Monumental Runner – Judy Doldorf

Name: Judy Doldorf

Self-described age group:  I am pretty deep into the Masters Division at this point

Residence:   Manassas, Va.

Occupation:  Public Safety GIS Manager for Fairfax County Department of Information Technology

How has your running changed in the last year:  As races started to get sucked up in the COVID vacuum, I went into more of a maintenance mode.  Instead of following a schedule, I ran when I wanted and I didn’t stick to any set mileage or pace goals.  The flexibility and not having any set goals was actually kind of nice. 

Why you run:  Running is just a part of my life.  Not running doesn’t feel normal to me.  Sometimes I run for mental clarity.  Sometimes I run to feel the sun and wind and rain.  Sometimes I run to spend time with friends and sometimes I just run to simply run.

When did you get started running: I’ve been running my entire life, but after having kids, I started running and racing on a regular basis.  I think it had something to do with needing some “me” time.

Have you taken a break from running:  I have, but not by choice.  See my answer below for the major injury question.

Training shoe:  I am all Altra!  For road, my go to is the Altra Escalante. For trail, Altra Superior.

Coach or training group:  My coach is Devon Yanko with Chaski Endurance Collective.  I cannot say enough about her and this group!  My training group is DQTC and again, I cannot say enough about this group!

The hardest race you’ve ever run:  Maybe because it is still fresh in my head, but I’d have to say the Terrapin Mountain 50K.  It is a great race that offers a bit of everything from forest roads, jeeps trails, single track, etc. with the bonus of about 7,000 feet of elevation gain which is no joke.  So.  Much.  Climbing.  This race had me walking sideways to get up/down stairs for a couple of days.

Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: I’ve been heading toward the ultramarathon distance for some time now and have a few 50K races and one 50 miler under me.  So, I am going to take it a bit further and see how the 100K and 100 miler feel.

Favorite local trail:  I frequent the trails in Prince William Forest, so those trails are at the top of my list.  I love running on the Appalachian Trail, although I don’t get the opportunity to do so often.

My best race was:  I ran the 2015 NYC Marathon.  This race wasn’t the best because of my result (it was actually my worst marathon time), but the experience of the race itself.  The energy and excitement at this race is like no other!

Favorite local race: I am a big fan of the EX2 Adventure trail races.  I’ve run a number of them over the years and they never fail to disappoint.

Ideal post-run meal: In an ideal world, my post run meal would be a huge veggie omelette with a side of home fries and bacon.  But until I get my own personal chef, a fruit and protein smoothie, it is!

Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: I am a fan of Spring Energy.  All the flavors are excellent, but my favorite is Speednut.

Pet peeve:  Runners that come to a dead stop at aid stations.  I have smashed into many a runner that have done this.

Goals: I am training for my first 100K in June.  I am hoping to run a 100 miler in the fall but have not decided on that just yet.  It just seems so far to run.  Haha.

Your advice for a new runner:  Do not compare yourself to others.  Run for yourself.

Song in your head during a run:  I did go through a phase when my kids were younger and songs from their various shows would repeat in my head.  Try running to the Team Umizoomi theme song in your head and not breaking into some sort of dance in the middle of your run.  Or better yet, the Baby Shark song.  Admit it, now it is in your head.  You’re welcome.

Have you dealt with a major injury:  Unfortunately, yes.  In 2017, I suffered a pelvic fracture due to a misstep into a pothole to avoid an oncoming car.  This basically transformed me into a couch potato for six months.

Running quote:  “If you run, you are a runner.  It doesn’t matter how fast or how far…”

Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner:  The DC area has so much to offer for all kinds of runners.  There are a ton of trails and paths that offer many many miles.  And on any given (normal) weekend, you can usually find multiple races at various distances.