Running the DMV Since 1961
Running the DMV Since 1961
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Sara Putterman
Q: When did you begin running and why?
I started running as a kid- following in the footsteps of my mum and sister. My sister was training for a school race, so she began joining my mum for the last mile of her runs. Being the younger sister, I started tagging along at some point! I continued running through middle and high school and ran in college for Wellesley.
Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I moved from NYC to DC during COVID. Once restrictions were lifted, I began researching run groups and luckily found DCRR.
Q: What are you training for right now?
Nothing—I just wrapped my races for the spring and I’m currently planning for the fall.
Q: What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
I got pressured by my coworkers to sign up for a trail Ragnar and it was the worst decision ever! My first leg was at 2:00 am, and my headlamp died 2 miles in. I think I cried once during every leg after that, but somehow finished.
Q: What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
Running is how I process everything. Anytime I have a problem or I’m feeling down, I just take myself on a long run and let my mind wander.
Q: What is your favorite route in the area?
C&O Canal will always be one of my favorite routes (especially if I do it as a point-to-point and have someone pick me up farther down the trail).
Sara Putterman chargin’ in the Cherry Blossom Ten
Q: What race day traditions do you have?
I used to paint my nails in crazy colors before every college meet. I haven’t done that in a while, but for Cherry Blossom this year, Gaither and I resurrected that tradition with pink polish and cherry blossom stickers!
Q: What is your favorite post-race meal?
Everything bagel with egg and cheese
Q: What is your proudest running moment?
Getting my PR at the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler this year. I’ve battled a lot of injuries in the past, so after a year of training smart, listening to my body, and properly fueling I finally felt like I was able to achieve what I believed I was capable of. Plus I ran the first 7 miles with my sister (she lives in Denver so this was a rare occurrence).
Q: What is your favorite running book and/or movie?
I recently read The Girl Who Ran (a children’s book about Bobbi Gibb’s Boston Marathon) to my niece, and I might have teared up a bit!
Q: What is your life like outside of running?
I work as a creative strategist for a local marketing agency. In my spare time, I do a lot of crafty things (embroidery, card-making, drawing, etc.), and I read a lot of contemporary fiction.