About

I’ve been running for almost ten years. I’ve run seven marathons (including one trail marathon), nine half marathons, and lots of 15K’s, 10K’s, 5K’s, and one long relay. I like training more than racing, and I like longer runs rather than shorter ones. I hate 5K’s. Half marathons are my favorite. Marathons are hard and I don’t know why I keep running them. I guess it’s a love/hate thing.

I live and train in Dallas, TX. Summers here are hell. Training for fall marathons starts in July. I like to think the heat will make me stronger, but most runs are just really tough. The rest of the year is pretty much ideal for running.

I tried running in my 20’s and hated it. I walked and did yoga after that. Groups of runners would pass me by, talking and laughing, and I was jealous. They made it look so easy. And how could they talk and run at the same time?

I started running when a friend taught me to build up slowly. I eventually became a certified running coach and pace leader with the Dallas Running Club. I loved that time in my life helping runners train for their first marathons.

Now I run mostly with a large group of friends in our own running group, The White Rock Running Co-op (WRRC). White Rock is the inner city lake in our part of East Dallas where we do most of our training.

I used to love running solo; now I can’t imagine running without a group of friends.

I’m not a running expert, and I’m not the fastest person on the road.

I completed my first ultra marathon, The Palo Duro Canyon 50K Trail Run on October 20, 2012. I loved running in the desert, loved the distance, and loved the race.

In May 2013 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After surgery and four tough months of aggressive chemotherapy, I’m now cancer-free. I was very, very lucky.

My only goal for the immediate future is to rebuild my running base. Running after chemo is like starting at minus 25. I’d like to run a half marathon first, then maybe another marathon. We’ll see.

My ultimate goal, however, is to have more fun when I run–anytime, anywhere.

I have a small business, Toasty Strings, where I design and make hand knit scarves, wraps, and blankets. Please feel free to take a look at my shop.

Thanks for visiting my site, and please feel free to leave a comment and sign up to follow the blog.

You can contact me at:

angela@toastystrings.com

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