Wednesday, January 29, 2014

HMF Staff Spotlight: Lisa Butler


Lisa joined our team last year and has brought an influx of energy, optimism and ideas! Lisa is plugged into the local running community, she's following what you're interested in, what you look for in races and training support. She's currently coordinating our new half marathon training program to help runners prepare for the April 6th Harvard Pilgrim Middletown Half Marathon.

More about Lisa:

Role at HMF:
I have a few different roles at HMF! As the Training Manager, I organize and promote several different training programs throughout the year to help runners prepare for the 5K distance all the way up to completing a marathon. I also try to partner with local businesses as much as I can to host informative clinics for our training groups such as; yoga for runners, strength training, nutrition and injury prevention, to ensure a happy and healthy training experience. I’m also the awards coordinator for HMF and manage many of our medals for our races. It can get a little busy, at times, but I absolutely love being a part of the HMF Team and everything I get to do!

Role on Race Day:
My primary role on race day is to manage the awards ceremony. Till then, I’ll go wherever I’m needed, including setting up, helping with volunteers, passing out t-shirts and answering any questions someone might have.

How long you've been with the foundation:
I’ve worked for the foundation for about 8 months now, but used to volunteer for HMF when I wasn’t running.

Are you a runner, and if so, what's your running style and type:
I am most definitely a runner! I love to run and love the endurance of the marathon best. I’ve completed 8 full marathons, including the Hartford Marathon, in 2011, and used to run anywhere from 40-65+ miles a week when I was training. Now I mostly run for fun, but I did qualify for, and ran, the New York City Marathon in 2013 and will be running the Boston Marathon this April. You won’t usually catch me running on the roads, though. I much prefer to be in the woods, on a trail. I could stay out there for hours. : )

Most challenging race day moments:
I’ve “hit the wall” or “bonked” before and it’s a really helpless feeling! But you use it as a learning experience to look at your training and what might not have worked and why.

Most inspiring race day moments:
Anytime I get to meet or see an athlete with disabilities, I’m inspired. Some of the greatest athletes I know don’t let their disabilities stand in their way or hold them back from reaching their goals.

Favorite post-workout snack:
My favorite post-workout snack is an almond milk protein shake I make with blueberries, a banana, cinnamon and raw cacao. It’s really good for you, but it tastes amazing.

If money was no object, what would be your ideal vacation:
I love to travel! My ideal vacation usually consists of exploring State and National Parks. In fact, I just got back from hiking the Kalalau Trail through the Na Pali Coast State Park in Kauai - a 22 mile trail, out and back, with 10,000 feet of elevation change through breathtaking peaks, to reach the most incredible beach I have ever seen. I was able to complete it as a day hike in just about 13 hours. I’m hoping to take at least one more big trip this year.

What makes you get up in the morning:
Life! Each day is really unique. I’m so grateful to have so many wonderful people in my life and to have had so many amazing experiences. I wouldn’t take back any hard lessons I’ve learned and I try not to take anything for granted.

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