Nora's story isn't all smiles and sunshine, though. While she stays positive, she's had to overcome some incredibly difficult life circumstances. Running and fitness have been a source of strength for her well beyond the physical aspect.
I currently live in Tampa, Florida where I worked for a brewery for a number of years before becoming a personal trainer/franchise owner with Camp Gladiator full-time.
I love to read, which may sound cliche, but it’s almost an addiction. I’m also obsessed with my dog, Bronx. He’s the best!
Pre-covid, were you a racer? What’s your favorite distance, and what is the first race you’d like to do when races open up again?
I’ve been running since ‘06. My first ‘official’ race was the Gasparilla 5k, which will forever be my favorite race series. As far as favorite distance--I’d say 10k or even a 15k. I honestly look forward to running Gasparilla and all Best Damn Races once the world reopens!
What does your running look like these days?
I ran the Yeti 24-Hour Ultra back in May of ‘20. At that point, I was putting in 150+ miles/month, and the 32+ miles I did that day made me hang my shoes up for a little while.
Now, I’m casually hitting the road, but not in ‘training mode,’ as I was at the beginning of last year. Covid has definitely put a wrench in my running game.
What role does fitness play in your life?
Being active is a part of my life--there’s no question about it. I love running and lifting weights so much that I’ve turned it into my career. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a passion. It keeps me sane, gives me a creative outlet, and has opened my world to so many like-minded people.
Section 2: The Deeper Stuff
What is your running origin story?
I was asthmatic growing up and required an inhaler. Even though I was active in sports, I had a bye when it came to any sort of extraneous running, and I was completely complacent with that. As I got older, I got my hands on a book about training yourself how to breathe better during activity. I just wanted to see if I could actually do it, so completing a 5k was my test of such theory. 15 years later, I don’t use an inhaler. (Disclaimer: I was under the care of a doctor the entire time.)
At what point did you feel you could call yourself a runner?
This is a hard question. I don’t know if it’s an ‘imposter syndrome’ thing, but it’s still difficult to call myself ‘a runner.’ Even though I have tons of races and miles under my belt, it just hasn’t clicked in my head.
Is there something you struggle with in particular when it comes to running/fitness? I love my body and what it’s capable of achieving, but I struggle to feel that I ‘fit the mold’ of a runner or personal trainer. I don’t necessarily look the part, so it feels weird claiming those titles.
What do you love most about running?
I absolutely love the community of runners! We all watch out for each other! There’s truly something really moving about watching complete strangers cheer each other on, pick someone up from falling, or carry/pace someone you don’t know over the finish line! There’s a sense of belonging amongst other runners that I wouldn’t give up for the world.
How has running helped you through difficult times in your life?
Running has definitely become a positive outlet during some very trying times in my life. Without digging in too much, my dad has been battling melanoma for over six years and my mother was facing some severe illnesses on and off for the same time. There were lots of hospitalizations, surgeries, and close calls. I’d bring my gym bag and running shoes every time they were in the hospital and I’d either hit the road, or sometimes the hospitals would have gyms that I could use! Luckily, there were always showers for which I had access.
Running allowed me to feel all the emotions, stress, and anxiety that I was burying while taking care of my parents. It freed me. I was then able to come back to tasks with a clear mind.
In December of ‘19, I was brutally assaulted while on a walk and surviving that experience ignited a fire within me. After that assault, I completed 10 races--all within the first months of 2020, before the world shut down. Being able to run reinforced that I was truly a survivor and unwilling to allow that incident to define me or hold me back.
For me, running is a means of perseverance. It reminds me of what I’m capable of doing. It reminds me that I’m strong, determined, and resilient.
What is something running has taught you? I’ve learned that I can truly do hard things. May seem trite, but completing marathons, ultramarathons, or that dang 24 hour race--well, that’s pretty freaking hard!
Share your hardest running moment.
I did a 12 hour ultra a few years ago. We ran a 3+ mile loop and the objective was to complete as many loops as you could within that time frame, so long as you finished 50k. Well, it was a rainy day and 20+ miles in the rain, no matter how many times you change your socks and shoes, creates some really bad foot issues. I’ll save the gory details, but let’s just say that my feet didn’t look ‘normal’ for about two months.
What is your proudest running moment?
The accomplishments are cool and all, but I’d say the time that stands out the most for me is the Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot in ‘19. My best friend and I run that race every year, but this year she brought her family and I had my mom and dad in tow.
Mom wasn’t able to walk, but Dad and I took turns pushing her wheelchair (which we totally decorated with over-the-top Thanksgiving flair,) and finished the course! She had an absolute blast and I am forever grateful that I have this memory of crossing one more finish line with her (and Pops)!
How has running/fitness changed your life?
I like to think that whatever sanity remains, comes from running and fitness. But honestly, I’ve developed so many amazing friendships through these communities that I’d probably be a different person had I not met these awesome humans. The love and support from the community is unheard of at times, even from people whom I’ve only befriended online.
What is a non-running accomplishment you’re proud of?
In the back of my mind I had always dreamt about going into a fitness-based business, but was nervous about making that leap due to some insecurities and the aforementioned Imposter Syndrome. At the beginning of Covid quarantine, an opportunity presented itself to become a personal trainer and launch my own business with the bootcamp program that I was attending at the time. Ten months later, I am the proud owner of my own Camp Gladiator franchise with a healthy number of clients (campers,) and continuing to grow my business daily!
I am proud that I had the nerve to voice my dreams, take the leap, and continue down a path that was absolutely terrifying at the time! I absolutely love what I do and could not be more proud of the progress I’ve made already, and the goals I have for the future.
Section 3: Favs and Feedback
What is some advice you’d give someone who is interested in starting to run? Lace up and go! Don’t worry about your pace or having to walk! Take the initial step to get out there. Being uncomfortable is only temporary--you’ll find your groove! I promise!
Do you have a favorite running item or article of gear to recommend?
I always, always wear headbands. They help keep my earbuds in place and sweat out of my eyes!
What is your preferred running shoe? I run in Brooks Adrenaline. I’ve been fitted many times throughout the years just in case there’s another shoe that may work better for me, but I always come back to these!
Recommend an essential accessory you think every runner needs.
I definitely recommend a running belt. I’ve had a few throughout the years and they all serve me well. I mean, you gotta keep your ID, card, and maybe some cash on you in case there’s a bar along the way, right?
Can you share a fellow runner or athlete you love to follow on Instagram? I have fan-girled over
@runemz for years! She’s pure athlete and I just wish I could put up the mileage that she does.
@brignut44 reminds me to get out there and do the dang thing daily! She is a very real person, with real paces, and real goals! She’s the epitome of everybody’s runner.
