Ramblings of a Random Runner

Please join Capital City Runners in welcoming
this month's Random Runner

Leo Sanchez-Thurber

CCR:  What was your dream job as a child?

Leo:  As I think back to my childhood, I remember that I wanted to be a pilot and fly commercial planes.  The dream would have been great, except that I am terrible at math and directions!!! So, who knows where my plane may have ended if I were the pilot.  Okay, so it was my dream!

CCR:  What is one of your most awesome running memories?

Leo:  My proudest moment was running/walking the Disney Half Marathon with my husband in 2009.  It was the same year that we also did the Goofy.  It is a memorable and proud moment for me, because it was the only race that my husband and I had the opportunity to run together.

Leo and her daughter, Briallen,
at Disney's "Everest Expedition."

CCR:  What is your current occupation?

Leo:  I am a Communications Manager for Bank of America Merrill Lynch and work with the treasury sales team in Latin America and the Caribbean. I absolutely love my job and the experience of working with associates around the globe.  In addition, my job affords me the opportunity and flexibility to work from home as needed.

CCR:  If money were no object, what would you love to do?

Leo:  I would be spending my time working as an advocate for children.  I would also love to experience working in the mission field and serving others.

CCR:  What is your indulgence of choice?

Leo:  I have way TOO many indulgences, but my favorite has to be sweets.  Either red velvet or carrot cake, definitely.

CCR:  Do you have one favorite non-running hobby?

Leo:  I love spending time with my family and watching comedy movies!!

CCR:  What are some of your most recent "reads"?

Leo:  Some of my favorite books that I have recently read are Redeeming Love, The Help, Hunger Games series, The Shack, Precious, and anything by Mitch Albom.

CCR:  Do you have any particular running Inspiration or motivator?

My inspiration has to be my husband and daughter.  I remember when I ventured out to do my first marathon, after just barely getting off the couch and only having done a 5K!!! What was I thinking?!!  My husband was very supportive and my biggest cheerleader while I trained as well as on the day of the marathon.  He would always tell me that I could do it and he believed in me!!!  On November 18, 2012, my husband went out for a run and never returned home--it was the day he died.  My inspiration continues to be my husband--I can still hear him cheering me on and telling me that I can do it!!!

Mother-Daughter Dinner Date

CCR:  Do you have a "Perfect Day" somewhere in your mind?

Leo:  My perfect day would be getting up in the morning, spending time with my daughter, exercise and then watching a comedy movie.

CCR:  What is your biggest challenge to staying motivated?

Leo:  My biggest challenge is finding the inner motivation to exercise. It has been wonderful having an amazing network of friends who have held me accountable for working out.

CCR:  How has Capital City Runners been a positive component of your running career? 

Leo:  I would like to thank Capital City Runners for all the help to our family as we purchased several pairs of shoes from the store.  The experience(s) has been amazing and we have thoroughly enjoyed our shoes.  My husband, daughter, and I have all bought shoes and I was even been able to bring my mother in to get fit and she was able to find a pair of shoes that fit comfortably, after not being able to wear sneakers for a long time.  Many thanks!!!!