Sarah Carvellas

Sarah Carvellas
Resides in: Allentown
Years running: 6
Bio: I am a full-time mommy to John, Caleb, and Elle.  They are 4, 2, and 1 and they keep me very busy.  My husband is Brad, and we have been happily married for 8 years now.  I am also a high school math teacher.  I work at Liberty HS in Bethlehem, but I have been on leave since John was born.  I started running in 2004 when I signed up to do a half marathon with Team In Training.

What do you enjoy most about running?
I love the way I feel after a good run.  I want to stay healthy and in-shape and running has been my favorite way to do that.  It’s not easy for me, but I like the challenge.  I think if it were easier, I’d get bored with it, but it’s always a challenge.  Also, for me it’s just a nice way to get out by myself and have some time to think and just enjoy the peacefulness of being out early in the morning.

What is your biggest running accomplishment and why?
My biggest accomplishment was running a half-marathon.  It was the first race I ever ran.  I made a commitment to do it, even though I really was not a runner.  But I have considered myself a runner ever since.  This summer I did my first triathlon.  That had been a goal of mine for a long time, so I was really happy that I got that chance and did it.

Favorite race distance?
I usually just do 5k’s.  I’m going to do the 5-mile race next month (women’s 5k classic) and I am looking forward to that.  Someday when I have more time to devote to training, I’d like to do another half marathon.  I’ve yet to do a 10k, but that seems like a nice distance.  I’m sure I’ll do one someday!

Best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?
You don’t have to be fast, you just have to keep going.

Running Heroes?
No one specific.  I am just impressed and inspired by people who challenge themselves.  I was inspired to start running when a friend of mine who was just as un-athletic as I was decided to run a marathon.  She did it and a year later I signed up for a half.

Current running goals?
I’m not fast and haven’t ever set time goals for myself.  I just want to keep at it.  The triathlon was my big goal for the past couple months, but now that that’s over, I’m just looking forward to some fun races.  I’m doing the warrior dash this year and I think that will be a blast!

What would your family and friends tell us about your passion for running?
I know my husband would say that he is proud of what I’ve accomplished.  I am grateful to him for the support!