Amanda Dickson
Resides in: Bethlehem
Years running: not many
Bio: I have always loved running but never got into it. I woke up one day and decided I was going to run a half marathon. That’s exactly what I did, and now I’m continuing the journey!
Links: http://www.twitter.com/akd209 and http://altitudemarketing.com

What do you enjoy most about running?
I look forward to going for a run all day. It clears my head and I feel like I’ve accomplished something when I’m finished. I was a D1 athlete (swimming at Lehigh), and I swam competitively my entire life. We always did running as a cross-training for swimming and I enjoyed it. After I quit swimming a few years ago, I slacked off a lot but now I’ve really picked up running and love it.

What is your biggest running accomplishment and why?
Running the St. Luke’s Lehigh Valley Half Marathon last weekend. It was my first race above a 5k and first real race in three years. I ran it with my boyfriend and I was struggling by the end- but having him next to me, and seeing so many people cheering, including my roommate and best friends, made a huge difference. Finishing was such an amazing feeling. I missed my goal of going under 2 hours but there is always next time.

Best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?
“You almost never regret the runs you do; you almost always regret the runs you skip.” That’s from The Runner’s Rule Book by Mark Remy. True words that remind me to always get out and go!

Current running goals?
I am going to keep doing races that are half marathon distance and under. I’d like to do a trail run soon. Eventually, my goal is to run a full marathon.

Best race experience?
The Women’s 5k Classic for breast cancer at the Lehigh Parkway. It is a really empowering event.

What gets you excited about running?
I love to run through Bethlehem, I get into a nice rhythm during longer runs, and I feel great after I am done. I literally woke up one day a few months ago and thought, I need to do something; I’m going to run a half marathon. So I did. Running has shown me that if you put your mind to it, you can do it.