During the race I eat a gel every five miles.  I enjoy the vanilla flavored Power-Gel.

 In my last marathon, I thought that an orange-creamsicle gel at mile 20 would be a nice treat… it did not taste very good.  Vanilla is my flavor.  At every water station in my marathons, I have my own personal water bottle with a gel taped on it. 

I take my gum out, eat my gel, drink water, and put the gum back in my mouth all without losing my stride.  It takes years of experience to find the right way to fuel your body for a marathon. 

Who are your greatest supporters?

Running can be a very tough sport, on the elite level people can be mean.  Some people think I am crazy for running so much!  My Dad has always been my #1 supporter throughout my athletic career.  In college, he never missed one of my basketball practices. 

I am always striving for perfection, and sometimes if I do not reach a goal I put myself down.  My kids always ask me, “Are you happy mommy?” and I’ll say, “Yeah, sure.”  And then they go, “No, you’re not…” in the cutest tone of voice. 

I try to have a more positive attitude.  My kids, just do not want me to stop running!  I have such an incredibly supportive family.

How did your first long run feel?

I remember when I was studying at Saint Joseph’s College, and ran 13 miles for the first time.  My roommate locked me outside the dorm, because she was with her boyfriend. 

I was so angry that I ran all the way home! My mom asked, “How did you get here?” I explained and she drove me back to campus.  The first time I ran 20 miles, I remember having to stop and call my dad to come pick me up!

What is your favorite running apparel?

I am a total Nike snob.  Volt is my favorite color, I race in Lunar-Racers and train with Lunar-Glides.  In big races I wear sports bras and racing briefs.

How do you strength-train?

I am all about sit-ups and push-ups.

Are you looking forward to your up-coming races?

Yes! I will be running the Naples half-marathon in Florida.  In February, I am flying to LA to compete in the 2016 Olympic Trials!

Photography, courtesy of Sheri Piers.

That Pretty Runner

All About Emma

All ABOUT EMMA

 

 

How did horseback riding help you overcome Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?

I love horseback riding, and have been riding my entire life.  Horseback riding, is the perfect way to strengthen my legs and get blood pumping.  POTS causes pooling of blood in the legs, which leads to fainting.  Building up the strength in my legs helped my circulation so much that my episodes almost stopped completely.  It feels amazing to be healthy and riding, again.

How does horseback riding make you feel?

I am so passionate about riding.  I love being out there with my pony, riding free and wild on the trails.

Who’s your pony!?

My pony’s name is Aubrey, she is grey with brown dots all over.

When were you diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome?

I have been fainting since my early teens and it was very difficult to get a proper diagnosis.  I remember going to the emergency-room after having an episode, and the doctors were unable to figure out what was happening to my body. 

One med-student had the audacity to suggest that I was using drugs or faking, because he was stupefied.  Then, the actual doctor came in and asked me to stand up.  The machines went crazy; beeping.  My heart-rate increased by 50 bpm and my blood pressure dropped so low that I fainted, just by standing up. 

That med-student felt terrible, especially after the doctor had a talk with him about how to talk to teenage girls.  I actually ran into him three years later when I was in the emergency-room for an injury, he said that I completely changed the way he looks at patients.

How did POTS change your life?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia changed my life immensely.  There was a point that I could not stand without fainting.  Being on sports-teams stopped being an option for me.

I went on home-bound tutoring, because I was just too sick to be in regular classes.  Having to find a new normal was really difficult.

How did you feel after your body started healing?

I literally cannot believe how sick this syndrome made me, and I am so grateful to be healthy again.  When life first started to turn around, I felt shocked.  It was shocking to feel healthy waking up in the morning because my symptoms overtook me for years.  I just started to feel better progressively over time.

Have you ever been riding your horse and then fainted?

Once, while horseback riding.  My trainer was talking to my mom at the top of the arena.  I rode towards them, because all of the sudden I started blacking-out during my event. 

It was so embarrassing, I really did not want to stop riding.  Leaning forward, I threw the reins on my trainer.  Everyone was so nervous. Thankfully, I was able to jump off the horse and lay down, safely. 

What helps your symptoms?

I drink about 100 ounces of water every day and eat plenty of salty snacks.

  I put salt on everything, it keeps my blood-pressure from dropping on me. Pretzels, crackers, sea salt on chocolate.

I took Midodrine to raise my blood-pressure for a while, and that significantly helped.

How is college going!?

College is a dream come true.  I am working towards an Agricultural Business Degree.

Do you have advice for anyone struggling with POTS?

Yes.  It is so important to wake up every day and do the best you possibly can.  Setting obtainable goals is the key to finding your new normal. 

Photography, courtesy of Emma Foster.

