Get to know Tracy

How long have you been involved with running?
I’ve been running off and on since high school when I joined the track team in 10th grade and have had a love hate relationship ever since.
What got you involved with running?
I have always enjoyed exercising and running was something that I could do when I didn’t have access to a gym. It was also something my friends would do and running has always been social event for me.
How many days a week do you usually run?
I typically run 4-5 days/week.
What is the greatest distance you have raced? My greatest running distance was a marathon, but my greatest racing distance was 70.3, which was a half iron man.
What is one of your most memorable race/event and what made it so special?
I would have to say the Boston Marathon because I had always dreamt of running it when I was child. I remember going to the race every year as a child with my family and cheering on the marathoners. I knew someday I would run it, and having my family there at the same spot I stood as a child was extremely gratifying and symbolic for me.
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
Not always, but I always enjoy the feeling after I get finished with the run.
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t
feel like going out on a run?
Tricia, Sue and Cooper (my 135lb 4-year-old Golden Retriever) and knowing how good I feel when it’s done and how guilty I feel when I blow it off.
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
Good health and gratitude for having the ability to run.
What are some of your long-term running goals?
To have fun and enjoy running. Life is VERY busy with 3 very active children, a full-time job,
some part-time jobs and studying for my PhD.
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how
you managed to get over it?
Two and half years ago I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer and had to undergo surgery, weekly chemo for 3 months and daily radiation for 7 weeks. I overcame it by having a positive attitude, never giving up hope, having family and friend support every step of the way and an amazing health care team. I don’t know if I will ever “get over it”, but I won’t allow it to take over my life, instead I choose to live life to its fullest and enjoy what I CAN do and not what I CAN’T do.
How long have you been a member of GNRC? Hmmm… I think around 10 years?? Very good question.
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC?
I love the social aspect and knowing there is always a run you could join in
on. I have made some very special friendships in this club that I know will
last a lifetime.
Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
 Yes! My FAVORITE GNRC EVENT – The 3-mile Thanksgiving Day Run, that I would like to take partial credit for co-founding ;-) I remember the first year we proposed meeting for a run Thanksgiving morning and the past GNRC President Michael Gilio suggesting we follow it up at “the heaven” for a beer or two. I will NEVER forget the look on the bartender and the regulars faces when we walked in, it was like we just busted in on a private Thanksgiving Dinner, which we kind of did… But each year we come back the shock gets less and less, I think. They may even look forward to seeing us now… I know I look forward to the run and beer every year!
In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
When I first joined the club, I would say speed, I was NEVER a fast runner, but 10 years ago, I was fast (in my eyes) and I owe that to the club. Today, the friendships I have made outweigh any speed and now I am just plain thankful to know I can wake up every day and go for a run if I choose.