Positive Running Story – Ellen Moeller

Our positive running story this time features Ellen Moeller, a woman runner from Boulder, Colorado. (Ellen is pictured above, front row at the left, at one of our women’s running camps in August 2021). Ellen has been wanting to attend one of our camps for several years, and then we received a cancellation that meant a place opened up for her this Summer! She proved to be a fountain of care and gratitude at camp, we are only sorry that we didn’t get to hear her sing! I recently had the chance to catch up with Ellen, and here is the result of our interview:

Can you share your brief running history to date?
I started running in 1997 at age 24. I was auditioning for the Army Chorus and needed to run a 10 minute mile. (I didn’t get the job but I’m so grateful for the push!) I had always loved running as a kid and wanted to run Cross Country in high school, but the practices were at the same time as rehearsal for the school musicals. I’ve always prioritized music, so I just didn’t end up running at all until adulthood!

What are the top three things you enjoy most about running, and why?
My top three are the running community, the endorphins, and the health benefits. I love knowing so many runners in Boulder and cheering on an Olympian on the trails. I love how good I feel when I’m fit and race-ready. And I love how low my resting heart rate is!

What has been your favorite race so  far, and what was it about your race experience that made it so special for you?
I still remember my first marathon, Chicago, in 2011. I just couldn’t believe I actually did it. It seemed so impossible to me. As we rounded the last corner, tears were streaming down my face. I was so proud of myself. If I could run a marathon, what else could I do?! It gave me the confidence to try new things, knowing that, while I may not break any speed barriers, I can do most anything I set my mind to.

Ellen with Emma Coburn and a couple of RevRunning friends

You are a member at Revolution Running, a training group in Boulder, CO. What prompted you to join this group, and what do you enjoy most about the way the group helps runners improve their running?
I love Revolution Running! I joined the group in 2014 at the suggestion of a dear friend (Janet). Everyone was so nice to me right away and I loved everyone. I wanted to train for my second marathon with a group and I took 45 minutes off my first time! Having a consistent schedule geared towards my goal races have kept me motivated and race-ready. I’ve had many amazing coaches at Rev Run. If I have a training question, my coach will answer it. If I have an injury pending, my coach will give me stretches or suggestions for strengthening (or insist I go to Red Hammer Rehab – yikes!). Being a member of RevRun allows me to prioritize my running by having a consistent schedule day in and day out, week after week.

Ellen at far left at 12,000 feet during camp!

You attended one of our women’s intermediate running camps in August this year. What were the three best things you enjoyed about camp and what difference has what you learned at camp made to your running since then?
I loved camp! Living the runner lifestyle was a BLAST! I loved FOCUSING on running with no outside responsibilities. What a gift. My three favorite things were the people (amazing runners and of course Terry and Jacqui), the delicious and nourishing food, and the incredible beauty of the trails. The biggest difference to my running has been form-related. I’ve taken the tips provided in the running form clinic and applied them (not always, but I try) and I notice my cadence and overall speed improving. It’s very motivating! (See details on our women’s running camps here.)

What wisdom would you share with a younger version of yourself about being a woman runner?
I would tell her to talk to the high school cross country coach and work out a deal. Running is such a great way to decompress, and don’t deny yourself that gift! Also, wear lots of fun running gear. It makes everything more fun.

If we could share a message on your behalf to the World, what would you like us to say?
Oh my. Dear World: please be kind. Please be gentle. Please, choose love. Always.

Could you share one thing that is unique about Ellen that no one would know by looking at you?
I don’t think most people would know that I’m a professional singer. I don’t have the diva personality (on the outside, at least!)

What are your running and life goals for the rest of 2021 and beyond?
My running goals for the rest of 2021 are to find the joy again. I’ve lost it a little in the chaos that is our world. But every time I run, I remember that I do love it. The trails have helped with that. I’m signed up for the Dead Horse 50K in November, so I hope to be trained and ready for that. But if I’m not, I’ll do the 30K and enjoy the scenery. Because, ultimately, that’s what it’s all about for me this year: enjoy it.
As for the beyond, I still hope to get faster and go longer. I’ve broken 2 hours for the half and would like to run a faster marathon than my current 4:31 PR. I want to run a 50 miler someday. I want to crew my friends at crazy races. I want to be ready for the FUN.

Ellen, thank you for sharing your story with us! Having had the honor to share time and runs with you in August, I say that your are ready for the FUN!

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