Carrboro Run Club

Category: Runner of the Week (page 1 of 5)

Christianna Williams

Where are you from, and what brought you to the area?  I grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC, went to grad school at Duke (and met my husband) in the mid-eighties, and after
moving around for fifteen years had the opportunity to come back to NC (this time UNC!) in 2001 and have been here since then.

Why do you run?  I started running in college because it was the most time-efficient way to get exercise. I continue to do it because all of my closest friends are runners, and running for me now is a
time-efficient way to stay in touch with busy friends and get exercise.

Why did you decide to join Carrboro Run Club, how long have you been running with us, and what keeps you coming back?  I think I first started coming in 2018, when I was looking to find more group running opportunities that were not early in the morning. What has kept me coming back is friends, Steph, and Craftboro (including but not only the beer)!

Tell us about your best/worst/weirdest running moment:  I think my best running moment was being runner #12 (finisher) in the Blue Ridge Relay in 2009. Completing something so challenging as part of a team of some of my very dearest friends was an incredible high.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  I’ve always wanted to be able to fly – without a plane or any other equipment – so, perhaps I mean running without having to touch the ground.

If you could eat only one meal or food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  It’s a toss-up between popcorn and pimento cheese sandwiches (with homemade pimento cheese, of course!)

What is something you want people to know about you?  I love to bake.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  Retire way earlier than anyone expected me to (or than I probably should have).

Laura Sonday

Name:  Laura Sonday (pronounced just like Sunday/Sundae)

Where are you from, and what brought you to the area?  I’m originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. San Francisco, Santiago (Chile), and Ann Arbor are other places I’ve called home. I came to Carrboro after I was offered a job at UNC.

Why do you run?  To help offset the Trader Joe’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups that I eat every day, and to connect with kind and interesting people. It’s an open secret that I like runners more
than I like running!

Why did you decide to join Carrboro Run Club, how long have you been running with us, and what keeps you coming back?  A friend recommended CRC to me when I first moved here. I started coming in July 2021 and I keep coming back for the friendships I’ve made. It’s a great community, thanks to Steph’s leadership!

Tell us about your best/worst/weirdest running moment:  The worst was when I was mugged while running in broad daylight when I was in my 20s. It took me about six months to feel comfortable running outside again. On a lighter note, though it did not happen to me, this is the weirdest running moment I’ve ever heard of, and it still makes me laugh every time I think about it: https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a41196297/flock-of-sheep-follow-runner-on-the-trail/

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing  to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  Be fluent in all languages. I like to listen and chat with other people, and it would be wonderful to be able to do that with anyone.

If you could eat only one meal or food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Tofu tikka masala with garlic naan-- or pizza-- and homemade pie (raspberry, chocolate, or strawberry-rhubarb) for dessert.

What is something you want people to know about you?  I love to dance salsa and bachata! My running endurance is terrible. My dancing endurance is impressive! I also love to read, so anytime you have a good book recommendation, send it my way.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  I’m proud of the work I do in the classroom with my students. Thinking critically and establishing loving communities are both important skills. I’m glad to be in a position where I can work on these skills in myself and other people on a daily basis.

Jason McCarter

Where are you from, and what brought you to the area?  I grew up in Oklahoma then decided to escape by joining the Air Force. That brought me to NC in the early 90’s and has been my home since. 

Why do you run?  Running burns the calories making room for another beer (or two) and cookies. Plus, it helps with my mental and physical health.

Why did you decide to join Carrboro Run Club, how long have you been running with us, and what keeps you coming back?  Because Steph and the run club members are amazing and generous with their support for our community and Craftboro Brewing Depot. I’ve been a member of the Carrboro Run Club for almost 3 years and keep coming back because I’m kinda trapped 😊 Seriously, the friendships and the fun keep me coming back for more.  

Tell us about your best/worst/weirdest running moment:  Running on trails are some of my best running moments. It’s quiet, peaceful and meditative. This said, the weirdest moment had to be trail running and seeing someone with what-may-have-been an assault rifle hiking the same trail. I have to say I probably hit some PR’s that day.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  I would travel the world and ride bikes. Mostly trail bikes with the occasional road/gravel ride thrown in for fun. 

If you could eat only one meal or food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Nachos in their various forms.

