Lisa has been a Steeplechaser for some time and participated in several of our training programs. Recently, we welcomed Lisa as a Training Committee Chairperson. Below is a spotlight on Lisa’s running career in her own words.
Running has been part of my life since I participated in my school’s 2nd grade field day where I was able to beat the boys! With my newfound confidence, I started competing when I was eight.
As with many young runners, sprinting was more inviting than longer distances. In the 9th grade I wanted to try cross country, and while Title IX was a few years old, my school did not have a girls team. I did the next best thing and joined the boys team.
For three years, I was the only girl running with the boys. Those three years, the good and the bad, made me the runner I am today.
After high school, I continued my running at St. John’s University where I had the great privilege of running with and being coached by American record holders and Olympians.
After having raced everything from the 100m to the marathon (2 NYC), I was looking for a new challenge and began coaching. I have coached runners from 3rd grade through high school, including my two sons who have run both half-marathons and marathons.
I look forward to working on the Training Committee, continuing to build on the work that has already been done. The Spring Half-Marathon and the recent women’s 5K training groups have got me moving in the right direction for many more years of joy-filled running.
Have an idea or a person to highlight in our Member Spotlight series? Contact Barb at barb.meely@sandbox.steeplechasers.org!