Penny Noll
is our Runner of the Month!
In Penny’s case we can call her the Inspiration of the Month! Penny is dedicated to the betterment of herself and of those around her. If you have done any race in Syracuse chances are that you have ran with Penny. She can either be found in the pack or on the sidelines cheering everyone on.
How long have you been running?:
Girls weren’t allowed to run when I went to high school. I ran for a year when I lived in D.C. in the 1970’s. I started running ten years ago in preparation to run the first Chilly Chili 5K.
Why did you start running or why do you continue to run?:
I started to run and continue to run to be healthy and strong for myself and for my two children – I want to be around if there are grandchildren someday.
What is your favorite running accessory?
I like my Garmin Forerunner 405 even tho’ I do not use most of the features. I do use the pace per mile information so that I can connect how a pace feels with how fast it is. And although I run by time, I do keep track of my mileage, too.
Do you have a coach, mentor or group that you run with?:
Kristy Johnston coached and helped my foundation the first few years. I now train with Kevin Collins and the YRunners. There are many great local groups I run with: Pink Cheetahs, Caz Chicks, Fleet Feet, Lake Effect, Kitty Hoyne and In Your Pace.
Do you do speed workouts/Long runs or just daily maintenance?
I run speed workouts with the training group once a week with a long run on the weekend. 60/60’s on a track are fun but I like the challenge of and learning’s from each type of speedwork.
Treadmill, road, track or trail? Which do you like best?
I can count on one hand the number of my treadmill runs – I feel most confident running roads or the Erie Canal.
Have you done a half marathon or marathon? If not is it in your future?
I have finished eighteen marathons, the first in Toronto, Ontario in 2006 when I was 54 and most recently in Savanna, Georgia in November.
What is your favorite local race? Favorite out of town race?
I have many favorite local races: there are pretty courses, unusual distances, worthwhile causes, fast courses, challenging races, fun races with parties, women only races and unique races. My favorite travel race is the Disney World Goofy Marathon and a Half Weekend (Chicago is a close second).
What running moment or accomplishment are you most proud of?
I have one comment that I keep ‘in my pocket’ so I can remind myself if I am feeling discouraged. I was told second hand that a very accomplished, former elite runner saw me running along the canal and said that I run like a runner.
What is your most valued lesson you have learned from running?
This is the most challenging question because I have learned so much about myself from running. But the fundamental lesson is to be positive, positive that I can run harder and faster than I think, positive about following the training plan and positive about my goals.
What are your future goals?
I have two major goals: to run a Boston Qualifying marathon time and to run a marathon in every state and a few continents.