August Rundown: Trish Steggerda, =PR= Training Programs Member & Customer
This month we spotlight a member of our =PR= Training Programs from One Loudoun. Trish has been training with the One Loudoun group and has been crushing it. When she is not running she can be found taking a hike on the AT. What’s Trish's favorite post run/race food?! Mac and Cheese… Now that sounds like a dish we’d like to dig into too! Learn more about her story in this month’s Rundown.
Q U I C K Q U E S T I O N S
What is your age race category? 50-59
What is your favorite =PR= Race? Fall Classic 10K by Potomac River Running
What was your first race? First cross country race freshman year of high school
What is your favorite race memory? My first 5K race after brain surgery. It was in my hometown of Massapequa, New York, and I ran it with my whole family. It had been a goal of mine to complete a 5K after surgery.
How did you get started running, walking, or racing? My dad was an avid runner, and he was someone that I looked up to very much. He inspired me to run and we ran many races together.
What is the thing you love the most about running, walking, or racing Running has been an integral part of my recovery after surgery. I love how running allows me the opportunity to get outside, experience nature and meet inspirational people such as those that I have met in my =PR= Running 101 group.
Who is your biggest supporter or cheerleader? My family, including my husband and 2 children
What is your spirit animal? Why? Dolphin because they are harmonious animals that are peaceful and gentle, but also have deep inner strength.
What is your life motto or words to live by? Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.
List three fun facts about yourself: I grew up on Long Island, NY and went to high school with Jerry Seinfeld. I love country music. I spend a lot of time hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
Favorite place to run, walk, or train? W&OD Trail
List your three must have items when walking or running? Garmin running watch, headphones for music, sunglasses
If you could go on a walk or run with anyone who would it be and why? Meb Keflezighi, who I saw speak at a =PR= running event. I was inspired by his story and his mental approach to running. I would love the opportunity to learn from such an amazing runner and marathoner.
Your last run or walk was . . . recharging
Your last race . . . was a 5K in New York.
If I wasn't running or walking I'd be . . . hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
My favorite post-run, walk, or race meal is . . . Mac and cheese
What advice do you have for a new runner or walker? Running has the power to change lives for the better. It can bring you many new friends, take you to amazing places, and help recharge when life gets crazy. It's normal to find it daunting in the beginning or after a long break, but if you keep with it, you will begin to appreciate the countless benefits that come with running. I've also had very positive experiences with the running groups I've been apart of and would advise anyone that's just getting into running to look into local running groups to meet others.
Tell us a little more... Share anything you'd like below! This past March 2022, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor that required surgery to be removed. I spent a week at John Hopkins hospital to undergo the craniotomy and start the long recovery process. I started slow by receiving PT and OT, but as soon as the neurosurgeon cleared me to run in May, I immediately joined a =PR= running group to get me back on the trail. My goal was to complete a 5K that my entire family was going to be running in June, which gave me about a month to get ready. Not only was this group a great help physically and helped me to complete the race but it was an integral part of my recovery both mentally and emotionally as well.