Growing up I didn't have a pink Hello Kitty diary with a pickable"gold" lock. Instead I played soccer, ran with the neighborhood boys in the backyard and in general stayed as covered in mud as possible. I didn't record my younger years on paper and I am fine with that because younger years were all about having fun and having no responsibilities. My dad taught me how to ride my purple Schwinn which resulted in only three fat lips. My mom taught me to press butter cookies every holiday season. What was there to write about, really? I had no interest in boys until 9th grade, so no reason to cry on pink paper in a journal written with a grape smelly pen.


Starting high school, I entered into the world of what is called distance running via the cross country team at Sunset High School. I met Brad Richards, my coach, whom became one of my closest friends (to this day). At practice one day he suggested writing down our daily workouts, including mileage, a bit about the route, and perhaps even how we were feeling. I listened to him and never questioned any of his advice (still wouldn't to this day). Hence, I have kept a journal of my miles since 1990 and with that I have also noted important parts of my life. Besides the miles listed below, my running logs provide a personal history of which I am proud.

I can flip back through and laugh or cry in a moment. These journals connect me to the loves, losses, fleeting passions, long term friendships, and overall, show how my love for running isn't just a love. I am beyond in love with the sport since it has carried me through thick and thin and has allowed me to grow mentally, emotionally and physically in ways I never thought were possible when I started to run in 1990. I feel fortunate to have found something in life that creates those rare feelings of complete devotion, respect, and unconditional love. Running will always be there for me just as I will always put one foot in front of another and devote myself to the development of successful running in others, I will respect running for what it is, and I will unconditionally love running, even on the days when most people would think I am nuts for being out there, running.

Here is a list of my total yearly mileage since then & personal records set those years:

1990 - 1041.6 800 meter best - 2:26.2 3k XC best - 10:51

1991 - 1558 800 meter best - 2:19.8 5k XC best - 18:58 Ran first 1/2 marathon (seattle) - 1:29.45

1992 - 1903.4 800 meter best - 2:19.4 5k XC best - 18:50 Ran seattle 1/2 again - 1:25.50

1993 - 2632.5 5k track 18:28 1500 track 5:01 3k track 10:32 5k XC 18:23 all american

Ran seattle 1/2 again - 1:22.43

1994 - 2546.5 5k track 18:38 1500 track 4:44 3k track 10:10 5k XC 18:28

Ran seattle 1/2 again - 1:22.31

1995 - 1937 Ran my first marathon seattle - 2:57.33

1996 - 1935 What is now called Shamrock Run 15k - 1:02 Seattle 1/2 marathon - 1:24.45

1997 - 1982 Seattle 1/2 marathon - 1:25.40 (moved to italy last part of this year)

1998 - 1647 No training per agreement with Shaw & Humble - Ran Rome marathon - 3:10.55

Seattle 1/2 marathon - 1:24.43

1999 - 2475.5 Lake Run 12k 48:30 What is now called Shamrock Run 15k - 59:35

Jock N Jill 1/2 marathon - 1:23.00 Portland Marathon - 2:47.24

Seattle 1/2 marathon 1:24.24

2000 - 2387.5 Olympic Marathon Trials - 2:51:06 Kilted Mile - 5:48 Seattle 1/2 marathon - 1:23:15

2001 - 2400 - Portland Marathon 2:52.40 Seattle 1/2 marathon 1:27.40

2002 - 2133.5 - 12k in tacoma - 47:32 (sound to narrows)

2003 - 2000 - Sprint Triathlon in Lake Chelan - 1:16.04 Seattle 1/2 marathon - 1:34 (slowest time ever)

2004 - 2020

2005 - 1803 - Ran my brother's first marathon with him 3:45.49 - slowest time ever for me

2006 - 1925 - Palm Springs 1/2 marathon 1:24.50

2007 - 1414

2008 - 1543

2009 - 1500

2010 - 1569.6

2011 - 1674.5






As I went through these journals it was overwhelming to read some entries and to see the little tokens I had tucked into each year. I am so grateful for everyone I have ever shared a run with, for my coaches, for the support from my Mom and Dad as I grew as an athlete, and for the strength of character that has been created through this sport that keeps me going through days, months, and years that are the most challenging.

-Jennifer