Tell us a little about your business. – I am the manager of the Lincoln Running Co ( lincrunningcompany.com) – a specialty running/walking/feel good store!

How did you get started in the business? – When I moved to Lincoln 41 years ago, I had worked in a running store in Grand Island and was a runner. I went to the Athlete’s Foot to buy my children some shoes and Jim Lewis – president of the Lincoln Track Club at the time – introduced me to Judy Rogers, the owner, told her I had just moved to Lincoln and had worked at a running store – I was hired on the spot!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – When my kids were little – the balancing act of it all.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – When our store placed in the top 10 of the Running Specialty Stores.

Tell us a little about your family. – My husband Ray, who works for a US Senator – our daughter Tessie and her husband Josh – live in North Bend, Ne and have 3 kids – Kellen – Ellie – and Grady. Our daughter, Mo and her husband Dilan – live in Toronto, ON and have 2 kids – Calvin and Mira.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I started running in high school and the confidence it gave me.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – This has changed over the years. A few years ago I would have said riding my bike on gravel – now it is working in my yard.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I’m from Red Cloud, NE – America’s Most Famous Small Town (according to Red Cloud).

Who inspires you? – All the young women out there raising families, working, volunteering and running at 5 in the morning because that is the only time they can run!

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Life is the simple act of paying close attention.” – from one of my customers and it is a William Kloefkorn quote.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Helpful.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To run as fast as I used to.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Animal rescue.

Which talent would you most like to have? – Lot’s of them! I do one thing well, athletically – I would love to have lot’s of other talents! I’m not picky.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Some kind of animal rescue.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Oh my goodness you opened a can of worms. The Bridge, The Bike Kitchen, The Lincoln Track Club, GPTN; I am on the board for these. Others I am passionate about are Spring Creek Prairie, Prairie Pines, Capital Humane Society.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Good for a Girl: A Running Man’s World – you all should read it.

What is your favorite movie? – Whale Rider.

What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – Yia-Yias.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Joan Benoit.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Store phone: (402) 474-4557, email: lincolnrunning@windstream.net, website: lincrunningcompany.com.