GRC Team - Aug 2022 Newsletter
Athlete Feature
Tricia DeNardis
Midlothian, VA
How did you become a runner?
I started running when I was in 8th grade, just around my neighborhood with my dad! I remember at the beginning I couldn't make it far and each day he would have a goal for me to reach "one more mailbox", soon enough I was running laps around the neighborhood. I went on to run XC and track through high school and then got into marathons in college after they dropped the XC team my freshman year.
What does a typical training day look like for you?
I have 3 little kids (6,4 and almost 2) so my days start pretty early before the chaos begins 😉 I typically get up between 4:30 and 5 and hit the pavement. I love having that time for myself before switching back into mom mode.
We want to know all about your recent Half Marathon PR! Tell us about how the race went and your journey to get there.
This was a really awesome surprise for me, as I haven't raced a half in a while and this particular race (The Ashland Half Marathon) is advertised as "Summer's Hottest Half", it lived up to it's name on race day where temps were recorded in the mid 80's at the start of the race, humidity off the charts. I am training for the Richmond Marathon in November and wanted to get a race in to grease the wheels a bit. Coach Neely had me hold it back a bit during the first half and then aim to push it the second. I raced 100% by feel, only glancing at my watch a few times and even with the heat and hills, beat my PR by 3 min (and beat my previous race time here by 5 minutes...14 years ago!) I was really happy with this as it's been a tough year coming back from injuries, postpartum and low iron/ferritin. It was great to feel like ME again!
What's your proudest running moment?
100% my proudest running moments have come after having my kids. Every training run, every race, is so much more rewarding knowing all of the work it has taken to just tie up my laces and get after it. I ran my first full marathon in 7 years over the spring, and I honestly teared up those final miles just thinking about each of my pregnancies, all of the stroller miles and the journey it's been becoming a mother. Running is not something I ever take for granted.
What’s next on your race calendar?
The Richmond Marathon in November!
What’s your “why” when it comes to the daily grind?
My kids are absolutely at the center of my "why". Running and the daily grind not only gives me the time I desperately need for myself, but it makes me a better wife, a better mother and I love the example it sets for them. Running is just as big of a part of their lives as it is mine, and I love that I get to share it with them.
What advice would you like to share with the Get Running team?
For the mother runners in particular- you guys are rockstars. Whenever you are doubting yourself or feeling unsure of your potential and capabilities, just remember how much you've accomplished already. Not only did you grow humans (you bada$$, you!), now you get to show them how your determination and grit out there on the roads can translate to all areas of life. If you can do it, they can too. They're always watching us...keep on running ❤
You can follow Tricia on IG @burpeesandburpcloths
Race Results
Half Marathon
Steph G - 2:29
Tricia D - 1:36
Julie H - 1:20
10K
Shannon P - 52:04
Kara F - 40:10
5K
Taylor B - 23:40
Danny P - 22:50
Kelly B - 21:04
Other
Katie C - 5:32 (Pearl Street Mile)
Lauren Y - 30:10 (4mi)
Mike F - 5:53 (1mi)
Kara F - 5:21 (1mi)
Mike F - 12:29 (2mi)
Oriana M - 53:00 (Falmouth RR)
Katy S - 1:15 (10mi)