That Pretty Runner

All About Megan

Megan Kaminska

Team BIDMC: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Training for the Boston Marathon 2016

Cornell University: Finance and Marketing

Loves to Run: Ragnar Relay, Sprint-Triathlon and Half-Marathon

What is your inspiration for running the Boston Marathon in 2016?

I have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to run the Boston Marathon, for the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  The hospital has a total of six teams participating in the marathon and I am running for, Team Bowdoin Street Healthy Champions Program. 

The focus of this program is to educate every child about nutrition, fitness, community-building and maintaining a healthful lifestyle.  The Bowdoin Street Healthy Champions Program, supports economically deprived youth to be happy, healthy and alive. 

How did you become involved with your cause?

Currently, I am a professional fundraiser for the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  My job is to meet with patients and physicians doing research, to help others be philanthropic. 

Everyone in my office, encouraged me to submit an application to run the Boston Marathon.  Shortly after submitting my application, I was placed on Team Bowdoin Street Healthy Champions Program. 

I truly have an adoration for children, and passion of educating the youth to live a healthful lifestyle.

What are your goals for the Boston Marathon?

I hope to reach my fundraising goal of $7500, for the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  Finishing the 26.2 mile course, will be such a huge accomplishment.

When will your marathon training officially begin?

January!  My team has a coach and we will all train together. I hope that this winter is not as brutal as the last. 

There was seven feet of snow, covering the sidewalks.  Everyone training for Boston 2015, ran in the middle of the streets!

Where are your favorite places to run in Boston?

Minute-Man Bike Path!  The path is ten miles out, ten miles back, flat, and there is no vehicle traffic.  I also enjoy, the Middlesex Reservation on weekends. 

Depending on the darkness, I run home from work five-miles every day.  I have a zip-belt for my keys and credit cards.

What is your favorite way to stay active?

I absolutely love to play soccer.  Every week, I play league soccer with the Boston Ski and Sports Club. 

Soccer, is a sport that brings together people of all different shapes and sizes.  The teams are co-ed, and I am always being recruited to keep an even number of women in the game!

Do you enjoy coaching youth soccer!?

Yes!  When I moved to Boston, I thought coaching a soccer team would be a fun way to become involved in the community. 

My players are six years old and very funny.  We are the Tiger Sharks! They love chocolate milk, it is their special treat after every game.

How were your Ragner Relay experiences?

The Adirondack Ragnar is a 200 mile, twelve-person relay, I have been running for the past two years.  My team had two vans, both full of six people.  We ran from Saratoga Springs to Lake Placid, and had the most incredible time! 

The Ragnar, is not all about racing, it’s more for commemorating being on a team and enjoying the miles.  I just registered my team to run the Cape-Cod Ragnar, this upcoming May!

How were your Sprint-Triathlon experiences?

When I was still studying at Cornell, my dad drove up to Ithaca so we could have long bike rides together.  After all of our biking adventures, I signed up for my first sprint-triathlon in 2012.

 I have completed the, Finger Lakes Sprint Triathlon, for three years in a row.  It is grueling, to do three different activities during one event.  I love running and biking, but swimming can be a challenge. 

Growing up on a lake I always swam, but never competitively until my triathlons.  Every year, I have placed in my age-group!

How were your Half-Marathon experiences?

I ran the Empire State Half-Marathon twice, in 2012 and 2013.  It is a flat course down and back.  I enjoyed my training runs with friends and family, very much. 

When I crossed the finish-line, both times, I felt exhilarated.  My time improved by ten minutes, the second time around!

Who are your greatest supporters?

My family, have always been there to cheer me on! I need to know that my parents and sister are waiting for me at the finish-line.  They keep me very motivated. 

How long have you been involved with yoga?

My first class was two years ago, at a fantastic yoga studio in Ithaca NY.  Ever since then, I have been hitting a yoga studio 2-3 times a week. 

My favorite is knowing and fluidly transitioning through all the positions in class.  Recently, I tried something that was not quite hott-yoga, but simply toasty-warm.  I am a yogi!

What is your favorite running apparel?

I just bought a pair of new Saucony sneakers!  My favorite running tee’s and tanks are Nike.  In the winter, I always wear the Under-Armor thermal leggings. 

What are your favorite foods?

I love food.  There are all sorts of healthy recipes I whip up for dinner or work, with veggies. Almond milk is always my go-to beverage. 

Though, I am a dreaded sugar-candy addict and I eat way too much sugar!  Lately, I have been using sugar as my reward after working out.

How do you fuel, while running?

Watermelon flavored Sports-Beans are my favorite. They are so hard to eat on the run, usually I just swallow them whole. 

I like to call Sports-Beans "MAGIC BEANS" because after I started eating them my half-marathon time improved by ten minutes!

 

Please visit Megan's Boston Marathon Fundraising page: 

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2016/fundraiser/megankaminska

Photography, courtesy of Megan Kaminska.