Friday, May 2, 2014

Tiffany Anderson is an "Overcomer" and May's Random Runner

The Random Runner for May has fought "the good fight" and survived and risen like a phoenix from the proverbial ashes.  Capital City Runners is happy to introduce Tiffany Anderson as this month's Random Runner.



CCR: When did you start really running? Why?
Tiffany: I ran short distances in middle and high school and then took a break from running for a while. I started running long distances in my thirties and finished my first marathon in January 2008.

CCR: How has running shaped you since then?
Tiffany: I think the goals I have set and achieved through running have contributed to the person that I am. In general, running makes me happy, and I think that spills over into the rest of my life

CCR: As a child, did you think running would be an important part of your life?
Tiffany: I’m not sure I thought running would be an important part of my life, but I always knew that exercise would be. I did not realize how important running was to me, until I had to stop doing it for a while because of health issues.

CCR: What is one of your most awesome running memories? i.e. proudest, favorite, most memorable...
Tiffany: I started training for a marathon through the Team in Training program in January 2007. I joined the program to honor my mother who has a form of leukemia. Unfortunately, I myself was diagnosed with cancer while training for that first marathon. I had to have major surgery, so my plans to complete that first marathon were postponed. My goal through the whole cancer ordeal was to get back out and start training again. So, when I finished my first marathon in January 2008, it was not only a personal victory, but also a “take that cancer” moment. To this day, every finish line I cross, I think to myself “take that cancer…you knocked me down, but not out.” I set another goal to finish a 140.6 mile triathlon before my five year, cancer-free date, and I achieved that goal in October 2011….another personal victory and “take that cancer” moment.
First marathon
Tiffany's First Marathon finish: Walt Disney World 15th Anniversary Marathon (2008)


140.6
Tiffany with local running enthusiasts, Kathy Fox and Shelby Augustyniak, at the finish line of the Great Floridian 140.6 Triathlon.














CCR: What is your weak point? Does it haunt your or drive you?
Tiffany: Right now my weak point is not being able to run like I want to because of health issues (no cancer…thankfully!!). I’m pushing through and I am determined that I will run another marathon one of these days soon

CCR: What do you like to do when you aren’t running? (Do you have a favorite non-running hobby?)
Tiffany: I enjoy cycling, swimming, and just recently took up paddle-boarding. I pretty much like to do anything that involves being outside

CCR: What do you do to pay your bills?
Tiffany: I am a pediatric nurse practitioner in the Pediatric ICU at TMH

CCR: If money were no object, what would you love to do?
Tiffany: Travel all over doing half marathons, marathons, triathlons…not only for the races, but to see new places.
Chicago
Post race refueling: Chicago-style deep dish pizza following the Chicago Marathon.

CCR: What are some of your most recent “reads”?
Tiffany: Truthfully, I don’t read a lot about running. I have a stressful job, so the things I read are fiction books that don’t involve a lot of thinking!! I do enough of that at work!

CCR: Who motivates you, and what inspires you to keep running?
Tiffany: Life motivates me. I believe that we should live every day to the fullest and find something positive and happy about each day. Running makes me happy, so I keep doing it!!

CCR: What is your idea of the perfect “running” vacation (or weekend)? A non-running vacation?
Tiffany: I think I have already had my perfect “running” vacation. For my five year cancer free milestone I went to Big Sur in California with several of my closest friends and we ran the Big Sur Marathon together. What a glorious run and the perfect place to celebrate life, friendship and the beauty this world has to offer.
Big Sur Finish
A celebration of life on the Monterey Coast following the 2012 Big Sur International Marathon.

CCR: How has Capital City Runners been a positive component of your running career/life-style?
Tiffany: I have learned a lot about my running style and proper equipment by talking to the staff at Capital City Runners.

