About

When my family moved from California to Illinois and our second child was born, I put my career as a graphic designer on hold and became a stay-at-home-mom. My kids became my life. Watching them grow and being there for them was a beautiful thing that I wouldn't change for the world. But as they grew, I found that I needed something. Something that was just for me.

On January 1st, 2010 I decided to start running.

My goal was to work up to 5 miles and run Chicago's Shamrock Shuffle 8k. And on March 21st, 2010, I did it!

Working up to that goal I discovered: running makes me happy, running gives me peace, running gives me balance, running makes me proud, running allows me to give.

From there I continued running on my own for a few months and in January 2011 joined a running group coached by Lisa Menninger. My next goal was to run a half marathon and deep down a full marathon. Really, a marathon?

With Lisa's training, I ran my first marathon in October 2011 in 3:59. Just under 4 hours.

On April 30, 2012 I ran my second marathon in 3:39. At 45 years old, I had a qualifying time to register for the Boston Marathon.

Not everyone aspires to run a marathon or even likes running for that matter.

My story may not be about running as much as it is about the feeling of accomplishment — when you accept the challenge to push beyond your self imposed limitations, you can really surprise yourself.

All the best to you in all that you do!

xo
Karyn