Small-town farm girl. Marshall Senior High, Summa Cum Laude at Gustavus Adolphus College, Finance and Math. MBA at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Your basic overachiever ;). Competitive high school and D3 collegiate runner, but definitely not national-class.

Slow but steady improvement post-collegiately in the marathon until I started working with a coach. After 6 months of Jerry Schaubach’s guidance I became a 2012 Olympic Trials Qualifier. Then a new PR of 2:44:12 at the Trials, good for 69th place, and two fun years of professional running for Brooks Running (say what!?!). A World Record in the Indoor Marathon.

Started our beautiful family, then suffered severe post-partum depression leading to multiple suicide attempts, dangerous drinking (highest BAC of .46…), and finally, 28-day in-patient treatment. As if that wasn’t crazy enough… Hypo-manic productivity/excitement turning to hallucinations and yet another psych ward stay a month later. Blog post summarizing the entire “you can’t make this stuff up” 6 month journey here.

That episode was meant to be: I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, with symptoms showing only during hormone increases (beginning of pregnancy, stopping breastfeeding). I guess my bi-polar has always allowed me to function at a very high level; I had just never experienced a “low” until post-partum. It all makes sense and I’m managing mental health very well. I’m currently 7+ years sober.

Now, mom of 4. I put my math and finance experience to use as Director of Finance at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church. I continue to stay very involved in the running world as Owner and Head Coach of TNC Endurance, where I lead a great group of runners from all around the country. I am also the Head Girls XC Coach for Northfield High School, and distance track coach at the middle school. Wife to Nathan, my #1 super-fan.

Also getting back to elite level training and racing! World record in the 1/2 marathon while pushing a double stroller at 6 months post-partum in 2017. Sub-3 hour marathon at 11 months post-partum. 2:52 at TCM 2 years post-partum.

Really excited to keep training and competing after baby #4! I can’t wait to chase that sub 2:50 again!