Deanna Menzies, 32
Mother of 2 boys/Teacher

I've been running for...

20 years.

I started running because...

I loved it!   My dad spray painted lines for me to run around our block which was around a 440 (400 meters in today's definition)  That was about the 4th grade. He just loved being involved with all of my sports. Also, the school I went to had an excellent X-Country and Track program.

If I could no longer run I would...

Seek medical help!  No really, I would swim a lot more.  I have found a lot of enjoyment in swimming since I was recently injured. 

My favorite run is...

When I go home to Florida and run lake to lake or, of course, the beach.  It is usually hot!  But, it is a beautiful run and brings back good memories.  I also like that first snow fall of winter run when it is not too cold, maybe 30.  It is so quiet, peaceful, and invigorating.  Don't get me wrong I can't wait for Spring to come right now. 

My favorite thing to do after a hard workout is...

Eat!  I love my food!  Breakfast is great after a long Saturday run! 

I like to run with...

I really enjoy the group I run with early mornings. They are so much fun and very entertaining!  They also push me to run harder even when I am tired.  There is no better feeling then having a run finished by sunrise.  You almost forget you ran by the end of the day!

When I am not running I like to...

Spend time with my family, go out for a nice dinner and travel.  And of course, plan my next run.

I am inspired by...

My children inspire me to continue to run.  I want them to see my passion for running and that running is a part of my everyday life. 

Running has gotten me through the winters living here.  I moved here from Florida and did NOT like the cold weather.  The first couple years I ran on the treadmill.  Thirty minute runs were just not doing it for me, so I decided to toughen up and get out there.  I love running in the winter now.  It actually makes the winter go faster for me.  It has helped me to appreciate all of the seasons.  (With the exception of this winter.  It has been way to cold.)

The local runner I most admire is...

Regina.  It doesn't matter how long the run, she always looks good.  She also juggles a job and family, yet still makes time to train for marathons and races.  It is obvious she loves to run.  I also admire Brian Miller, as many people do.  He will run with anyone to help them become a better runner.  He is an amazing runner but he never thinks he is too good to run with other people. 

My greatest running accomplishment was...

At a younger age when I broke the High School Girls Fl. State record in the 4X400.  And at 32, qualifying for the Boston Marathon. However, I will never forget how great it felt to finish my first marathon.

I got injured a month after qualifying.  The injury had me almost convinced I would not be running Boston this Spring.  It nagged on me for at least 6 months.  In January it was finally healed enough that I could start with some shorter runs.  I have slowly built up my miles ever since.  I just recently finished my second 20 miler. 

I want to have a good racing season which includes my upcoming Boston Marathon.  I would like to do this injury free.

During my recovery I felt depressed among many other things.  I felt like swimming and biking were not enough to keep me in shape.  Every so often I would run, which would set me back for a couple weeks.  My husband is more than happy that I am running again.  He says I am a much more pleasant person to live with when I am running.

While recuperating I liked to ride the bike with our Saturday running group.  Or, I would go in the YMCA and workout (ie:swim, elliptical) until I knew they were back from their run. This made me feel better psychologically like I was staying in good condition with them.

I missed the sense of balance running gives me.  I also missed being with other runners and talking running.

Running makes me a better person in every area of my life.

As many Veteran runners have told me... “run for life.”  Listen to your body.  Rest when it needs rest. (Easier said then done)  Running on an injury will only prevent you from making this a life long sport.

Be thankful for your legs.  We are so blessed to be able to run.

I plan to run until my body no longer allows me to do so.