What is something you want people to know about you?  I don’t really know what I’m doing but doing my best to learn and sort it out.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  Wake up, get out of bed and leave the house!

Tracy Eldred

Where are you from, and what brought you to the area?  From the Northeast, NY, NH, then VT, but I’ve lived in this area for 28 years. I came for a job at UNC.

Why do you run?  It started for me as just a way to exercise, but now it’s mostly about being social. I also love to run in the woods, even if I have to go by myself.

Why did you decide to join Carrboro Run Club, how long have you been running with us, and what keeps you coming back?  Christianna and Henrik already went to CRC, so we decided to try it. We come back because lots of friends do, Steph’s enthusiasm, and we also love Craftboro.

Tell us about your best/worst/weirdest running moment:  Most embarrassing? Once on a long run “in the country” with Amy I turned and looked down a driveway and saw a big dog. Even though it was quite far away and turned out to be just a statue, I screamed really loudly.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  I’d love to be better at playing the piano, without practicing, of course, because who has time for that?

If you could eat only one meal or food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Vegetarian sushi rolls.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  Ed and I hiked to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon last summer. It was amazing.

Emma Calabrese

Where are you from, and what brought you to the area?  I grew up in Louisville, Colorado, and moved to Chapel Hill in 2011 to start grad school at UNC.

Why do you run?  To prevent my body from permanently adhering to my couch’s microplush fabric cushion covers.

Why did you decide to join Carrboro Run Club, and how long have you run with us?  I first became a Fleet Feet Pub Runner in 2013 when I realized that, if I didn’t do something to reach beyond the weird, isolating, intense environment that is grad school, I might lose my mind. Little did I know that I would find a running community with its own brand of (fun) weirdness! From there, I followed Steph to The Station in 2016 and then to Craftboro in 2020, loyal disciple that I am.

Describe the most recent (appropriate ☺) photo you took with your phone:  Our new cat, Kiki!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you?  “Let’s add some more butter.” – various trusted people in my life

Favorite book? How about a book you think everyone must read? (They can be different.)  Because having to choose a single favorite book paralyzes me with indecision, I will just say that my original favorite is Ramona the Pest. RIP Beverly Cleary!

The last book I finished reading is Tommy Orange’s There There, and I would classify it as a must-read.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  K-Pop sensation.

If you could eat only one meal (not just a single food) for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Pasta with my dad’s pesto, a simple green salad the way my mom makes it, maybe some nice white beans on the side. A glass of wine.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know:  If I told you that, how would I maintain my air of mystery?

Obviously Pub Run has looked very different for the past year…

Did you pick up any new hobbies or interests during the pandemic?  I joined the Great Sourdough Craze of 2020 for approximately 3 months. My starter is now languishing in the refrigerator, hoping to be rediscovered one day.

Were there any silver linings that came out of the pandemic for you?  Feeling life slow down.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  After spraining my ankle this past winter, I recently ran again for the first time in a couple of months, and even though it made me very sore, I did it again a few days later. #perseverance #butwhy

Amanda Swanson

Where are you from?  I grew up in Jamestown, NY, which is about 1.5 hours south of Buffalo (go Bills!).  I completed my undergrad at Ohio Northern University in the rural village of Ada, OH - home to 2 stoplights, cornfields in every direction, and oddly enough, the only Wilson Football factory in the country.

How long have you lived in the area and why did you move here?  I moved here 9 months ago to start dental school at UNC. I have no prior connections to the area, but UNC was my dream school (not to mention NC seemed like a pretty great place to live) and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be here.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you?  Supportive, conscientious, and persevering.

Why do you run?  To challenge myself, get fresh air, and explore new places.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run?  To find new running routes in town and get involved outside of school. Huge shoutout to Steph for all the hard work she does to keep SPR so fun and exciting!

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run?  My favorite part is the people. I didn’t know anyone in the state of NC when I first moved here last summer; I’m really thankful for the friendships I’ve made and the intellectually stimulating conversations that I get to look forward to each week. One of the best things about SPR is how it brings together people from all different careers and stages of life.

Describe the most recent (appropriate) photo you took with your phone:  A scenic shot of Raleigh Street from my most recent bike ride.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you?  My middle school gym teacher once told me: “Everything you do in life, do your best.” Whether that’s working on your career, studying, being there for a friend, or even as simple as waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth for that full 2 minutes; if you’re not giving it your 100% effort, what’s the point?