Friday, March 28, 2014

the Running Route - March, 2014

Did you receive the latest edition of "the Running Route"?  If you want to be added to the e-mail list, drop Lori (Lori@CapCityRunners.com) a note and let her know.  You'll get your copy at your desk and be caught up on all the news.



Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Lisa and Mickey Wear HER Heart on Their Sleeves

Capital City Runners is honored to spotlight Lisa Cox and Mickey Phillips as this month's Random Runners.  Please be sure to thank them for sharing their story(s). 
CCR:  When did you start really running?  Why?
LISA:   I was on my kindergarten track team, but didn’t start running consistently until I was 15. My PE coach (Mrs. Durkin) noticed that I enjoyed running during PE and asked me to complete the Presidential Sports Fitness award in running, which consisted of running 125 miles in 90 days (a 2 ½ mile maximum daily).  In order to make sure I completed it all, I had to run on the top level of our new basketball gym, where 12 laps equaled one mile.  Ronald Reagan signed my award – ironically, Mickey Phillips has one signed by him too!  I mostly did it because my coach believed in me, but I was hooked after that! 
MICKEY: I ran randomly in 2012 and more regularly in 2013.  I mountain biked for many years and wanted to try something different.  Running was harder for me to do and took less time.
CCR:  How has running shaped you since then?
LISA:  I can’t imagine not having running in my life now.  It’s one of the most freeing activities I have experienced.  It calms me and makes me feel strong.  I believe it helped me beat heart disease in two ways – I was healthier when my ‘event’ happened, and it was my runner partner and friend who saved my life (Jamie Harris), so running was a big part of that!  
Lisa and Mickey - Dressy
MICKEY:  I am racing a lot more these days.
CCR:  As a child, did you think running would be an important part of your life?
LISA:  By the time I was in high-school, I would say I did. 
MICKEY:  NO!
CCR:  What is one of your most awesome running memories? i.e. proudest, favorite, most memorable...
LISA:  As a young person, being on the first team at Ironton High to allow women to compete on the all-male cross-country team – then becoming the first female to earn a varsity letter in cross country. As an adult, my first marathon in 2006 (Tallahassee Marathon).  Also, qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon. 
MICKEY:  Finishing 22:14 at the 2013 Palace 5k. It is the fastest 5k finish for me so far.
CCR:  What is your weak point?  Does it haunt you or drive you?
LISA:  Getting back to a respectable level of training and speed after heart surgery.  I feel I’ll eventually get better but sometimes it’s difficult to accept.
MICKEY:  Running downhill.  I keep trying it different ways and I'm sure I'll eventually get better at it.
CCR:  What do you like to do when you aren’t running? (Do you have a favorite non-running hobby?)
LISA:  I enjoy being with my children, Sara & Austin – we have a lot of fun together; but they are teenagers, so they have their own interests,too.  I also adopted a sweet boxer, Peanut Butter, and he is great buddies with Mickey’s foster, Sid.  Mickey and I have fun being together with Peanut Butter and Sid and we enjoy some down time watching movies and cooking together. I have a new mountain bike and enjoy riding it – I just need to get better at riding.
MICKEY:  Mountain Biking, cooking, art 
CCR:  What do you do to pay your bills?
LISA:  I am the Database Administrator at the Florida Dental Association.
MICKEY:  Graphic Artist
CCR:  If money were no object, what would you love to do?
LISA:  I would enjoy doing something that didn’t required being behind a desk.  I’d like to travel, preferably doing something that would allow me to incorporate running/biking with traveling – perhaps a sponsored traveling Heart-Disease Running ambassador….lol.  I’d like to inspire other heart patients not to be afraid of exercising and leading an active lifestyle.
MICKEY:  Visit and photograph active volcanoes.

