Get to know Robie

How long have you been involved with running?
I have been running since 8th grade.  I ran cross country and spring track in high school and some of college.  I did take a couples years off when I had my girls, but started up again when Sam (youngest) was 2 week postpartum.  She’s 23 now.
What got you involved with running?
Basically, I wasn’t good at tennis and my whole family played tennis.  We had a court in our backyard and that’s all we ever played. However, I stunk so I tried something else.  (Being the youngest in my family and NOT a tennis star meant my folks never came to any of my meets… haha, don’t tell Mom I told you.)
How many days a week do you usually run?
Before I got hurt, I loved to say “well I’ve been running every day, except Yom Kippur, since Sam was 2 weeks postpartum.”  Now I run 4 days a week, with swimming and spin and I feel so much better. Pain-free!
What is the greatest distance you have raced?
I wouldn’t call it a race, but a ran a 50 miler once in Vermont.  It was beautiful and really hard, but worth the effort.
What is one of your most memorable race/event and what made it so special?
In 2013, I finished the Boston Marathon about 15 minutes before the terrorist attack.  Unfortunately, this will always be my most memorable running event since I was right there close to one of the bombing sites and my family was even closer.  I was so angry that someone would attack a bunch of runners. I will never forget that moment.
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
No of course not.  Every run is different.  Some seem easier than others - some seem long and difficult and cause you to poop in the woods.  All the talking we do does make more difficult runs easier.
What are some of the things that get you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
Running and now swimming and spinning are the way I get up in the morning.  It’s a habit now and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Plus, I love seeing everyone and talking about what’s up - politics, family, pets, jobs, weather, the British Monarchy etc.
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
Let’s see there’s: Ragnar, a 8 day running adventure, Brussels Marathon, a 45 miler and Millinocket.  Just a few things to fill up the year!
What are some of your long term running goals?
I want to try a tri!  And run until I’m dead.
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how you managed to get over it?
Last year at this time, I was in a boot with stress fractures.  I was very depressed and often cried and felt sorry for myself. I continued working out in the pool and on the bike.  Even went to Blue Hill and did fast walk hill repeats. The workouts helped save me - mentally and physically, but I would NOT have recovered without all of the support and encouragement of our great club!
How long have you been a member of GNRC?
SInce 2013, after the terrorist attack on Boston.  A few of us joined at this time.
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC?
I was a lone runner for many years.  I would wake up every morning and run a loop one way or the other every morning, by myself.  Since meeting all the people of GNRC, I will never be a lone runner again. I enjoy everyone and love seeing them and catching up with people on their day-to-day lives.  Sometimes I feel like GNRC is my religion...
Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
Before I ran the 50 miler, Ariel had lots of you GNRCers make a video of encouragement and support.  (He did it again for the London Marathon!) These videos play again and again in my mind. Mary saying “You’re supposed to suffer.”  Terry’s son saying “Go Robie Go” over and over again!! These images remind me that the world is a good place filled with good people.  Thank you.
In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
The club has made running into a social event.  Sometimes we challenge each other during a run or at a race, but we all know that in the end it’s all about having fun and keeping in shape and eating french fries!  And tempos can be fun when you have someone to chase!