ABOUT ME

I didn't start out as a natural athlete by any means. Running wasn't something that came effortlessly to me. Despite my interest in fitness, taking that initial step to get involved was daunting. As I grew older, the world of fitness, particularly gyms, seemed increasingly intimidating. Growing up in Germany, where sports teams weren't a prominent part of school life, I never engaged in athletics. Instead, I was the artistic bookworm of the family, a trait my parents nurtured wisely, knowing where to focus their efforts. Convincing me to run laps around a track wasn't a battle they were likely to win at the time. My academic journey led me to pursue degrees in German Literature, Theater, and Cultural Studies. I taught at the University of Maryland and the University of Delaware while moonlighting as a musician during evenings and weekends.

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In 2012, something shifted within me. I felt a strong desire to become involved in something meaningful. That's when I stumbled upon our local YMCA's Couch to 5k program. I didn't join with the intention of becoming a dedicated runner; rather, I sought community and the opportunity to meet new people. Little did I know, enrolling in the C25k program would be a life-changing decision. It revealed a reservoir of strength and resilience within me that I had never recognized before. From there, everything unfolded rapidly: I delved into strength training, tackled longer distances, and immersed myself in our running community. A year later, I completed my first half marathon, and since then, I've been steadily increasing my mileage. From road races to trail runs, ranging from 5k races to 100-mile ultras and beyond, I've challenged myself in various terrains and distances. The farthest I've gone was completing 170 miles at 3 Days at The Fair in New Jersey.

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Driven by a passion for continuous learning, I've eagerly pursued knowledge about running and the human body. Along the way, I've obtained certifications, including becoming a Running Coach. My greatest joy stems from being surrounded by people and guiding them toward achieving their goals. Helping others grow and succeed brings me immense fulfillment and keeps me energized.

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Happy Running,

Claudia