Shawna Barry

Q: When did you begin running and why?
I always loved to run as a kid and ran track for a season in high school and a 5K in undergrad. It didn’t really stick as an adult though until 2009 when my best friend—who lives in Corning, NY—recruited me to run a leg of what was then the Wineglass Marathon relay. I still remember her sales pitch “You’ll run 9.2 miles!” and my response “absolutely not! That’s too far!” Needless to say, she won that battle and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
A DCRR Alumni—Eleanor Evans—suggested I join TBMC back in 2017 when I was on my quest to break 4 hours in the marathon. I was a little intimidated to join such a fast group until I realized that one of my good friends—Shauna Nicholas-Waite—lived right across the street and was there regularly. Between the two of them, they convinced me to join!

Q: What are you training for right now?
MCM! It will be my third time running the race.

Q: What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
Ragnar Trail Zion. Between the freezing temps at night, blazing temps during the day, and snakes and other wildlife, it was definitely an adventure!

Q: What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
That you have to try and focus on this moment, this mile, as best you can. No matter how hard you try, how much you prepare, you never know what lies ahead. You only have control over your next breath and your next step.