Get to know Sokha

How long have you been involved with running?
I am one of those people that would sign up for 5Ks because friends were running it or it had a cool name or theme or just because I felt like I was sitting on my ass a lot. 
After joining GNRC, I run a lot more, but I’m still that same person, just bigger races now. I’m not sure if that answered the questions, but I think it gives a better sense of who I am as a runner.

What got you involved with running?
I never could run a 5K without walking or stopping for a breather. For a while, that was my goal. It felt great the first time I completed a 5K without walking.

How many days a week do you usually run?
Probably 3 days, but during the winter, probably less.

What is the greatest distance you have raced?
The Ocean Road 10K was the longest race. It was a cold start, but I felt really great during the race. The beach view was nice.

What is one of your most memorable race/ event and what made it so special?
The Philadelphia Marathon. While I only ran the 8K, it was really fun to travel with the team to another state and run. Everyone looked after one another and supporting each other. What made it special was when Elissa crossed the finish line and the announcer says “and here comes a banana”; I said to the strangers around me “and there goes my wife”. Everyone laughed and I had to split. (There’s a nice banana pun for you).

Do you always enjoy going out for a run? 
Nope. Double nope for when it’s cold.

What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
If I told someone I was going to run with them. If there is food after the run. If there is beer after the run. If I ate a lot of junkie food recently.

What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
I haven’t really started yet, but I’m training for my first half marathon in May.

What are some of you long term running goals?
Eventually, I’ll run a marathon. Eventually.

Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how you managed to get over it?
I was never really good at running and couldn’t run a 5K without walking. After just running more and more of them, I was able to do it.

How long have you been a member of GNRC?
I think for about a year now.

What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC? 
It’s all about the people. Everyone is great, kind, and always looking out for each other. We all come from different backgrounds and have difference views, but manage to come together through our love of running.

Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
It was the first GNRC holiday party. Elissa and I were still fresh into our relationship. There was a Yankee swap gift exchange at this event. Someone already opened a Moscow mule mug and I made it very clear that I had my eye on it and was going to swap for it on my turn. My turn came up and I picked up a gift and opened it. Jeff W., who brought the gift, had a smirk on his face. Elissa embarrassed; tried to dig her face into the sofa. The gift was “Elissa/Banana” themed. There was a magnet photo of Elissa finishing a race and several other banana things. Everyone was quiet as I looked towards the Moscow mule mugs, then to the “Elissa/Banana” gift, then to Elissa. I felt like Frodo (Lord of the Rings) when he put on the ring for the first time and was in another world where time was moving much slower. Finally, I said, “I’m going to keep my gift”. I don’t know how life would have been with the Moscow Mule mug, but I certainly do enjoy my life with Elissa. Fin.
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In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
I definitely run more and have more motivation. For me, it’s really good getting advice from members on how to improve.