How did you connect with the trail running club?
I found my way to the Indiana Trail Running Association thanks to Steve Kaminski. We used to work together in downtown Indianapolis, and one day, the topic of running came up. He asked if I ran and invited me to join him for a run. That led to my first Wednesday night meetup at Fort Harrison, where I met other members and quickly felt at home. Before long, I became a member myself, and the rest is history!
How long have you served on the Board?
I’ve had the privilege of serving on the ITRA board for the past three years. Being part of the club in this way has given me the opportunity to connect with even more runners and contribute to the community in ways beyond just running. One of my favorite roles has been keeping everyone informed through the monthly newsletters—I love helping to share what makes this club so special.
What is one of your favorite memories with the trail running club?
One of my favorite memories is when a group of us signed up for the Yamacraw ultramarathon together. From the start line to the finish, it was such a fun experience—meeting up before the race, sharing the nerves and excitement, and celebrating afterward. The weather was perfect, and it gave me the chance to connect with club members I don’t always get to run with. There’s something really special about tackling a big challenge with friends by your side.
You were recently forced to take a break from running. How did the trail running community help you in your comeback and accomplishing your 50K?
Wednesday night club runs at Fort Harrison State Park became my therapy. After months away from running, I was struggling with motivation, but my trail-running friends pulled me back in. Together, we committed to training for a fall ultramarathon, using it as a way to stay accountable and push each other forward.
Originally, we planned to run a 50K in South Carolina, but hurricane-related trail damage forced us to change course. That’s how we ended up at the Fuzzy Fandango in Ohio. Race day was a whirlwind of nerves and excitement, but standing at the start line with my trail family, I felt a deep sense of belonging—something I hadn’t experienced in months. That day reminded me just how powerful this community is, and how much we can lift each other up when we need it most.
Where is your favorite place to run trails?
Fort Harrison State Park will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I went on my first run with Steve and met other club members who encouraged me to join. It’s where I had my first date with my husband. And, most memorably, it’s where he proposed. Beyond the personal significance, it’s just a beautiful place to run—challenging enough to keep things interesting but also peaceful enough to clear your mind.
What is your next race or adventure?
In May, I’m taking on the Born to Run ultramarathon in California—a 96-hour race that will be unlike anything I’ve done before. I’ve always wanted to race in California, and this seemed like the perfect challenge. I have no idea how many miles I’ll be able to cover in 96 hours, but that’s part of the fun! My sister and husband are joining me, and I’m hoping a few ITRA friends will take on the adventure, too.