I’m a new coach at AVMS for the 22/23 season. I’m stoked to get to know the kids and work alongside them to achieve our goals. When I was their age, the idea of running a marathon would have been beyond impossible, so I’m already so impressed that they’ve even just set the goal to begin with. It’s amazing!

What’s my history with WeROCK?

I moved to Aliso Viejo during COVID and spend a lot of time running up and down the Aliso Creek Bike Trail. During my own marathon training, I would cross paths with WeROCK during my long runs and I loved how encouraging the kids were, not only of each other but even of strangers like me! Kids would call out “Good job!” as I passed by and 16 miles in, that kind of camaraderie is really welcome and much needed. I’m excited that there’s an opportunity for the community to get involved with such a great group and am really looking forward to coaching.

It’s always fun to hear a coach’s race history!

I was definitely not an athlete growing up. I started running in late 2019 with a friend. We signed up for a few races, including the Irvine Half Marathon. That day was the first time I’d ever run over 10 miles. I remember feeling pretty nervous that I would just totally bonk once I hit those double digits, but it turned out that was my sweet spot! I got a second wind and finished that race strong. Needless to say, I became hooked, signed up for a bunch of races throughout 2020 which, of course, were all cancelled or postponed. I kept running and eventually, in fall 2021, I ran my first full marathon at Big Bear. The OC Marathon with WeRock this spring will be my 5th marathon!

Favorite WeROCK race

I joined WeROCK for some trail running this summer and ran the Hot and Hilly 10k with them at the end of their season. It was my first official trail race and I had so much fun! Trail runners are so friendly and supportive of one another during trail races, it’s a really tight knit community and totally different from what you’d see during a road race.