ALL ABOUT TIFFANY

Tiffany Costello

Elite Marathon Runner

How did you start running?

I have run cross-country and track from the seventh grade through college. I always loved playing soccer and club soccer. In college, I ran competitively for the University of California Santa Barbara. Several months after graduating from college, I started running marathons. I always wanted to be a marathon runner.

What motivated you to become an elite marathon runner?

My coach said, “What is your goal?”

I answered, “To run 3:15!”

My coach said, “You can qualify for the Olympic Trials.”

My coach made a training-plan for me, I wrote down the plan and typed everything up for 2020-2022. After brain-surgery, I have been coaching myself and always train with the plan from my coach.

What was your very first marathon?

The California International Marathon, in 2018. I qualified for Olympic trials, by running 2:45 flat.

What was your most memorable moment during the California International Marathon?

Me crossing the finish-line, waiting to hear from the announcer to see if I qualified. The entire family was in tears.

Do you have a favorite Olympic Trials moment?

I finished the Olympic Trials Marathon, in 2:52.

Where are your favorite places to run?

Huntington beach!

Santa Barbara, Ventura Trail or from Santa Barbara to Carpinteria.

Even though I do live at the beach, I would pick Santa Barbara to run. I love Huntington, but it is very flat compared to Santa Barbara. Whenever I need hills, I go to Santa Barbara.

Where is your favorite place to run whilst traveling?

Colorado, for altitude training!

What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome as an athlete?

Having brain surgery this year.

My fastest half-marathon time is, 1:17. Three months after having brain surgery, I ran a 1:20 half-marathon.

I started training for the 2022 Boston Marathon, a month after my surgery. I said, “You know what dad I am feeling good, I have had headaches, but not too crazy.” After three months post-surgery, no headaches. If I have a headache, I take it easy.

What does your typical training season look like?

Varies on what I am feeling. Training comes before work every day.

My long run is a 10-miler twice a week. I have a double-day twice a week. I look back at the training log from my coach for all my workouts.

How do you fuel on a run?

Run with water, anything more than ten miles.

I love Nuun and electrolytes!

What is your favorite food?

Salmon, arugula, and quinoa salad.

Must have running accessories?

The Garmin, 945.

I always wear the New Balance 1080’s Fresh Foam for long distance running, or the 880’s. I love New Balance sneakers.

Do you have a favorite positive affirmation or quote?

You have to go through the pain to get the game.

Any advice for having a happy and healthy running life?

Running is mental. You need mental toughness.

What is your biggest goal as an athlete?

Boston in sub-three! I will be racing on April 18th.

One more 23 miler, on Wednesday! My coach will be biking next to me. We coordinate our workout schedule around my whole work week. Every Sunday night, I write out where I am running, what time, what I need to get done, or if I have yoga and swimming.

In Boston, I am looking forward to meeting new great people, making it a fun trip I will never forget. I would like to meet Sara Hall and Stephanie Bruce!

My coach wants me to run for the experience and have fun. My entire family is flying in from California to watch me race Boston.

ALL ABOUT CRIS

How did you start running?

I started running in high school. I really enjoyed running the mile in middle school. My best friend at the time convinced me to come out for the cross-country team the summer of my freshman year.

What is your favorite distance to race?

If I could dedicate my time to it again, probably the 3K Steeplechase. Jumping over barriers was a ton of fun. Now, I would say the marathon.

Where do you love running?

In Columbus, I really enjoy running on the Olentangy Trail. It’s a pretty long trail (website says 22.5 miles) following much of the river that it’s named after. It takes you right by The Ohio State University, and into Downtown. I do most of my workouts out that way.

Do you think about anything in particular whilst running?

I tend to be very in tune with different aspects of my body while I’m running. I’m consistently checking in to see how I’m feeling, and then try to segment the run in my head to make it go by quicker (say if we have 5 miles left of an easy run I’ll just say 35 more minutes).

What is the key to pacing yourself in a marathon?

Keeping it controlled in the early miles. Your fast start won’t mean much if you can’t close well. I try to segment the race into three parts (10-10-10K). First 10 miles is about finding the rhythm and getting yourself warmed up into pace, next 10 is cruising and either maintaining or increasing the pace slightly if things are going well or the plan is to negative split. Last 10k is all you got. Check in every couple miles with yourself to see if you’re laboring more than you’d like. If so, take a down mile to recover.

