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.

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