BethAnn Zarembski, 48
Self-employed Hairdresser for 24 years

I've been running for 5 years. 

I started running because I developed epilepsy. I reached a point when trying to find the right medicine to help me that I could not drive for a period of 2 years. I started walking and walking turned into running.

If I could no longer run, I would continue to work out to stay in shape.  I would volunteer my time with events like Special Olympics where I could encourage others less fortunate than me.

My favorite run is the Goofy Challenge in Florida. I enjoyed the excitement, crowd, drama and the feeling of absolute respect for my fellow runners who gave everything they had for 39.3 miles.

I like to run with everyone.  Even though I am not able to hear what people are saying during the run, I enjoy being part of the group runs.  It’s kind of an extended family.

My favorite thing to do after a hard workout is to relax.  After long runs in cold weather, because of not having enough body fat, I looove to take loooooong hot baths. I don't get along with the cold!

When I'm not running I like to spend time with my family. I enjoy spending time with my oldest son, Matthew, a chef, who teaches me about food and how to cook.  To do long drives to visit my daughter, Noelle, who's a senior at Western Illinois University and my son, Andrew, who's a freshman at Northern Michigan University. 

Outside of spending time with my family, I love to workout!  Having a variety of workouts always keeps me interested.  I like to try new things in order to push myself to the next level.

I am inspired by my husband, Dave.  A very positive person is not hard to see.  He has encouraged me from the very beginning of my training, starting with weights and then running.  Seeing quick results in my first few months really built my confidence.  It’s kind of funny that in high school I always cheered for the athletes never thinking of myself as one of them.  Now 30 years later I feel better than ever before.  Jared Schomberg (Sgt. Brutal) is also my inspiration.  He was the one who whipped me into shape at Boot Camp and for my marathon.  He really helped me focus on my goal.

I am also inspired by people like Ron Leonhardt who has also trained me for my marathons.  I love his enthusiasm and how it motivates people.  Brian Miller, Brian “Faaasst”, Jeff Miller, Connie (Con-Knee) Marsh, Jim Bove and Paul Pinzzarone who seems to all have busy active lives and still find the energy to be a positive influence to others around them.

Running has helped me overcome some of the physical challenge of my epilepsy and my hearing loss.  I have battled with a low self esteem at times.  Running has helped train my body and my mind to push through things that in the past would defeat me.  I’ve learned to set my sights on a goal and never give up until I reach it.

The local runner I most admire is.....There are too many to mention.  I just love them all!!  To make a pick I would say Brian Miller because he enjoys running so much and makes it fun.  He runs with all levels of runners without any problems. No matter what, he always has an encouraging word for everyone to hear.

To push myself on a run, I....In one respect I’m very fortunate because when I take off my hearing aids I can’t hear a thing.  This totally helps me be inside myself and focused on giving everything I have. The secret for me is to just block everything out.

Both my Milwaukee Marathons were my greatest accomplishment.  From mile 19 to 26.2, I practically crawled my way to the finish line both times.  Next time I am considering roller running shoes.

I would like to have my overall average running pace improve over last year.  I’d also like to improve on my discipline so I can set a race plan, train for it and then actually follow it during a race instead of throwing it over in the bushes after the first mile.

My advice to other runners is to set yourself a realistic goal, set up a training schedule, stick to it, have fun doing it, never give up and above all thank God for the grace to do what you do.

 I plan to run until....I am unable to push my husband around in his wheelchair any more!

Enjoy your life and God Bless You All!