Name: Ruth Driscoll-Lovejoy
Self-described age group: 30-35 (ageless wonder according to my husband)
Residence: Alexandria
Occupation: Environmental Policy Analyst
Volunteer roles in the running world: I used to organize a volunteer team for the annual D’Feet Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk in Galveston, Texas. In DC, I’ve donated more than a few sweatshirts to MCMers for “throw-away” attire. My understanding is that these are collected and donated to charity after the race.
How has your running changed in the last six months: It’s been a lot of feeling like I’m getting somewhere, pausing, and having to start all over! The last race I ran was a half-marathon in November before I started a PRP (that’s platelet-rich plasma) treatment series that halted running for several months. With a stuttering start, I had just been cautiously cleared to begin running and build mileage in March. Over the last six months, I’ve gone from a painfully slow rebuild to being a steady 10K runner being forced to slow down again. The past few weeks, I’ve just been enjoying four-mile runs.
Why you run: I definitely run for balance and my mental and physical well-being and because I enjoy being a part of the running community. I also like to joke that running races is the closest I can get to that feeling of earning an A+ on a test. It doesn’t really matter where I place, but if I’ve trained and I do my best, I make the grade.
Name: Justin Knoernschild
Self-described age group: 30-35
Residence: Alexandria
Occupation: Voter registration & elections. Have you moved since you last voted? Check on your registration status and vote early to avoid any last minute problems in November
Volunteer roles in the running world: I help time races for Pacers Events, but I really just drive trucks around and setup equipment in the early morning
How has your running changed in the last six months: I put in more miles than normal in the spring to have some sense of normalcy and routine, but the past few months have just been getting out when I have time to relax and recover mentally
Why you run: I love to race and push myself, but it has helped me so much with focus, work ethic and stress relief
Name: Katelyn Engen
Self-described age group: 24-29
Residence: Kensington, Md.
Occupation: Collegiate athletic trainer
Volunteer roles in the running world: I ran my first race with Ainsleys Angels at the end of 2019, with hopes to do it more in 2020. Now my goal is to run more with them in 2021! They’re a group that organizes runners & chairs so everyone access to road racing. The National Capital Region group is fantastic.
How has your running changed in the last six months: I ran a ton the first few months, recently, since going back to work, I’m running a much more reasonable amount. I’ve found that more than ever, I run for my own well being & mental health, not just because I have a race to train for.
Why you run: Because I am way nicer & more patient on days I run!
Name: Bryan Ego-Osuala
Self-described age group: 40-44
Residence: McLean
Occupation: Physician
How has your running changed in the last few months: Running less mileage and focusing on strength
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.
Name: Joe Snowaert
Self-described age group: 25-29
Residence: Washington, D.C.
Occupation: Program Specialist FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services
How has your running changed in the last few months: I’ve started running more and diving into some higher mileage weeks. I’ve also been doing a lot more trail running to get out of D.C. and some virtual races. Always thought virtual races were kind of silly, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
Why you run: It has changed a lot, but right now I run because I love my running community and friends, my brain works so much better after a good run, and I am really curious what my body can do.
Name: Alayna Bigalbal
Self-described age group: 25
Residence: Reston
Occupation: Civil Engineer
How has your running changed in the last few months: My running has definitely become more solitary due to the current pandemic and race cancellations. However, I am using this time to build up a strong running base, incorporate more strength training and drills.
Why you run: I run to challenge myself and give myself something to strive for. I love the sense of accomplishment after reaching a goal and then the determination/anticipation of hitting the next one. It is also a way for me to cope with stress and anxiety.
When did you get started running: I started running my sophomore year of high school.
Name: Paul Wester
Self-described age group: 50-55
Residence: Beltsville, Md.
Occupation: Director of the National Agricultural Library
How has your running changed in the last few months: Except for the mask and reducing mileage because of the heat, not much.
Why you run: Fitness and to clear my mind for the day.
Name: Maggie Edwards
Self-described age group: The Last of the Millennials
Residence: Navy Yard
Occupation: Policy and Advocacy Associate
How has your running changed in the last few months: I was training for the Pittsburgh Marathon (which did switch to virtual), so nothing has been super out of the ordinary for what my running looks like in a “normal” spring/summer
Why you run: I run because 1. I like the goal-oriented nature of running and being able to accomplish something new (whether that be a new distance or run a new course) and 2. it keeps me sane.
Name: Nikki Pisha
Self-described age group: 30-34
Residence: Washington, D.C.
Occupation: Art Curator
Volunteer roles in the running world: I’ve coached several friends and my husband to their first marathon starting lines. It is incredibly rewarding to watch them put in the work and hit their goals.
How has your running changed in the last few months: Honestly, not really. I’ve always enjoyed running solo, so I’ve been doing even more of that. Even though I love racing, I don’t run for the racing. I run to compete against myself and push myself. I usually go out around 5 a.m., so it’s been nice to keep that up and enjoy all the empty trails without having to dodge other runners too. I’m so thankful to have my running to lean on right now.
Why you run: I am an only child, and I need time for myself. Running gives me that. It allows me to push myself in ways that I never thought imaginable and work really hard which is extremely rewarding. It also gives me the best outlet to just be me and get lost in my thoughts. I’ve run in this area for over a decade now, and there is nothing better than running a route I know well and getting so lost in thought that I come back to reality several miles later and realize I’m almost home.