Lisa and Mickey - Beach
 CCR:  What are some of your most recent “reads”?
LISA:  I read Runner’s World magazine when time allows & technical stuff for work.  I also received 14 Minutes from a friend while I was recuperating from surgery – obviously that is fascinating.
MICKEY:  I don't read but I love watching movies.
CCR:  Who motivates you, and what inspires you to keep running?
LISA:  I definitely am motivated by the Gulf Winds Track Club – I have never lived anywhere else where there is such an active running club.  I am glad that Mickey likes to run and it is fun to enjoy that together – he encourages me and I enjoy seeing him improve and being a part of his first experiences with racing and running.
MICKEY:  Lisa Cox motivates me.  She is always there to get my butt off the couch and go run.  Otherwise, I'd have another lazy day.  Efficiency is what inspires me to keep running.  With every run, I'm trying to move better and be faster.
CCR:  What is your idea of the perfect “running” vacation (or weekend)? A non-running vacation?
LISA:  I like getting out of town for runs - it’s always nice when you can combine some days off with a race and maybe another event in the town where you are.  Mickey and I have enjoyed a few races out of town this past year and that has been fun.  Non-running vacations need to include outside activities too (biking, the beach, etc) - something relaxing and a visit with family is very likely.
MICKEY:  I really like going out of town and racing, especially festival runs. I love all the food. My non-running trips are usually mountain bike related - North Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina. I love mountains!
CCR:  How has Capital City Runners been a positive component of your running career/life-style?
Lisa and Mickey - Medals
LISA:  CCR is very supportive of our club and individually, Lori Abbey, has been very supportive of me with my heart disease and with encouragement on behalf of CCR.  I like that I can go in to the shop and the staff is familiar with me and my running style/ goals.  My hometown was very small and it reminds me of growing up and how easy it is when people know what you’re all about in order to cater to your needs – this saves time and makes you feel like someone cares – this is very hard to find in the business community these days.
MICKEY:  It took a couple pairs but with their knowledge and patience, Capital City Runners helped me find the right shoes for me to run in.  It's time for me to get over there and get a new pair now!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Ramblings of a Random Runner

Rocket Man welcomes Mickey S. Moore as this January's Random Runner. A round of applause please.

