Monumental Runner – Samantha Kirby Cole

Name: Samantha Kirby Cole

Self-described age group: 50-59

Residence: Arlington,Va.

Occupation: Physical education teacher

Why you run: Running is my time to reflect on my day and defrag my mind.

When did you get started running: I started running when I was in elementary school. When I was 7 years old I thought my older siblings were super cool. My brothers started running track so I joined too.

Have you taken a break from running: After college I stopped running for a year. Instead of running I took up inline skating.

Training shoe: ASICS, Saucony Kivara 7

Coach or training group: Coach Jerry and Northern Virginia Running Club

The hardest race you’ve ever run: The marathon specifically, Grandma’s because it was really hot the day I ran it. It was hot enough that some of the elites were dropping out from heat exhaustion.

Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: Running a sub-3-hour marathon.

Running mentors: Coach Jerry

My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: C & O Canal, Rock Creek Park

Favorite local trail: Mt. Vernon Trail

My best race was: Houston Marathon – 2:59:52 , GW Parkway Classic – 63:32

Favorite local race: Marine Corps Marathon – it’s local and there are always familiar faces, friends and running club friends cheering you on.

Ideal post-run meal: My current favorite post-run food is watermelon or a yogurt smoothie. Also,  eggs and gluten-free toast or eggs on a gluten-free tortilla.

Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: Vanilla bean, I used to like the chocolate gel but I had one break open in my back pocket, sticky chocolate color isn’t what you want on your shorts while running a marathon.

Pet peeve: When people ask me what happened after a bad race.

Goals: My current goal is to keep running as long as my body lets me.

Your advice for a new runner: I think the best advice is be patient, enjoy your workouts, and good things will happen.

Favorite running book: Dean Karnazes’ 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss

Song in your head during a run: “Tubthumping” The words go something like this: I get knocked down, but I get up again……

Have you dealt with a major injury: Tears in the meniscus and ACL in my left knee

Running quote: I have my own- “The faster you go the faster you will be done”

Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: D.C. has a variety of places to run. D.C. area has paved trails and paths through the woods for running. You can run something different each day of the week if you want.