Favorite book? How about a book you think everyone must read? (They can be different.)  It’s a tie between Life of Pi and Jurassic Park. [Side note: I went through a phase as a child where I would only read books about animals. I like to think that my interests have since diversified, but considering my favorites involve dinosaurs and a tiger… I guess old habits die hard.]

What is your most primary mode of transportation currently? (I like to think all the Pub Runners are smart commuters.)  Currently streaming classes online thanks to COVID-19. No transportation required.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  To be ambidextrous. This would do wonders for my career as a dentist.

If you could eat only one meal (not just a single food) for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Avocado toast with all the good toppings (egg, tomato, scallions, and Trader Joe’s EBTB seasoning).

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?  I’ve got nothing. I will try anything once, so if you see me at SPR, come give me your suggestions!

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know:  I have been training and showing dogs at American Kennel Club (AKC) dog shows since I was 9 years old. I was a nationally ranked junior handler for multiple years, and have qualified and competed at the Westminster dog show in NYC (that’s the one on TV) three times with my Australian Shepherds.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  This coming June, I will be competing at the AKC Rally/Obedience National Championship in Ohio with my dog, Smokin. I was so excited to qualify last year before moving here for dental school.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan:  “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall never be bent out of shape.”

Julia Brickey

Where are you from?  I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and did my undergrad at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Don’t miss the heat but I do miss the cacti!

How long have you lived in the area and why did you move here?  I moved to Chapel Hill in the summer of 2018 to start medical school at UNC. My parents and most of my extended family are from North Carolina, so I was happy to be closer to them.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you?  Spunky, driven, and loyal.

Why do you run?  Running keeps me (somewhat) sane and is a fun way for me to challenge myself. I am hoping that this will be the year I run my first full marathon!

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run?  My wonderful friend/roommate Chelsea introduced me to it. We have since recruited several more med students and have made Station Pub Run the ~official~ UNC med school running club.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run?  I never thought I enjoyed running with other people until I joined the Station Pub Run, but it’s so motivating to have a group of people to challenge/support you. And the beer definitely doesn’t hurt.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone:  A picture of the sunset from the fifth floor of Davis library.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you?  When I was growing up, my dad always told me “Don’t wish your life away – it goes faster than you think.” I hate to say it, but he was right.

Favorite book? How about a book you think everyone must read? (They can be different.)  My current must read is Educated by Tara Westover, but my favorite book would probably be All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. I am also a Harry Potter nerd and have read the whole series multiple times. It gets better every time!

What is your most primary mode of transportation currently? (I like to think all the Pub Runners are smart commuters.)  I used to walk to class but have recently taken up biking, which I am really enjoying it! It’s better for the environment & I hate driving, so it’s a win-win.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  I would love to be able to speak any language. I have been studying and practicing Spanish on-and-off for years and still find it challenging, but it is so valuable to be able to communicate in another language.

If you could eat only one meal (not just a single food) for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Thai red curry with veggies, fried tofu, and sticky rice. The sticky rice is essential.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?  Seaweed out of the ocean when I was kayaking near the San Juan islands. Probably would not recommend to a friend.

Do you collect anything?  I have a fairly extensive shot glass collection from different places that I have traveled.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know:  I am a certified scuba diver!

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  I am taking my first board exam for medical school in mid-February (yikes)!!

Please share your favorite quote or slogan:  “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. Cheesy but true.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?!  I’m very grateful for all the crazy Pub Runners out there for making Tuesday my favorite weekday!

Logan Treat

Where are you from?  I spent the first 10 years of my life near West Point, NY. Then my family moved to West MI where they say “if you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much.” I’m not Dutch…

How long have you lived in the area and why did you move here?  A year and a half. My wife, Sara, is one of the many (though in my book, the most extraordinary) UNC Medical School students at Pub Run. We moved here for med school.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you?  Committed, Critical, and Considerate (alliteration for the win).

Why do you run?  To get rid of my nervous energy and to delay heart disease.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run?  Can you say “beer?!”

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run?  Having other people to run with! It’s SO much better running with other people than by yourself.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone:  A puzzle my wife and I completed last week. It has lots of birds on it. I like birds.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you?  Søren Kierkegaard advocated for the teleological suspension of the ethical. Ask me about it sometime if you’re interested in having a good philosophical conversation. If not, that’s okay too.