 CCR:  When did you start really running?  Why?
Mickey: I started running about 2 miles a few days a week in 2007.  I have always been active in various sports (baseball, softball, gym), but had not run – seriously – since jr. high school.  Realizing that the gym efforts and sporadic activities weren’t keeping me in shape, I had to do something that I could DO anywhere I went.  My first race was in the Spring of 2008.
At the time, I traveled the country for work every week – so running fit the bill. 
CCR:  How has running shaped you since then?
Mickey:  Literally?  Well, ask my wife Audrey!  :-) Lol!
Joking aside:
First, it has harnessed a lot of my “perfectionist” tendencies in one place and has allowed me to put less pressure on my life in other areas.  It has given me something that I can be in the most control of – having great impact on the result.  Less interference from outside forces – I know that I can put in as much, or as little, as I want to and I am the only one to blame for any failure.  This gives me great opportunity to succeed – because like many of us “addicted” athletes, I will push; I will train.  I CAN.  I WILL!
Next, my running has been inspiring to others – what a feeling it is when others ask my opinion; share that my commitment and effort has pushed them to try this running thing; and seeing the domino effect of running, friendships, connections, etc.  I know that my results are not what draw people to ask, to seek advice, or to be influenced…I hope it’s the effort, the commitment, the discipline, the sharing and the love of this sport that permeates all my life’s activities.  It is difficult to explain how I, in turn, feel when I see those very same people go on to succeed in running and health and then impact others – amazing!
I would also like to think that I can be one of many carrying the torch in support of an active lifestyle – participating is so important.  It does so much for us physically and mentally…keep moving folks.
Surely, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the competitiveness of it all!  I will not win many races, but I know part of my drive is competing, respectably competing, in my age group, or even in a Regional or National arena (amateurs, of course).  We are blessed here in Tallahassee with an awesome Gulf Winds Track Club – our runners can hold their own across the country – I have traveled enough to know that.
Lastly, running is allowing me a way to bring awareness and support to others.  Most races have a charity tied to it – so that’s great and it’s impactful.  Additionally, each year I typically raise money for a charity while training/running a marathon – it is hard to explain the impact this has on me as a person, but it is worth every call, every mile, every ask….I am grateful to all that have supported me!
CCR:  As a child, did you think running would be an important part of your life?
Mickey:  No, certainly not.  I always said I wanted to be in good shape my whole life, but I fell off the path a little here and there.  I have found it again.
After my 9th grade year, I quit track to play the cooler sports – or so I thought.  Never big enough to really matter much, I still played football, baseball and soccer, and they brought more attention back then!  Where would I be now with my running if I had not quit???
PostBoston2011withMOM
Mickey and his mother - Boston finishers' area, April 2011
CCR:  What is one of your most awesome running memories? i.e. proudest, favorite, most memorable...
Mickey:  a few come to mind:
  • My first marathon in 2009 – training for the half marathon for weeks, I decided the week of the Tallahassee marathon to run THE FULL!  Getting a blister at mile 9 was a pain (of course), but I finished in 3:32:46!  The moments after crossing the finish line will NEVER be forgotten.
  • After my bachelor party the night before our wedding in Charleston, SC, I ran a 5k the next morning at 7:30 – on 3 hours sleep and a bit of a hangover.  After the first 100 yards, I was toast…but I finished.  It’s a reminder of my commitment to running and to my marriage – I am determined to make it happen and to succeed in both.
  • Winning my first race EVER in 8th grade – the “I Run Write” 2 miler.  It was so cool!
  • My first Boston Marathon in 2011.  Cried like a baby after the finish – what an experience.
  • Lastly, joining the sub-3 hour club at the Chicago Marathon in 2013.  I made it to that level – and knowing the miles, the sacrifices, the work that all went into to it….the visions from that day will last a lifetime.
    Chicago2013
    Mickey - Chicago 2013
CCR:  What is your weak point?  Does it haunt your or drive you?
Mickey:  My weak point in running is probably the fact I am getting older! J I know my number of good years running are dwindling down – it drives me to compete now, to pursue PRs now, and be in the moment while running.
CCR:  What do you like to do when you aren’t running?
(Do you have a favorite non-running hobby?)
Mickey: eat, travel, read, softball, bike now and then, journal….
CCR:  What do you do to pay your bills
Mickey:  President/CEO of Southern Scholarship Foundation – a statewide nonprofit providing rent-free housing scholarships to college students with academic merit, limited financial resources, and good character.  I am actually an alumnus of this program! #ssfalum #honored
CCR:  If money were no object, what would you love to do?
Mickey:  Running tour guide; travel the country as a running reporter/blogger/journalist; MLB umpire; stay-at-home dad; travel – run on every continent. Run all World Major marathons.
CCR:  What are some of your most recent “reads”?
Mickey: I am currently reading Work with Me: The 8 Blind Spots Between Men and Women in Business”, Annis & Gray  & “Greatness: The 16 Characteristics of True Champions”, Don Yaeger
CCR:  Who motivates you, and what inspires you to keep running?
Mickey:  I rely on so many moments, people, memories, goals, quotes, and dreams for motivation – it’s difficult to pinpoint.  Well really, those things keep me from being unmotivated – life has always been motivating to me on its own.  Therein lies the key – I know to live a life different than my youth (challenging to say the least) and to achieve goals in life without a safety-net in any way, I have had to keep moving forward – running certainly is the true essence of that.  I want to live a fulfilling life – a life with failures & accomplishments, with love & happiness, with charity & philanthropy, with learning & leading, with pain & sorrow, with family & friends.
As with many athletes, I have intrinsic motivators that drive me – most were formulated as a result of where I am from, have solidified because of where I am today, and will remain because of where I want to be tomorrow.
I can, I will.
raceBuck
Post first marathon (Tallahassee, 2009) with wife Audrey, sister-in-law, mother, and her husband.
CCR:  What is your idea of the perfect “running” vacation (or weekend)? A non-running vacation?
Mickey:  Running vacation – a Big City marathon! 5 days to run, rest, relax and reward!  Food, drink, sight-seeing….with the best race caddie ever, my wife Audrey.
Non-running – I really can’t imagine going on a vacation without running at all!  But if I did, a return trip to Costa Rica please…..
CCR:  How has Capital City Runners been a positive component of your running career/life-style?
Mickey:  In a few ways:
  • Community Partner – CCR does wonders for others in our community.  Thank you for partnering with our organization on our annual Education for Life 5k – we appreciate your support!
  • Promoting an Active Lifestyle – your engagement in our community is awesome….thank you for taking such an active role in getting folks moving!
  • Expert advice and Current running gear – how spoiled we are to have the talented folks at CCR (including an Olympian) to help us, and the clothing and shoes are top-notch.
  • Personally – I can say I have raced with an Olympian.  Seriously, I will never forget running next to Kevin in a race here locally, stride by stride.  For a little more than a mile, I had to tell him how cool it was that for the first time in my life I actually raced next to an Olympian – he laughed, of course, and I restated my observation with more enthusiasm!  Of course, I was only running a 15k and he was warming up for his 30k – so he eventually sped up and left for good J.  BUT, I did race side-by-side with an Olympian!  Awesome!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