How did you decide to run the Virtual 2020 Boston Marathon?

Originally, I was not going to do it. I had a pretty significant setback at the end of March following my peak workout for Boston. I hadn’t been running much all summer due to that issue, but I figured for 50 bucks I’d get that awesome shirt so I signed up. As it came closer the goal was just to finish, and make it a birthday run for myself. After hitting my longest run in 5 months (16 miles), I decided to try and break 3.

Where did you run you Virtual Boston?

I ran it on the Olentangy Trail. South for about 9 miles, and then north for almost 14 or so miles.

Do you have a positive affirmation or motto?

I tend to use mantras to get me through tough workouts or races. Often it’s some kind of variation of “You’ve already committed” or “You’ve gotten this far, it’s too late to give up now.”

What were your highest, lowest and most memorable moments of the 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon?

Best moments of the experience was having my friends join me to help give me nutrition throughout it. I had 5 friends join me through a lot of this. Logan and Nicole biked with me and helped with nutrition, Josh biked the first half and ran almost the entire second half, Derek jumped in for some of the early miles, and Breydon knocked out the last 19 with me. I’m sure they didn’t expect to run that fast for this, but having them there was incredibly helpful.

Lowest had to be about mile 21 or so. I was coming up the trail by one of the high schools, and they stopped anyone from crossing, because a cross country race was happening. I lost my cool a bit and may have let out some expletives. Those quick uturns definitely took a toll on me and with running on blood blisters from mile 8, this wasn’t great.

Most memorable moment for me had to be about 8 miles out, when I realized I could possibly break 2:50. I went out really conservatively in 1:28, so this was the bit of motivation that I needed to make this a competition with myself.

When did you start your podcast Beers and Miles?

I started it late last year. Originally, it was supposed to be a segment of a larger project that I had to catalogue the entirety of the Columbus running community, but now it’s become its own thing that I’ve really enjoyed doing.

Do you have a favorite type of beer for after a long run?

Gose or a crispy lager

What is your favorite race memory of your entire running career?

At this point, it would have to be the 2019 Columbus Marathon. Despite losing about a month off of my training block due to injury, I came back to take 6th and negative split to my current PR of 2:30:25. I had the support of the entire running community behind me and it was one of the most surreal experiences finishing and getting a call from my coach saying I was, ‘in the money’.

Do you have advice for other runners?

Be patient, don’t compare yourself to others, and slow down the miles. This is definitely not an endeavor that lends itself to immediate gratification. I’m 14 years into it myself, and I’m still learning. I became a better runner by just slowing down the miles and focusing my workout efforts on the purpose of the workout rather than leaving it all on the track every time.

Follow Cris,

@beerandmiles

https://anchor.fm/beersandmiles

ALL ABOUT STEVIE

When did you decide to run the 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon?

I decided to run the virtual Boston Marathon as soon as we found out it would be virtual. When the race was postponed from April to September, I had a feeling it might become virtual in the future like many other races so continued to train with that in mind.

“The start! Pictured are My friends Jonathan and Tom who were running virtual races that day. I ran the whole thing with Tom (starting his garmin in the back). My dad and little brother are holding the start line.” Stevie

Did you love running Boston in Chicago?

Although nothing beats the excitement of running from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, my family and friends really made running in my home town very special and memorable. Not to mention, heart break hill was not as heart breaking this year. 😉

How did you set up your race course?

I chose to run the route of the Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon that takes place in Geneva, IL. It’s essentially the same 8 loops along the Fox River Trail. The trail is mostly flat and fast and over 50% of the runners who run this race qualify for the Boston Marathon every year. My mom and others in my running group have ran this course before and loved it, so I thought it would be a great chance to test it out! My family set up a table with all my fuel and hydration just like your typical marathon aid stations, so I was able to grab my fuel and keep running as they cheered me on at every loop! What was also really neat about doing the 8 loops, is my mom had surprise spectators coming throughout the whole race. So every time I passed, new friends and family were there smiling, cheering and ringing cow bells. It really felt like a real race. 

Carl the Corgi’s spectator sign!

Did you love having your corgi cheering you on during the 26.2?

