This is the first post in a 4 part series titled, “Soul to Sole Running,”  where we will hear from runners in varying stages of their journey!

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“The Newcomer” is one of my very best friends, soulmates and life cheerleaders (we actually were once REAL cheerleaders together in 7th/8th grade…and we were, uhm, kinda terrible)! Stacy is an elementary school teacher in Philadelphia and recently got engaged to the love of her life and running partner, Zack. She started running diligently on her own a few years ago in the wee hours before school and her “Soul to Sole” accomplishments are truly inspirational. She may be “the newcomer” to the pack compared to many other lifelong runners, but don’t underestimate her on race day…

How long you’ve been running: 3 years
Favorite song/playlist: Eye of the Tiger/ Rocky Balboa, the best of the Rocky soundtrack 🙂
Favorite race: Philadelphia Marathon
Shoe brand of choice: Saucony
Pre-race meal of choice: coffee & bagel with cream cheese
Post-race meal of choice: beer & pizza

Why did you first start running?

My motivation was originally to lose weight; and then I quickly fell in love with the sport itself. I became addicted to the “good pain” of pushing myself to get stronger and faster.

What is the best running advice you’ve ever received?

“Relish the bad training runs. Without them it’s difficult to recognize, much less appreciate, the good ones.” -Pat Teske

What is the one thing that you’ve learned about running that you would like to share?

“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” – Kathrine Switzer (or run one.)

I am always in awe of the camaraderie of runners, spectators and volunteers at long-distance races. In the span of a few early-morning hours, you can go through a greater range of emotions and witness more inspiring moments than many people do in years.

Favorite running quote?

“There will be a day when I cannot run. Today is not that day.”

Description: Hello, fall brunch. Although don’t count this dish out for other meals. I just served this at a girls’ casual dinner with a side salad and it was perfect!

Sweet Potato, Sausage and Oyster Mushroom Hash

Ingredients:

4 cups grated sweet potato
2 cups loose sausage
1 cup roughly chopped oyster mushrooms
Salt & Pepper

Directions:

1. Spray skillet with non stick spray and heat to medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook through.
2. Add sweet potato and mushrooms. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, for 10-15 minutes.
4. Serve!

“You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

-Christopher Columbus

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