Favorite book? How about a book you think everyone must read? (They can be different.)  Either “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky or “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck.

What is your most primary mode of transportation currently? (I like to think all the Pub Runners are smart commuters.)  Every morning I bike a mile to the bus stop and take the bus to work.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  To be a really talented jazz musician.

If you could eat only one meal (not just a single food) for the rest of your life, what would it be?  I really love breakfast food, so it would probably be big breakfast feast!: eggs, potatoes, bacon, sourdough toast, good coffee, etc.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?  Brain. It was gross.

Do you collect anything?  No. My hate of clutter precludes collecting things.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know:  I often wish I was a dog. It seems like it would be altogether better than being a human, somehow. Someone brings you food, takes you for walks, and scratches your head. What more could a person-become-dog want?

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  I am (hopefully!) about to publish a research paper in bacterial genetics. It will be my first peer-reviewed publication and is the culmination of over a year’s worth of lab work!

Please share your favorite quote or slogan:  Most recently it’s “Stand for something or fall for anything” attributed to Malcolm X.

Angela Fruik

Where are you from?  I grew up in a small town outside of Frederick, MD. My high school was surrounded on all four sides by corn fields!

How long have you lived in the area?  I moved to Carrboro in summer of 2016 to go to UNC for grad school, and then my husband and I decided to put down roots! We both love it here and have no plans to leave any time soon, even though that was our original plan!

What are three words your friends would use to describe you?  Dedicated, energetic, and organized.

Why do you run?  It started out as just another form of exercise. Now, it’s a combination of so many things: something I love, a social outlet, cheap therapy/stress relief, a way to push myself out of my comfort zone and try new things, an excuse to travel, something to keep me healthy, and a reason to drink beer on a Tuesday.  😉

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run?  I was recruited by Melissa Jensen. 🙂 We ran together in the Fleet Feet marathon training program, and she told me about SPR!

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run?  It’s a great group of people! I also love running in Carrboro, so the routes are a bonus! And, of course, the beer.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone:  I take a LOT of food pictures, so it’s surprising that my last photo isn’t of something I made/ate. But, it’s a picture of a lovely dirt trail along a creek in Umstead, where I ran on Sunday morning!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you?  I have no idea who exactly instilled this value in me, but I’m sure it’s actually been more than one person. “If it doesn’t make you happy, why are you doing it?”

There are plenty in things in life we HAVE to do – pay taxes, do laundry, take our car to the shop, clean our shower (anyone else hate that?) – that aren’t super fun. The choices we can make, like what we do for a living, the people we surround ourselves with, the things we do in our free time; these should be things that genuinely bring us joy. Otherwise, why are you doing them? Get rid of the bad energy and choose happy!

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  100% it would be teleportation. Imagine being able to go to Italy for a weekend with no travel time or costs!

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know:  I studied abroad in Russia in 2010, and now I’m really judgy on vodka.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  I graduated from UNC with my Master of Public Health in December and passed my exam to become a Registered Dietitian in February!

Anything else you’d like to share with us?!  I just ran my first 50k earlier this month, and I can’t wait to do another one!

 

Corrine McCarthy

Where are you from?  Orland Park, IL (Southwest suburbs of Chicago)

How long have you lived in the area?  2.5 years

What are three words your friends would use to describe you?  Dorky, profane, hungry

Why do you run?  To socialize, to stay fit, to justify my love of potato chips.

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run?  My friends from the DRG (Doug’s Running Group) were doing it, and I followed them.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run?  Winning all those raffles (jk lol)! For real, it’s all of the friends I’ve made.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone:  I took a picture of my homemade crispy tofu with broccoli. It’s very sexy for a vegan dish.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you?  “Just sign up for the full. The half will be too easy.” – Anne Mandeville-Long

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  I’d like to be able to make anyone laugh on command.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know:  I have a phobia of stickers and wet paper. That is why I will never carry a route on a run, unless I take a picture of it with my phone.

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  I convinced a group of people to sign up for a 50k in the mountains! Then I did the thing. The convincing part was what made me most proud, though, because I am an introvert.

Please share your favorite quote or slogan:  “Dare to be legendary today!!!!!”

Anything else you’d like to share with us?!  Thank you to Steph for organizing this wonderful group. It is truly the highlight of my week.

 

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