Lol! Yesss! He is the sweetest little pup and I’m a total crazy dog mom, so it was great to have his cuddles and love post race. He was really tired after his long day of spectating so he slept most of the day after the race. 

What was your favorite part of the virtual experience?

The best part of the day was how much thought my mom put into make the race special for me. She had professional quality  start and finish lines printed, along with poster boards displaying the names of each town you run through in Boston set up along the course. Not to mention she had balloons and streamers and break through tape, (even Champagne) for a grand finish.  It was so much fun, I would choose her as my race director again and again. 

One of the funniest moments was at the end of the race. My garmin was slightly off from where my family and friends had placed the finish line so as I approached from a distance I gestured that I needed to run further. So my mom, dad, little brother, best friend, her husband, and my future in-laws all started running with the finish line, cow bells, cameras, and break through tape to move the finish line. I was laughing so hard seeing them frantically run as I caught up to them. It was a finish I will NEVER forget. 

Did you meet a lot of runners along your course?

There was another group of about 20 runners running virtual races on the same path, many doing their virtual Boston as well. It was fun to pass and cheer each other on throughout the race. I also got to run the race with my good friend Tom, who was running a different virtual marathon that day and we paced him to get a PR! 

Who gave you your unicorn medal when you crossed the finish line?

My sweet Mama brought me her Boston Marathon medal from 2018, and placed it around my neck at the finish line!🥇

How did you celebrate after finishing your 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon?

I know it’s pretty basic, but I got a HUGE pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks and spent some time with my Mom, Dad, little brother and Fiancé. 

Do you have a mantra or positive affirmation?

Nothing specific, but when I start feeling tired I always tell myself positive things like, “you’re strong, you got this.”  And I ALWAYS thank my body for enduring those miles when they get hard.  Another trick that works for me is smiling through the pain. I always smile as much as I can, because it tricks me into feeling happy and privileged to be running even if my body is hurting. 

Are you looking forward to more races this year?

I am currently not signed up for any more races this year and I’m pretty okay with it. I plan to use this time to really recover and gear up for more “normal” fall 2021 races. I’m most looking forward to running the Chicago Marathon in 2021. This will be the first year since my FIRST marathon on 10/10/10 that I won’t be running the streets of Chicago so I can’t wait to be back! 

Follow Stevie and her cute corgi Carl!

@stevealiciouss

@carl_the_curious_corgi

ALL ABOUT LINDSAY

How did you start running?

I was a collegiate basketball player, that was always my sport. But in my college town of Duluth, MN that famous Grandma’s Marathon happens every summer. I would always watch and hang out with my friend, but seeing the runners cross the finish line and struggle, yet continue to push was so inspiring to me. Being the competitive person I am I wanted to run a marathon and cross if off my bucket list. But everything changed during that race. I fell in love with the distance, the runners community and the feeling of crossing the finish line was amazing an unmatched. The triumph or earning the title of marathoner. I was hooked and knew I wanted to run more, to set big goals, achieve and learn more.

What goals do you have for running in the future?

Continue to BQ and improve my marathon time-I am aiming for a marathon PR next fall. I just kicked off training for my first 100-mile ultra marathon in March 2021. My goal is to just complete it within the required time and reevaluate ultra running and whether that’s a path I want to pursue or jump back into more marathons.

What is your favorite distance to race?

26.2

What is your favorite race memory?

The Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon in 2017. This was my first marathon without wearing my wig. I had taken it off mid run just 2 week prior. I had finally reached the point where I felt strong and empowered and beautiful without it. I was nervous though. I felt so exposed, but the race was such an incredible feeling. I felt like everyone was cheering 10x louder for me. All of the runners, volunteers and spectators were so supportive and kind. And crossing that finish line wasn’t just another marathon, but was the moment I truly knew I would be ok and truly didn’t need my wig anymore. I will never forget it. The city and race are forever so special to me.

Do you have a special routine before running a race?

Always a prayer of gratitude. It truly is a gift to have a strong body and be healthy and get to run and train. I always stretch before, and turn on music to help get in the mindset.

Where do you love to run?

The neighborhoods around my house, the street are quiet. I feel safe, it is peaceful and familiar to me. I also have the spot where I took my wig off that I run past when I am feeling upset/frustrated and always before a marathon. It makes me feel so strong. I love to just get outside.

