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Jill GriffinHometown and other places lived: Currently live Lombard. Prior to Lombard, lived in Bear, Delaware for three years. Prior to that in northern suburbs, primarily Northbrook. Family Members: No husband or kids but I have two nephews that I adore and would do anything for Occupation: Accountant High School: Glenbrook North College: U of I – Champaign/Urbana When did you begin running and why? Junior high because coach thought I looked like a runner. I competed in high school but since then I have only ran for recreation and fitness. Favorite Race Distance: Half Marathon Any PRs you would care to list: Half Marathon 1:40 Marathon 3:38 Tell us about a memorable running race or event: Boston 2008 was a great experience. Although I was prepared, I did not go into the race with a time goal. I decided let the race come to me and not watch splits. Starting in the second wave helped as the clocks on the course were over 30 minutes ahead of my start time. I am not good at math while running so I had no real idea really how I was doing in terms of time during the race as I resisted the urge to look at my own watch. I just knew that I felt good – the WHOLE time. At about mile 25, I took the first peek at my watch and was shocked to realize that I would likely come close to my PR (missed it by about 30 seconds). Crossing the finish line that day was almost as emotional as the first marathon finish. What are some of your favorite tunes on your iPod? Anything U2 or Bon Jovi Hobbies or leisure activities that you enjoy: Travel with friends, spending time with my nephews, big NFL fan especially the Dallas Cowboys What does your typical training schedule look like? I run five times a week, cross- train one day, and do some lifting or strength workout two to three times a week. Distances and intensity depend on what I am training for. How did you become involved with the club? When I moved to Lombard, I saw the group on the path and decided to give it a try. What was it like running the New York City Marathon? I ran the NYC Marathon the same year that Lance Armstrong ran his first marathon. This created an extra buzz of excitement in an already electric atmosphere. The spectators were incredibly loud the whole time. In some areas it appeared the crowd was 5 or 6 deep. The whole run I felt like I was part of a world-class event. Maybe it was because when I was child the race was televised live nationally or just the shear size of NYC. How many marathons have you completed? I have completed 12 marathons; 5 Chicagos, 2 Marine Corps, 3 Bostons, 1 NYC, 1 Columbus What advice would you give to someone who is training for his or her first marathon? I think it is important to try to stick to a schedule and really ensure the long runs are completed. Don't get hung up on how fast they are done...just that they are done. Additionally try your best to do the long runs with the group. A group makes it much easier. Also it is important to remember that everyone experiences periods where motivation is lost and feel physically tired. But these will pass. Focus on the future not the past. Don't dwell on these bad days. What keeps you motivated after having been a runner since grade school? find that running relieves stress and ensures restful nights. I just feel better when I run and have more energy to do other things. Additionally, I have been really lucky on the injury front. I essentially have had only two injuries since jr high - a stress fracture in high school and a bad case of achilles tendonitis in the late 1990s. Other than that I just experience minor aches and pains from to time. Any upcoming running goals you would care to share: I hope that I have some more PRs in the half and full marathon in me and if I don’t I hope to maintain my current pace as long as I can. Interview completed by GER board member, Amy Marker |