July
2020
Rory Lavallee
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
A: I’m originally from Minnesota, but I grew up in New Hampshire after moving there when I was 9. I have two older sisters who are identical twins. I went to Ithaca College and graduated with my BS in Athletic Training in 2014 and then with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2016. After working in Massachusetts for a year, I moved to the Binghamton area with my now husband Cam. We got married last year! I’ve worked as an athletic trainer and physical therapist for Guthrie for the past 3 years.
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Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
A: My parents were avid runners/triathletes and I grew up doing family fun run 5ks. However, my main sports growing up were soccer and lacrosse so running was more a way of staying in shape. I ran indoor track in high school, but never took running very seriously until about 2.5 years ago when some co-workers convinced me to sign up for the Skunk Cabbage half marathon. I joined the TCRC group to have company on long runs and I’ve been hooked ever since!
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Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone? Trails or road?
A: I enjoy both! I definitely prefer long runs with a group, but it’s nice to have company for any run. I do like my solo runs though as it’s my way of taking time to myself and zoning out. I don’t mind trails, but I run on the road the vast majority of the time so I’d have to say roads.
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Q: What is your favorite distance or race or running gear?
A: I don’t have a favorite distance. Since I’ve only been running more the past 2.5 years, I’ve only done most distances a couple of times. I do love relay races, especially the Seneca 7, because spending a day running and hanging out with my friends in a van joking around and cheering each other on is a blast! As for Gear, I’ve only ever worn my Saucony Guide running shoes and it’s been 14 years. I also really like e-Gel by Crank Sports and maple syrup (although both are a bit sticky).
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Q: What's the most rewarding thing about running and how do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
A: I love seeing what my body can do. I’ve accomplished things in the past 2.5 years that I never thought I would/could (ex. running a marathon). Also, the comradery in running is amazing. I’ve met so many good friends through running! It’s not always easy to stay motivated. On the days where I don’t feel like running, I know the hardest part is starting. Once I do, it’s so much easier to keep going. It’s definitely easier to stay motivated though when I’m training for a specific upcoming race! Also, I’ve been training with ESR Endurance Training for the past 6 months and it’s definitely easier to stay motivated when I have someone keeping me accountable!
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Q: What is your favorite running memory and any goals for the future?
A: Hands down it was running my first marathon on my own a few months ago. The marathon I was training for got cancelled when it was only 2 weeks away due to COVID-19. I was about to start tapering so all the work was pretty much done, and I couldn’t let all that hard work go to waste. I had a few people come out to run with me and my husband was my road crew. Crossing my “finish line” was an amazing feeling and I couldn’t believe I did it! As for goals for the future, I want to officially run a marathon that doesn’t get cancelled lol. I also have a few time goals such as breaking 21 minutes in a 5k and breaking 1:40 in a half marathon.
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Q: Who inspires you most?
A: Pretty much anyone who I see running. Running isn’t always an easy sport and when I see people waking up really early and running in the dark or running in the freezing cold or running in the pouring rain, it inspires me to do the same!
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Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
A: The hardest part is getting started! Start out by going for a brisk walk and then start to slowly add a few minutes of jogging in (ex. walk 4 min, jog 2 min) and build up from there. If you start off with too much, it may cause you to hate running or get hurt and then you’ll miss out on all the fun!
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Running Strong for over
50 years (1971-2021)