The Running Route - January, 2014

Happy New Year!  Please click on the image below for a look at this month's "Running Route" which contains a brief wrap up of our third year in business as well as some nuggets just for YOU.  We have begun sending "The Running Route" to our customers via e-mail.  January is our second month of doing this, and if you have NOT received YOUR newsletter and believe that you should have (per your registration for the new Loyalty Program), please drop Lori an e-mail (Lori@CapCityRunners.com or Facebook direct message) to get yourself included.



Monday, December 23, 2013

Stories from the Suitcase - "I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali..."

I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali…
I’m going back to Cali,
(Courtesy of LL Cool J)
If you grew up in the 80s’ when rap was king, or have a teenager who loves old school remix, these lyrics may bring back memories of football pep rallies and high school dances.  Late in the fall of 2012, I found myself singing these lyrics over and over again, with great anticipation of returning to what is one of my most favorite events, the “Escape from Alcatraz” triathlon in San Francisco.  I had once again entered into the lottery system in hopes of securing a slot for Alcatraz earlier that year, however, it was not to be.  It seemed if I wanted to return “to Cali” I would be pursuing a charity slot again as I had for my first year in 2011.  Having gone the charity route before, I was blessed to have the benefit of so many wonderful friends and connections through the Challenged Athletes Foundation.  This would be needed as the time frame allotted for fundraising for the 2013 race was shortened somewhat due to a conflict on the scheduled event weekend.  The 2013 World’s Cup would be held on the usual weekend of the race, at the race site, therefore Escape was being moved to early March.
Now hold on, and let me back up and fill you in on my first experience at the “Escape from Alcatraz” triathlon in 2011.  After much convincing from my best friend and training partner, Robert Palmer, I entered the lottery in hopes of securing a slot.  Much to my surprise (not really!) I was not selected for the lottery.  Robert, however, was… so, back to the drawing board.  After many bike rides and long conversations, Robert and I came up with the great idea to pursue a charity slot!  And a great idea it was!  I signed on with the Challenged Athletes Foundation and began to raise funds to support this wonderful charity and the life changing work they do.  I was blessed to be gifted by so many donors that I reached my fund raising goal, thereby securing my entry into “Escape” for 2011.  I-was-on-my-way!
Alcatraz 2011
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon 2011
San Francisco, Cali'
Then, wouldn’t you know, Robert and I, after more bike riding and conversations decided it should be a big family vacation!  So, the planning ensued.  I always thought my first year at Alcatraz would be the most memorable. I mean, how can you top a week long family vacation, time spent in Napa Valley, lunch in Chinatown, Trolley rides, driving down Lombard Street (over and over J), and watching the seals at Fisherman’s Wharf.  There is nothing like touring Alcatraz Island and then finishing out the week with completing the race itself, and being blessed to share all of this with your own family and your best friend’s family too.  Really, can the next year get any better?

