A little bit about me

I thought it best to jump in before I go too far and tell you a little bit about myself.

I am a 42 year old wife and mother of 3 beautiful, smart and talented girls. My husband, Mark, is my best friend and partner in Marathon Makeover. He supports us with his "real" job as a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Mark and I met in college about 25 years ago. 3 years later we were married and have just celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary this past June.

We were blessed with twin girls after 5 years of marriage - they have truly been a joy! A little over 7 years later, our third daughter arrived and added even more happiness and excitement to our lives.

I have been a stay at home mom and have faced the challenges of working from home in the area of sales while juggling three kids and one husband.

When Mark came up with the idea of training for and completing a marathon, I did not even consider my participation in it being any more than that of a cheerleader. Little did I know, with a little encouragement from a friend, I would begin this journey with him and many others.

At the time that I began to train, I had no prior athletic experience whatsoever. I was a cheerleader in high school, not a track star! As an adult, I enjoyed spurts of activity such as periodic gym memberships, occasional aerobics and walks around the block. In other words, I was not and did not ever intend to be - a runner.

My journey towards my first finish line began with one single step out of my front door as part of my first mile of training. Yes, I began my marathon training by WALKING ONE MILE. That is where we start all of our Marathon Makeover participants.

36 weeks after I took that first step, I finished the 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. I learned a lot along the way and 5 years later, I am still learning as I go. I may not know much when all is said and done, but I do know this - I am a marathoner!