A RUNNER'S STORY

A Runner’s Story:  Featuring Elizabeth Doop

Elizabeth Doop joined the WRAC along with her husband Ryan in October 2017 after they both participated in our ‘Take a Swing’ trial. Since joining, both Elizabeth and Ryan have utilized all aspects of the club: taking tennis lessons, participating in racquetball events, regularly attending group fitness classes and in March of 2019 - Elizabeth joined our Board of Directors.

This last November, Elizabeth participated in her FIRST half marathon in Palm Desert, CA - finishing in 3 hours and 33 minutes! After sharing the details of the event on her Facebook page, I reached out to Elizabeth to find out more. I wanted to know what inspired her to run the half marathon, how she trained for it, her favorite part of the experience, if she has any plans for future races and most importantly: if I could share her story! I can honestly say that after reading her response and seeing the great pictures that document her journey - I was truly inspired!

A HUGE thank you to Elizabeth for letting me share this story with all of you. 
                  -  Emma Bush, Membership Coordinator

“Where do I begin?!  

I started 2019 off with Anja's Petterson's Couch to 5K program at the WRAC.  After completing her program, I participated in the Lake Steven's Chamber of Commerce Chase the Leprechauns 5k.

Immediately following, I ran in the LA Big 5K at Dodger Stadium. It was while I was in LA at the LA Marathon Expo, that I learned of the USA Women's half marathon event. While exploring the other booths at the event, I talked it over with my husband, Ryan. I was excited about the possibility of doing the half marathon but I wasn't quite confident in my abilities yet.  Ryan, being a distance runner himself, basically said I needed to get out of my head and sign up for the darn thing. SO I DID!!

Oh the anxiety that followed. Thankfully I had 8 months to prepare. For several months my focus was on getting comfortable running outside and learning how our local terrain and weather affected my performance. When I was ready to work on my mileage building, I found a 12 week training program online for guidance. During my training, I participated in my first 10K race, the University of Washington Dawg Dash, to test the waters of running a longer distance.   Finally, the big day arrived and I have to say the best part of the event was the energy. Almost 3000 participants, all with encouraging attitudes running side by side. So much girl power!!  

I've made plans to do another half marathon in May 2020, the Windermere Marathon in Spokane, WA.” 
 - Elizabeth Doop

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