All About Marti

ALL ABOUT MARTI

North Dakota State University

RN/PACU

Team Bic Chick

Loves to Run:  Marathons, Half-Marathons, 5k's

How did you feel after becoming a BIC Chick?

Very happy.  Over the past few years, I have been using Bic Bands and love the product.  A percentage of each Bic Band sold, is donated to a different charity every month.  Team Bic Chick, is full of such an empowering community of women. Being chosen as a Bic Band Ambassador is extremely exciting!

When did you start running?

My sophomore year of college, I ran my very first half -marathon!  Since then, I have been addicted to running.  It is such a fabulous stress reliever, especially throughout nursing school.  Over the years I have completed two full marathons, lots of half-marathons, 15k’s and 5k’s!

What is it like to be a coach?

I have been a coach for 18 months, everything started in August 2014!  In my monthly challenge group, I help others to reach their personal fitness goals. 

Over the past year and a half, I have probably coached a total of 200.  Everyone comes into my group for a different reason, such as wanting some weight-loss tips, strength-training, and a sense of community.

My goal, is to help at least five people every week start living a healthful lifestyle! I give everyone in my group fun tips to stay healthy, and delicious nutritious recipes.  

What is your most memorable running moment?

Crossing the finish line at the Twin Cities Marathon.  Twin Cities, was my first marathon experience. Very special. Though, I was not happy because I missed my goal time by one minute.  Finishing my first marathon, helped me feel confident to finish my second marathon!  I ran the Fargo Marathon, even faster.

Where is your favorite place to run?

My favorite place to run is my family Lake Cabin, in Minnesota.  It is so refreshing to get out there and run all those long gravel trails.  I also enjoy the treadmill!

How do you fuel?

Shakeology!  I am a nutrition nerd, and love to run! Nutrition is so important for our health.  Shakeology, is made from all natural ingredients, in powder form.  I love to put Shakeology into my shakes, pancakes, oatmeal, and everything!  My cravings throughout the day have been curved, and I feel so healthy!

What is your favorite running apparel?

I wear Mizuno Wave Riders.  My favorite clothes for exercising are capris length pants, with a nice tank top.

What races would you love to run in the future?

Rock’n’ Roll marathons look fun! I would love to run a destination marathon!

Check out Marti's YouTube Page

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCllqwDRUPbwHFGtehVXGjOQ

Photography, courtesy of Marti Hoekstra.

That Pretty Runner

ALL ABOUT KIM

ALL ABOUT KIM

Saint Bonaventure University

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Graduate Student of SUNY ESF

Associate BioPharmaceutical Scientist

LOVES TO RUN:  Division I Cross-Country and Track, 15k's and 5k's

Kim is the 1st from the left!

How did you start running?

After running in my Sixth Grade Olympic track event, I decided to join the modified cross-country team in seventh grade.  Running went so well, I actually quit soccer for cross-country. 

When did you seriously, fall in love with running?

During a cross-country practice, probably my sophomore year of high school, we were running four-miles at race-pace and I reached my first runners-high.  I could have just kept running for hours! 

How did you decide to run cross-country in college?

I always wanted to go to Saint Bonaventure University, because of the legacy.  My grandfather, dad, aunt, and sister Amanda all went to Bonas.  When we finally went for my official visit, I fell in love with the campus, and thought it was a good idea to meet with the cross-country coach. 

We arrived to the XC office, whilst the coach was talking to another recruit, Caitlin.  Unknowingly, I interrupted her big meeting with the coach!!  She gave me a death glare!  Too, funny. 

Saint Bonaventure, gave me all sorts of academic scholarships.  Originally, freshman year, I was going to stick to pure academia and put my running sneakers away. 

Once I was settled in on campus for my first fall semester, Caitlin, asked me if I was running cross-country.  When I told her no, she said that I had to join because the team really needed me.  So, I decided to run cross-country!  Caitlin, has been my best friend ever since!  The university, even gave me a cross-country scholarship.  Becoming a Cross-Country Bonnie, is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

How did running cross-country in college, influence your life?

Running, equipped me with self-discipline and focus that really helped with excelling in all different aspects of life.  I learned how to balance all of my school work, running career and social life in an efficient way.  My teammates truly became my bestfriends.

Any favorite memories, from running with your bestfriends?

My two closest friends, Caitlin and Ashley, not only were my teammates, but also my roommates. I loved those weekends that we would go out for breakfast and then have our ritual roomy run!  We always ran on a trail along the Allegany River and explored the woods around campus.

 

How does it feel, being a Bonnie?

Being a Bonnie, is like being in a little community, a little bubble.  The Bonnie Bubble!  You have a certain connection with someone, when you say you are a Bonnie.  It is a great little family community, where everyone loves each other.

 

What was your favorite part about being on the team?

Traveling to other colleges around the country was incredible.  We went to Notre Dame, such a gorgeous campus!  I also really enjoyed beautiful, Charlotte, North Carolina.  My favorite trip was to Saint Louis!  We went up in the Arch, absolutely terrified out of our minds!  Then, the team took pictures all around Saint Louis, as tourists.  The race, on the other hand, was actually the muddiest course I ever ran!  After every race, we went to our favorite restaurant, Olive Garden.  The endless pasta bowl, yum! :D

Did you do anything special before a race?

The team would huddle, and say a prayer like Hail Mary.  If there was a home meet, we always had a spaghetti dinner the night before with our entire team and coaches.   One time we had a meet near an outlet mall, and we convinced our coach to take us shopping!

What was your favorite home meet?

Little three, with Niagara and Canisius!  That was always so much fun, everyone received a finisher shirt afterwards.

What is your favorite running apparel?

Always and forever, I will run in Asics and Brookes sneakers!  Those are my definite go to brands.  If I am  running in cold, the best is always Under Armour apparel, shorts over running tights!  In warmer months, I want to wear as minimal clothing as possible with everything very tight fit.  My absolute favorite running tank top is a very light, breathable fabric. 

How do you cross-fit?

Barre classes are the best.   Ballet, was my passion for such a long time.  Incorporating dance techniques with my training makes me very happy.  Every week, I need to take my Barre classes!  Strength and Flexibility!!

What do you wear to Barre?

Everything lulu lemon, with my special dance sox! 

How do you style your hair?

I throw it up in a ballerina bun, pony tail, anything to keep hair out of my face!

Do you have a running bucket-list?

Yes!! I would absolutely love to run the Disney Princess Half-Marathon one day.  I also hope to run a 5k, everywhere I travel!  My upcoming races are the Seneca Seven, with all of my friends from work.  Then, the Race for the Cure 5k and Boiler Maker 15k this summer!

Photography, courtesy of Kimberly Fuller.

That Pretty Runner

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