Member Spotlight - Jaclyn E

Happy New Year MRTT friends! This month’s member spot light is from a member of the Marketing and Social Media Committee. I met Jaclyn the morning of the Jackson 50/50, 50K. I found her to be creative (see costume picture) and with the intensity to achieve some spectacular goals. In addition to her laser like focus, I know she will go the distance to make sure that the people under her watch as a health care professional truly get better. I can’t think of anyone else that I would want at the helm of a care center for our bravest individuals.  

Name: Jaclyn E.

Hometown: New York City

Family: Husband Fred, son Oscar Leo (age 4), Remo the dog

Why do you Run?

I was never going to run again after I completed the Triple Crown and Mini several years ago. I only did it to check a box, and I had no love for running (especially training, which I barely did) at all. After having my son, I could not get my workout mojo back. Things I usually loved, like weights, yoga, and gym classes, were not doing it for me. I decided to give running a try again, and found the love of it, both for the “me” time, and later, for the camaraderie of other runners.

Favorite non-running workout:

Favorite non-running activities are kickboxing, group strength classes like kettlebells or circuits, and hot yoga.

Favorite Training Plan:

Favorite training plan is Hanson’s, with Higdon as a second.

Where is your favorite place to run and why?

I like variety in my runs, so my favorite place is where ever I did not run yesterday.

What is the one thing you absolutely need to run?

A lot of people know I love SparkleSkirts, but I actually can run without them....if I have to. While I have a few styles of shoes, tops, sports bras, and other gear, Injinji toe socks are my must-have for every run.

What’s your opinion of perfect running weather?

Perfect running weather is 8 am, 50 degrees with low humidity, light breeze, and sunny. So basically, I need to move to San Diego since we only get that about 10 days a year!

What is your favorite post-run indulgence?

If I really, really, really earn it, I indulge in a shake from Chick Filet. Flavor depends on mood.

Favorite running song that gives you strength?

I am not into music when running, but if I was, my power songs would probably be in the club/house genre.

What was your favorite race and why?

I have so many favorite races! My favorite half is RTB for the beauty, expo, organization, swag, and activities. Favorite trail is Backside because the aid stations are amazing and the course is easy to navigate. And of course, I love Disney races for the entertainment, swag, and, believe it or not, PR potential.

What is your bucket list race

Bucket list race is the Dramathon (who wants to do a girls trip to Scotland with me in 2019?)

At what point did you start to call yourself a “runner”?

I started thinking of myself as a runner when I realized I was excited to run just for the fun of it. It is hard to let go of the notion that a “runner” is someone who does it for a living, not as a hobby, though!

What do you tell yourself to keep going during a tough run?

What keeps me going is setting a goal that I actually want to achieve myself, and focusing on the outcome when the running gets rough.

What have you struggled with during your running journey and did you find a solution?

I struggled with an injury a little over halfway through my training cycle for Chicago. The recovery went slowly, I got bronchitis, and re-injured myself with just 6 weeks to go. I allowed myself to be upset and over-dramatic for a day, then picked myself up, consulted some friends and experts, and readjusted my goals (which I subsequently crushed).

What three things do you most want to accomplish (running or non-running related)?

3 things I want to accomplish are to achieve a balance in the key areas my husband and I set goals in annually, improve the health of veterans by exceeding all of the care targets we are measured on, and PR my 5k and half times this year.

Day 1: 5K
Day 2: 10K
Day 3: Half Marathon
Day 4: 26.2
Day 5: 10K
Garmin Total: 52.39 miles!!!!!