Deborah Lynne Hayes, 38
AKA "Southern Coyote" or "Tarzanna"
Certified Personal Trainer, YMCA

Other job titles include "Mom" and "Jack of all Trades."
 
I have been running for approximately 2 and a half years.

I started running because I noticed how much fun folks were having hanging out around the stretching mats at the Y. Different groups of people were laughing, teasing each other and joking around constantly. I mistook Chris Overton for Cathy Stewart, and simply walked up one day and said "Hi Cathy!” Luckily, Cathy felt pity on me and properly introduced us a few days later.
 
If I could no longer run, I would learn to row and train for the Rock the Regatta in October. I would hike through mountain ranges, and learn to camp under the stars. As long as I can move, breathe hard, and inhale the fresh air, I am happy. Someday I hope to move toward the East Coast. Perhaps explore the Blue Ridge Parkway or hike the Appalachian Trail with my children when they are older.
 
My favorite run is and always will be the "Hobo Run." Who can resist all those people scattering throughout Rock Cut like a pack of insane coyotes?

I like to run with anyone and everyone.

I like to run with the 'newbie's' who are brave enough to run with Tarzanna. It is well known that Tarzanna always gets lost and ends up doubling their previous long run. I like to run with experienced runners who force me to push harder and learn the trails. I even like to run by myself as the stars fade and the sun rises.

Something most people don't know about me is that I hate posing for pictures. Despite my desire to socialize and meet new people, I am terribly camera shy! Posing for pictures is not really in my comfort zone.
 
My favorite things to do after a hard workout is eat and power nap. Thirty minutes later, I am usually back up again. Of course, that second cup of coffee helps.
 
When I am not running, I like to watch the cooking channel, run to the grocery store, and pretend that I am Rachel Ray. Bring on the red wine
and sauté, sauté, sauté!
 
I am inspired by my cheerful running group, the Coyotes, the YMCA mid- morning running group, Road Crew, and the Rockford Road Runners.

One of the obstacles I've overcome with my running is my ability to take stress and throw it out the window. Seriously, I feel a sense of calmness and peace after I run. Children's misbehavior or the car suddenly acting up doesn't automatically throw me for a loop anymore.
 
It's almost impossible to choose which I local runner I admire most. Many of us have overcome multiple obstacles and encouraged and motivated others who were also struggling.

To push myself on a run, I purposely pick out a group of faster paced people. Once a week, I 'pop' up and attempt to keep up with the pack for 3, then 3.5, then 4 miles. On Sundays, I love trying to match the fast pace of Dan Bingley, Tonya Thayer, Jeff Miller or Brian Freuchtenicht. Luckily, they have pity on the rest of us and stop for 'conversation.'
 
My greatest running accomplishment has not happened yet. I have attempted a simple 4-mile winter handicap, the 15.5 mile hobo run (what a gap between those two!), a ten mile run and finally a half marathon. In fact, this year is a great year for personal records and setting the standards.

My next goal is to race a much shorter trail run, and stretch these road runner legs! I love racing downhill and Bryon Fest sounds like it would be
a challenging race.
 
My advice to other runners would be "Study form first!" Proper form prevents injuries. Whether it's watching some of the more experienced runners, researching the "Pose" training style or the "Chi" running style, learn form first. Practice short quality runs (also - bug Jeff Wilmarth to death! Call him coach!)
 
I plan to run until the dirt trails no longer exist. I just started a mid week trail running group up at Rock Cut for the summer. I would like to lead a “Trail Running 101" beginners group through the Black Hawk Springs area.
Basically, running improves the quality of my life. Now, who doesn't want that?