I’m going back to Cali, Cali, Cali…
I’m going back to Cali…hmm I don’t think so
 (Courtesy of LL Cool J)
Ok, so let’s fast forward back to late fall 2012.  In December my family and I relocated to the beautiful Space Coast as Tom, my husband, began to pursue a new career.  Shortly after moving to this new area, my health took a downhill swing.  I’m going back to Cali…hmm it isn’t looking very good right now.   On top of being asthmatic I suddenly had to have my tonsils removed.  How could this be?  How can you make it this far in your life in Tallahassee, the allergy capital of the world, and relocate to the fresh salt air of Cocoa Beach and end up needing to have your tonsils removed?  Nevertheless, a tonsillectomy I needed, and a tonsillectomy I got.  The procedure went smoothly.  As an outpatient surgery, I went straight home and was doing great.  I believed I would be back on my feet and outside running by the end of the week! This was the first week of February, about 3 and a half weeks before race day AND I still needed to secure my charity slot.  By the next morning, I was burning up with fever and very ill, off to the ER.  Many tests later it was finally determined that I had developed pneumonia in conjunction with the procedure.  This led to an extended stay of 5 days in the hospital. Triathlon training for an asthmatic who has just had her tonsils removed and enjoyed the daily offerings of hospital life is pretty much non-existent.
Going back to Cali…hmm I don’t think so…
More and more it would seem that my return to San Francisco, and attempting to escape from “The Rock” was not to be in the cards for this year.  After a wonderful visit with, yes you guessed it, Robert, and much encouragement I decided to petition my Doctor for release to participate in the event. I have to say, it took a lot of discussing and quite a bit of convincing, but in the end I was granted my release.  Again with the gifts of key donors, my charity commitment was fulfilled.  This time it would not be a family trip, it would be Robert, Paige, his wonderful wife and my dearest sister in Christ and myself.  Three weeks later…  I WAS “going back to Cali!
 Can I say that year two topped my first, hmmm…I cannot say that it was better, they were equally “the best!”
Michelle Alcatraz 2013
FINISH Line, Escape from Alcatraz 2013
Also pictured is Robert Palmer of Tallahassee, Florida.

Michelle Beitelmann was born and raised in the Big Bend area and currently resides in Cocoa Beach.  She is a multiple Ironman finisher:  Ironman Florida (2009, 2011) and Ironman Lake Placid (2013).  She has finished the infamous Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon twice, and countless sprint and Olympic distance triathlons.  She has run the Tallahassee Marathon and 26.2 with Donna:  The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer.  

Friday, December 13, 2013

Please Meet the Bennetts: December's Random Runners


Please meet Robin and Tim Bennett, December’s Random Runner(s).  

In the spirit of the holidays and family, we have asked newly weds Tim and Robin Bennett to share their running story with you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Capital City Runners! 
Tim-Robin Palace 5K 2013
Tim and Robin just before the 2013 Palace Saloon 5K -
the morning of their wedding.

CCR:  When did you start really running?  Why?
Tim: 2 years ago I was inspired by my best friend, who is now my wife, to manage my stress and to lose some weight.

Robin:  In 2008 to lose weight, to find a new me and new friends to bring a positive influence to my life.

CCR:  How has running shaped you since then?
Tim:  I’ve lost weight, I feel healthier, found a great way to clear my head, and it has given me the opportunity to challenge myself, set new goals and make a lot of new friends.

