Each week, we'll be profiling members of our action team. Tune in and learn some more about these amazing womyn.

In their Shoes: Lara G.

Q: Who are you? Describe your work, life, and sport of choice.

A: I’m Lara G., (find me on instagram at runningpoky) I work as a Human Resources Manager.  My hobbies include reading and traveling.  2020 put a damper on one and provided unlimited time for the other.  My sport of choice is running.  From marathons to ultras.  Normal life, I try to run at least two marathons a month, but 2020 cancelled those plans quickly so I’ve had to rely on virtual challenges to keep me motivated.  I have completed a marathon or more in every state in the US, currently have 38 states for round 2, and I’m attempting to finish a marathon in each Continent. So far I have North America, Asia, Australia and  Europe.   

Q: What is your sport of choice? How did you get started with it? Do you compete in races, if so what's your favorite distance?

My sport of choice is running.  I started running back in 2002 to lose weight.  For the longest time I only ran 3 miles a day and only 5k or 10k races.  It wasn’t until 2009 when I felt ready to run my first half marathon and in 2010 I ran my first marathon.  Since then, I’ve committed to only running marathons and ultras.  My favorite distance is the 50 miler.  You get to run a to your heart’s content, while getting to sleep in your own bed the same day!  As much as I would like to say that I love 100 milers (I have completed 13) they are a much better idea before and after the race.  Not so much during. LOL

Q: What is your driving force behind your sport?

Running is definitely my “me” time.  My time to be by myself, to process issues I might have at work or home, to meditate, to relax (crazy I know!).  If I miss more than one day I immediately feel guilty and unbalanced. 

Q: What are three words that people use to describe you?

Persistent, upbeat, adventurous

Q: What is your favorite thing to listen to while working out (music, podcast, audiobook, etc)...or do you prefer to go without headphones?

I run with audiobooks or podcasts.  Light comedy for short runs, running podcasts for longer races to get that motivation when you hit the pain cave.

Q: What is your favorite meal or recipe?

I guess, being from Puerto Rico I would have to go with rice and beans, pork chops, a slice of avocado and a side of tostones (fried plantains).  Nothing like comfort food.  (See why I have to run?)

Q: Name a book or author you recommend to all your friends?

Anything by Leanne Moriarty, Stephen King or Gillian Flynn.  You just can’t go wrong with any of those authors. 

Q: What is your secret pleasure TV show to indulge in?

True Crime shows: Forensic Files, Unsolved Mysteries, Law and Order SVU.  I can watch them over and over again and I’m always enthralled!  

Q: Last question - what are your favorite workout shoes?

Hoka Bondi or Mafate.  I’ve been a loyal Hoka fan since they were a very obscure brand owned by a French company then during the “what are those clown shoes?” phase and now their popular phase.  Love them and cannot wear anything else.