December Runner of the Month: Stacy Palmertree
When and why did you start running? I started running in February of 2015 after having my second daughter. I wanted a way to get fit and to be a good role model for my then 3 year old.
How long have you been a runner? I’m coming up on my 3 year mark! So crazy to think that it has already been that long.
First race? Melon Dash 2015 with Kim Barr was my first race. She really motivated me and helped me through that.
Most recent race? BMW Dallas Half
Favorite piece of gear? Fiona by Garmin. I love her cause she is always down for a run, even when she is bossy and tells me to do my run interval.
What shoes do you run in? Adidas Adizero Boston’s. They are the best things ever!
Favorite way to cross train? When I got hurt this summer I got back into swimming and cycling. I really love to do both of those. Lately it is to hit up the gym.
Best running memory? Seeing my husband and oldest along the course for my full. I saw them at mile 17 when my hamstring started cramping. My daughter told me to “Keep it up Mommy” and my husband told me he was so proud of me and that I could do it. Needless to say I cried and kept going.
Bucket list race? I want to do a run in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I really am not sure on a specific one right now though.
Favorite race so far? Marine Corps Marathon. I met some amazing ladies and we pulled through the heat and got it done. It is something that I hope to never forget.
Do you have a favorite distance? Half marathon is my favorite, second to a marathon of hallmark movies.
What is something that most people do not know about you? That I had Guillain-Barre Syndrome almost 5 years ago and could hardly walk. I had to go to PT/OT to learn fine motor skills again, work on my walking, and regain muscle strength. I was in the hospital for 5 days to get treatment. My hands and feet still get numb easily and my dominant side of my body is actually weaker than my non-dominant because of the GBS.
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? I’m strange and don’t listen to music while I run. Being a PE teacher, I like my peace and quiet if I’m not with my sole sisters.
Best part about running? The vent time that I get with my sole sisters. It is totally worth getting up at 3:45 to have my therapy sessions. Oh and the great legs you get too!
Who inspires you? My twin brother is a huge inspiration to me. He is in the Air Force and gets deployed from his family often. He goes through so much. All my GBS fighters that have had it far worse than me. Kim Barr and Lynette Vasey are the ones in the group that really inspire me though. #girlcrush
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Finishing that damn full marathon! It was stupid, but I loved it!
Any words of advice? Keep doing you! Go at your own pace and don’t ever feel bad about it. Someone is always looking up to you and is being motivated by you. It might be your kid, a colleague, family member, or someone in the group.