Name: Laura Cloher
Self-described age group: 35-39
Residence: Bethesda
Occupation: Teacher
Volunteer roles in the running world: Girls on the Run coach, fun run leader for the former Pacers Running store in Silver Spring, 3x pacer for Parks Half Marathon, coach for XMP (Experienced Marathon Program)
Why you run: Running makes me feel alive and is a wonderful stress reliever.
When did you get started running: I started running my senior year of high school to get into better shape. I made a goal by the time I turned 30 to run 5 marathons and I surpassed that goal by 12, running a total of 17 marathons (three were 50K’s) by the time I turned 30!
Have you taken a break from running: Yes, especially after a race I will take some down time to recover and rest. In the off season I still run but my focus shifts from training to having fun = more trails!!!
Training shoe: BROOKS! I love the Ghost, Launch and Levitate
Coach or training group: I have trained with MCRRC in the Speed Development program, XMP- Experienced Marathon Program (Mike Broderick and Harold Rosen) and under advice of Chris Sloane.
The hardest race you’ve ever run: Stone Mill 50 miler, all was great until mile 48 then it seemed like my knees kept buckling, I really had to focus and dig deep to push through the last 2 miles.
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: To run a 50 mile trail race.
Running mentors: Mike Broderick, Melissa Grady, Chris Sloane.
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Rock Creek Park. I love the Western Ridge Trail. I also love the C&O canal, especially in winter. I also love running through Georgetown down MacArthur and up Foxhall.
Favorite local trail: Western Ridge and Beach Drive on the weekend.
My best race was: Boston Marathon 2016- I earned my PR of 3:21
Favorite local race: Parks Half Marathon
Ideal post-run meal: Dark beer and a soft salted pretzel.
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: Chocolate Coconut Gu and UnTapped Maple Syrup
Pet peeve: When people wear their swag (shirt, jacket, etc) during the race that they got the day before the race.
Goals: To run a sub 3:20 marathon and to go back to Boston for lucky number five!
Your advice for a new runner: Don’t get discouraged, sometimes runs will be hard and you will feel deflated but you have to keep on trying and putting in the miles to make progress. Most important don’t be scared of the hills. Hills can be your best friend, try to run every hill you see! Explore new routes, so that you never get bored and find a group or some friends to run with to help keep you accountable to your training.
Favorite running book: Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes
Song in your head during a run:I don’t usually have a song in my head instead I count things along the way and am reflective.
Have you dealt with a major injury: Luckily no, only the occasional IT band syndrome and once or twice plantar fasciitis.
Running quote: Let the pain leave the brain, let the soul take control. You can do this!
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: There is such a variety of routes and terrains that you can run, from being in the city to trails in the park to running along the canal. The variety of runs keep things fresh!
Recent Stories
Looking for our race calendar? Click here Submit races here or shop local for running gear
Coaching high school cross country and track made Kelyn Soong a better runner.
A break from racing one of my favorite events gave me a chance to help other runners reach their time goals.
Eight local runners will compete in the Olympic Marathon Trials Saturday morning in Orlando.
Kensington 8K Race
Three distances – 8K, 2M, and 1K – all starting and finishing at Kensington Town Hall.
The 8K runs through historic Kensington, going past Warner Mansion, along Antique Row, beside 120+ year-old houses and around Noyes Library, the oldest library
