Monumental Runner – Caroline Peterson

Name: Caroline Peterson

Self-described age group: 34

Residence: Woodbridge

Occupation: Graphic designer

How has your running changed in the last few months: I have been running more miles than I typically do during the summer.  Between more frequently and just higher miles

Why you run: I run for my own mental and physical health.

When did you get started running: I was laid off from work at the beginning of 2013, and I learned about color runs, so I decided to train for a 5k and then just kind of grew from there.

Have you taken a break from running:  Not really, I might take a week or so off if injured or after doing a big race

Training shoe:  New Balance 880 V9

Coach or training group: Joggers & Lagers at Port City Brewery (fun group)

The hardest race you’ve ever run: Shamrock Half Marathon 2017 (Rain, sleet, snow, heavy winds, sandstorm)

Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: Running my first half marathon that was also a double challenge.  I did a 5k the day before my half marathon, ran the Flying Pirate in Nags Head, NC

Running mentors: My Port City crew

My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is:  Everywhere, I keep exploring more of the trails and all are amazing

Favorite local trail:  Holmes Run Trail

My best race was: Shamrock Dolphin Challenge (8k and half marathon) 2018.  PR’d both races

Favorite local race: Marine Corps Marathon 10k

Ideal post-run meal: Good Beer and some fatty foods

Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: None, it messes with my stomach

Pet peeve: People walking or running two or three abreast and not making room for a runner to pass

Goals: Run two half marathons within a year.  Looking at doing Key West half marathon and Shamrock (Virginia Beach) half marathon the same year

Your advice for a new runner:  Find a training program that makes sense to you mentally.  It is a lot of mental games and if the programs makes sense to you mentally, do that program, it will be a lot easier.  Also, just listen to your body, don’t over push yourself and just be mindful.

Song in your head during a run: “Can’t Hold Us” Macklemore or “We Run This” Missy Elliot

Have you dealt with a major injury: I have to be careful with my knees due to surgery before I started running.  I just wear some braces and I am good and don’t have an issues.

Running quote: Not a running quote “Go 1-0 Today”

Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner:  It is great to be a runner in D.C. due to all the options of trails and run groups.  I drive 30 minutes to be with the Joggers & Lagers and it’s worth every second of it.  The running community is great around here; people offer advice from experience, everyone is willing to share and learn and there is no judgement of how you run.  Everyone has different races they are training for, and everyone is supportive of each other on their personal goals.