Tell us a little about yourself…

Hawaii Kai born and raised, I’m currently living in Waikiki with my boyfriend, which makes running around Diamond Head to train for the Honolulu Marathon super convenient! Accountant by day, Pure Barre and running enthusiast by night/early morning (but always working on ways to get out of the numbers game so I can just barre and run all day, every day!).

How long have you been running?

I took up running in October 2014 just before the big 3-0 and haven’t looked back since.

Please list your favorite races and PR’s

Hands down, my favorite race (not that I’ve done a whole lot of them, really) is the Walt Disney World Marathon – where else can you run through four Disney parks, plus take photos with awesome characters, PLUS ride Expedition Everest DURING 26.2 miles?

PRs:

Honolulu Marathon 2016 4:17:15

Hapalua 2016 1:53:47

runDisney Dr. Strange 10k 2016 50:19 (and that included picture stops… I’m still kicking myself because if I hadn’t taken pictures with Captain America, I probably would have placed that race!)

What are your 2017 Racing plans and running goals?

Big races this year are Hapalua, Hibiscus Half, and Honolulu Marathon, then I’ll probably add in another Disney race for good measure!

Any “bucket list” races?

runDisney Marathon Weekend Dopey Challenge – 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon on consecutive days. Timing is hard because of work, but I’d love to run that one!

What is your average weekly mileage?

Usually around 30-35, but lately, wayyyy less!

What is your favorite workout?

I really love long runs, once I get my butt out the door! I’m not fancy enough for real workouts yet!

Favorite pre-race/post-race foods

Peanut butter on sweet bread or on a bagel with a banana before a race seems like it’s my good luck charm.

What is the piece of running gear/food/drink that you cannot go without?

I love my injinji toe socks, and on a long run more than 13 miles, I usually bring some Fig Newtons with me, but I’m definitely going to use this year leading into the Honolulu Marathon to really nail down fueling and gear. All suggestions welcome!

What is your favorite running moment or running quote?

Running down that last stretch along Kapiolani Park for 2016 Hapalua and seeing the clock time displaying 1:58 was amazing, cause then I knew I ran even faster than that, which meant a new PR!

Describe your running before HRL and after

Before HRL, I’d basically just run 4 or 5 miles maybe 4 days at the same 9:00-ish pace, plus a longer run (depending on what I was training for) on Saturdays at the same 9:00ish pace. With Coach Michael and HRL, I’m getting feedback for the first time ever, and I’m mixing up the paces and distances. Without HRL, I honestly don’t know if I’d have been able to get in those last long runs before Honolulu Marathon.

Why does training with Hawaii Running Lab work for you?

Coach Michael is awesome! Gives fantastic pep talks for those moments where you have a tiny breakdown and doubt that you can go on the longest training run of your life… Not that I’d know anything about that! I love that my training is tailored just for me, and that if I need some feedback or help adjusting my schedule, we’re totally able to do that.

Do you have an Instagram/twitter handle that you would like us to include with your profile?

IG: _xoxo_rach