What was is like to run the 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon?

It was bittersweet. It was of course not even close to being in Boston, and all of the excitement of race weekend and race day. It is hard to run a marathon without the huge crowds and support. But it was also such a time of gratitude and empowerment for me. I thought of all my finish lines and how much I love running. And truly how fortunate I truly am. It helped to keep me motivated to get back there and set an even bigger goal for myself. I truly am proud of all the runners who did it virtually, a finish is a finish and I am proud to get another unicorn.

What were your highest, lowest and most memorable points during your virtual Boston Marathon experience?

Crossing the finish line was the highest moment, though it was in my neighborhood to know you earned a unicorn and let alone did it alone made me proud, because I didn’t have to. I was excited in the beginning, then it faded a bit, but hit excitement again at mile 24. I definitely had moments throughout the middle miles where the streets were quiet that it felt sad and lonely. It was special and definitely memorable, but again there is nothing like the crowds and energy of actually being in Boston.

Do you have a positive affirmation or mantra?

‘get to’ I think this is so important and really helps me when it gets tough. Having the chance and opportunity to do something and be feeling great truly is a gift. Though it may not be how I wanted it, or I am tired etc. I try to always look at the positive, because I know if I were to be sitting on the sideline for whatever reason I would be so upset.

Do you have advice for other runners?

Stick with it and never compare yourself to someone else. We all have different journeys, different goals and the way we train. You are never less then because you are running a shorter distance or running a slower pace. There will be days that are really tough and you will get frustrated, but stick with it, because when you finally break through it will be the greatest feeling. And tomorrow is always a new day. I have definitely had a lot of runs that were terrible, and have learned to shake it off and go about my day not thinking of it, then lace up the next day and start again. It should be fun.

Follow Lindsay

@lindsayhannah3

ALL ABOUT HATX HATS!

ALL ABOUT HATX HATS!

Interview with Laura Gibson

Photography, courtesy of Laura Gibson.

What inspired you to crochet and start your company?

My mother crochets, and I loved watching her crochet when I was growing up. She was who taught Andrea and I, and it came naturally to me. One year, I made Andrea a hat for Christmas and they fell in love with it. Andrea said, “When you cross the E out of HATE it spells HAT.” The next month we printed HATX patches, and I began making no-hate hats. 

How did you design your logo and company name?

Andrea’s partner Megan was actually the designer of the initial logo. It’s changed some over time, but not much. And the name came from Andrea’s love of word-play.

How many hats have you crocheted?

I have crocheted over 400 hats thus far!

Whilst crocheting, where do you love to be?

Unless it’s the middle of the Maine winter I prefer to crochet outside as I love the outdoors. I’ve never been one for being inside. As a child I was up early every morning, and was usually running around outside until dark. I spend as much as my free time outside now, whether it’s gardening, boating with my family, traveling, or simply long drives through the rural woods.

What do you think about while crocheting?

I think about all kinds of things. I suppose it depends on what’s going on in my life at the time. Crocheting is really relaxing and gives me a chance to sit down and enjoy some time by myself, in my own little world, dreaming about my life and my future. 

Where have your hats been sold?

My hats have been sold all over! I have shipped hats to almost every state in the U.S and have also sent many to Europe and Canada. It’s incredible to know that people all over the world are wearing the hats I’ve made.

How do you select your materials?

I try to stick to thick, soft yarn. The hats are alway comfy and warmer. I choose many different colors so everyone has options to pick from.

What is your favorite hat design and color?

My favorite hat that I’ve made is the Smurfette Hat. You can find a picture of it on the HATX instagram. All of the hats that I’ve made have been named, so each one is especially unique. The Smurfette hat is full of color, and I’ve used similar colors several times since, as it seems to be a favorite. 

Do you have advice for spreading your message? 

The message we hope to spread is one of compassion. This world needs so much love. We all do! You never know what someone is going through in life, or what they have been through. Kindness means everything. 

Do you have a favorite motto or mantra?

Yes, and I actually have it tattooed on my forearm to remind myself of it everyday. It is one of Andrea’s quotes from their poem Boomerang Valentine. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to you"

Visit the HATX HATS website!

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