Robin:  I’ve lost over 100lbs since 2008, found some of the best friends/family that I could have prayed for and I’ve become a better person overall.

CCR:  As a child, did you think running would be an important part of your life?
Tim:  I was always running around playing football as a running back but this is a whole different side of running.  I’ve trained my body to not only run fast again but to run longer as well.

Robin:  Not really, but when I go support the Cross Country Meets or Track Meets I see these kids pushing their bodies, the friendships, the accomplishments, it makes me really wish I had.

CCR:  What is one of your most awesome running memories? i.e. proudest, favorite, most memorable...
Tim:  My first half marathon, hitting 40 miles at my 12H Ultra and every time I push myself to a new PR.

Robin:  I’ll never forget the day I ran my first mile non-stop I fell in love with that feeling, and also my first marathon.

CCR:  What is your weak point?  Does it haunt your or drive you?
Tim:  My work schedule.  I work 12H night shifts 7pm-7am and have a hard time finding a good balance between working on my jeep, the house, sleeping and running.  It really haunts me, I always want to do my best but it’s hard to train to do my best all the time.
Reduced Tim-Robin Trail Blazers
Robin and Tim doing one of the things they love best:
running the trails in Tallahassee.

Robin:  My eating habits haunt me.  I hope to find a day where I can maintain without struggle.  Trails are the weakness that drive me, I go back for more and more so I can conquer them one day.

CCR:  What do you like to do when you aren’t running?  (Do you have a favorite non-running hobby?)
Tim:  I play XBOX, work on my Jeep, and going to movies with my wife.

Robin:  I LOVE dancing!!  Traveling, movies, football and really anything that allows me to be around friends.

CCR:  What do you do to pay your bills?
Tim:  I am a Correctional Officer at Department of Corrections and do some side work at a friend's horse farm.

Robin:  I’m a Science Educator with High Touch High Tech and part time work at a friend's horse farm.

CCR:  If money were no object, what would you love to do?
Tim:  I would love to own an Off-Road Park for ATV’s, Jeeps, Dirtbikes.  I’d also love to learn to re-build jeeps and own a Jeep repair shop.

Robin:  I would do a lot of traveling, do some exotic races and take a nap everyday.

CCR:  What are some of your most recent “reads”?
Tim:  Magazine are my favorites reads, I love Men’s Health, Bicycle, Runner’s World, Four Wheel Drive.  The interviews, articles, and advice are so refreshing to me.

Robin:  I’m reading the Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life and just picked up a nutrition for runners book.  I’m also a big fan of Runner’s World magazine and Women’s Health

CCR:  Who motivates you, and what inspires you to keep running?
Tim:  Seeing the dedication and hard work pay off for my running family that train so hard and set PR’s.

Robin:  The memory of my mom and every single person in the GWTC family.

CCR:  What is your idea of the perfect “running” vacation (or weekend)? A non-running vacation?
Tim:  My perfect running vacation or not would have to be Italy or Greece.  But, really anywhere with my wife.

Robin:  For the past couple of years there hasn’t been a vacation without running in it somewhere:  my husband asked me to marry him at the finish line of the Peachtree 10K; we all ran the Palace Saloon 5K the morning of my Wedding; and we went to California for our Honeymoon and ran the Big Sur 21 miler.  Anywhere where I can be with family and run is perfect.

CCR:  How has Capital City Runners been a positive component of your running career/life-style?
Tim:  When I first started running I was in an old worn down pair of shoes and CCR helped me find out what my gait was and explained the kind of runner I was and spent an hour helping me try on shoes until we got it right.  True runners helping runners.

Robin:  Incredible athletes as employees to answer my every question and give advice whenever needed.  They put on fun runs, have demo nights, have awesome apparel, accessories, and of course have never put me in a shoe I didn’t love.
Tim-Robin 12.7.2013
The Bennetts at this year's running of the GWTC 10 Mile Challenge:
a Tribute to Our Friend Reid Vannoy