Get to know Carole Travis!
Each month we highlight different members of the Spewak Training Family. Our team is made up of amazing individuals who train year round while juggling families, jobs, life commitments, and other stresses. I am constantly impressed with the self discipline of our runners and their genuine appreciation for simply working hard. This month we sat down with Carole Travis! Carole joined our team this past fall. She's a very respected runner and person in the St. Louis community. Carole's work ethic is second to none and she always has a smile on her face. She is dedicated to becoming a better runner but is more concerned with helping others along the way. Read her full story below! CS: When did you start running? CT: I started running in 2006. CS: How many marathons have you participated in? CT: I have run 26 full marathons and several half marathons. CS: For many years you coached and paced runners in your training group. Please share that experience with us. CT: I coached for 7 years. Coaching was rewarding in numerous ways: rewarding to help new runners realize their dream of completing a marathon; met new people every new season; made long lasting friendships; always had buddies to run with during off training season. CS: What's your favorite part about the sport? CT: Eat and run it all off! CS: Is it true you met the elite Kenyan runners before the New York City Marathon? CT: Yes, it is true I met the elite runners in the hotel lobby of the hotel I stayed in New York in 2011. CS: Will you please share that story with us! CT: I checked into my hotel night before my race (New York Marathon 2011). Once settled, my friend and I decided to go to the Starbucks across the street to get cocoa before going to bed. At Starbucks we saw one of the women elites (I can't remember her name). I didn't know her name, but I just talked to her in our language. She was happy to converse. At the hotel she invited me to meet all of them (men and women elites). Before we parted, they said they would see me at the race. LOL!! They expected to see me at the race/course. I told them that I ran super slow as compared to them - like over 2 hour slower. They were shocked. They asked me why? 'Don't you get tired running slow? And were just as shocked, I asked them 'don't you get tired running that fast? Well, long story short, I proved their theory by bringing home a a 9 minutes PR! CS: Where is your favorite place to train in St. Louis? CT: Forest Park CS: What are you passionate about outside of running? CT: I just love to let myself loose to nature and breath fresh air. CS: Do you have any favorite quotes or mantras you live by? CT: God give me the strength to change the things I can change, Wisdom to know those that I can not change. CS: If you were stranded on a deserted island and were allowed to bring 3 things, what would they be? CT: Running shoes, water bottle and a yoga mat. CS: Are you a night or morning runner? CT: Morning (but not dark mornings) *Spewak Training coaches are accepting new clients. Please feel free to reach out to us contact@spewaktraining.com to learn more about our training services.*