Meet Team BibRave – Stephanie

Hello! It’s been so fun getting to know everyone in the BibRave/#BibChat community over the last four years, so we wanted to help you get to know us a bit more. To that end, we asked each member of Team BibRave to answer a few questions about themselves and their running history. If you have any comments or additional questions, let them know below! 

1.  My main running goal for this year is/was…
   •   My main running goals for this year are to PR in the Half and Full Marathon distances. I’ve found this to be a super motivating goal for me for the past year (constantly seeking to improve)! I’m currently training for my first Boston Marathon, so my goal is to PR on that course.
2.  My running shoes are…
   •   I’ve gone through SO many changes in my go-to running shoes over the past 12 years (Asics, Nikes, Brooks, etc). I’ve been running in Brooks Ghosts for 2 years now. Until very recently, I ran exclusively in those shoes. I’m now trying to switch things up, and I am enjoying running in Brooks Launch, Saucony Kinvara, and Nike Zoom Vapor Fly 4% during my speed/tempo runs.
3.  My total number of races completed (by distance). Break it down!
   •     Oh my… here we go (I know I’m missing some):
     • •   Marathons – 4
       •   Half Marathons – approx. 20
       •   Other (5K, 10K, etc.) – approx. 25
       •   Ultra Marathon (52 miler) – 1
       •   Triathlons – 1 sprint, 1 Half-Ironman, 1 Full-Ironman
4.  My PR/PBs are…
   •   Marathon – 3:30
   •   Half Marathon – 1:25
   •   I’d have to do some deep digging to figure out all of my other PRs…which is motivation to start religiously using Athlinks!
5.  My favorite races are…
   •   I’ve recently grown to LOVE fast, downhill Half Marathons. I’ve completed 4 in the last year alone. All of these races have been in national parks (i.e. gorgeous scenery!) and the downhill courses have resulted in speedy times (and sore quads!).
6.  My playlist screenshot:
   •   I don’t have a specific playlist; it changes quite frequently! Most songs are upbeat/pop/today’s hits. I DO have a go-to song though! Ever since my first Half Marathon, I begin EVERY race with Blues Travelers’ “Run Around.” I’m honestly not sure how this tradition started, but after 11 years, it will never change!
7.  My favorite motivational/inspirational quote and/or running mantra?
   •   Trust the process!
8.  The lessons I’ve learned from running are…
   •   WAY too many to list! Running has taught me SO much about myself, on both a physical and mental level. I think if I had to choose just one, I’d say that I’ve learned that my body is capable of so much more than I could have ever imagined. Running is truly a mental sport, and I love growing and pushing my mental limits, just as much as my physical ones.
9.  My 3-5 most inspiring people are…
   •   My grandma – When I was 18, I completed my first Half Marathon the week after my beloved grandma unexpectedly died. I dedicated that race to her, and she has been an inspiration to me ever since!
   •   Shalane Flanagan – I love everything about Shalane, and I think she is so freaking INCREDIBLE!
   •   Allie Kiefer – I’ve loved following her journey ever since the 2017 NYC Marathon.
   •   Sara Hall – After meeting her at the Runner’s World Half Marathon, I was so inspired by her.
10.  Two goals on the horizon for me are…  
    •   Successful 1st Boston Marathon (hopefully a PR!)
    •   A Half Marathon PR of 3 min (by the end of the year!)

Follow me on social! Twitter: @hoppe_feet Instagram: hoppe_feet