Jill Forsythe

Jill Forsythe
Resides in: Allentown
Years running: 3
Bio: I started running to become more fit and lose my pregnancy weight. I had tried running about ten years ago but never really got it back then and didn’t stick with it. After having children I gave it another shot and for whatever reason I was hooked.

What do you enjoy most about running?
The personal time I get each morning when I head out for my run. It’s a great way to clear my head at the start of each day.  As a stay-at-home mom I get very little “free” time and running provides that for me. I also enjoy the challenges that I set for myself and accomplishing my goals. And finally, the friendships that I have made through running. There is definitely something about running the miles together that creates lasting bonds.

What is your biggest running accomplishment and why?
My biggest accomplishment would have to be sticking with running for three years straight. I remember how hard it was when I first started and how frustrating it was when it hurt like the dickens to try to run further and further. Once I was able to start feeling good when I ran, I reveled (still do) in my accomplishments on the racing scene. Each time I set a new personal best I am in complete shock and amazement that I actually did it. I’m not sure that is something that will ever go away.

Current running goals?
I am currently training to run a new marathon PR in Philly this November. I would like to shave 2-3 minutes off my previous best. I have two more marathons to complete (Philly & Boston) before I move on to a new challenge: trail racing. Okay, that doesn’t necessarily mean ultra running, I’m still not sure how I feel about that. Running the XTERRA 10k at Bear Creek this summer made me hungry for more races like that.

Favorite race distance?
10 milers and half marathons. I can’t wait to get this marathon monkey off my back so that I can return to these distances more often. They are long enough to provide a good challenge yet short enough to recover quickly.

What is your favorite running mantra?
This changes in each training period. When I first trained for a marathon I would often repeat to myself during my long runs, “I am an endurance machine.”  In my last training cycle I took on the phrase, “Do it.” This time around I keep telling myself to “Suck it up.”

Running Heroes?
I have admired Steve Prefontaine for quite a while now. His attitude about giving your best and never giving up mimic my own feelings about running and life in general for that matter.

What would your family and friends tell us about your passion for running?
My husband thinks I’m a total nutcase when I talk about how much I love running 20 or more miles.  I actually get excited the day before my long runs. Friends would say that I’m extremely dedicated to my training and that I don’t mind putting in the hard work.

What gets you excited about running?
Long runs and speedwork. Challenging myself. Accomplishing goals I set for myself. New sneakers.

Do you have a favorite race?
It is very hard for me to pinpoint a favorite race; I love them all. The Superbowl 10k, Emmaus 4 Miler, Lehigh Valley Half Marathon are three of my favorites. The Christmas City Classic is a great challenge with the hill.