Cecile Amos

Q: When did you begin running and why?
I started running in the late Fall of 2007. I lived in a small town in Massachusetts, and a friend of mine signed up for the local 5K and wanted me to do it with her. I told her how much I hated running when I was in high school, to the point of getting a doctor’s note to get out of gym class. She was not a runner either and said that if she could do it (she was a smoker and not athletic at all), then I could do it too. I followed the Couch to 5K plan and ran my first 5K in April 2008 . . . then my first half marathon in October 2008, and my first marathon in March 2009.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I was looking for a running group and found the Club on Google. I joined in the Summer of 2009, a few weeks after I moved to Alexandria, VA.

Q: What are you training for right now?
I am training for the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon in Washington, DC (March 15th).

Q: What is the toughest run or race you’ve ever participated in?
The toughest race I participated in was the Marine Corps Marathon guaranteed entry race 17.75 K. Hills, hills, and more hills!

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
I love knowing that, no matter how hot or cold the weather is, there will always be people to run with on Saturday morning.

Q: What’s the most important lesson running has taught you?
Running has taught me that I am stronger than I thought I was.

Q: What is your favorite route in the area?
I love Washington, I think it is a beautiful city. So my favorite route is probably the SLR Monument route. When I am in training, I also like the Cathedral & Clintons route and Battery Kemble loops—nothing better than hills to make your legs stronger!

Q: What race day traditions do you have?
I am a big fan of the MCM race series. I always make sure to get a hug from a Marine at the end of the race.

Q: What’s your proudest running moment?
Finishing a marathon with a stress fracture

Q: What’s your life like outside of running?
I am a translator, so I spend all day sitting at the computer. Running is what gets me outside and keeps me happy. No matter how short or long my run is, I always get the runner’s high!

Q: What is one thing you wouldn’t run without?
I use only one earbud to be safe, but I would never run without music.