Name: Dana Ellis
Age: 44
Birth Place : Alexandria, Virginia
Occupation: Middle School Principal (no, I am not crazy!)
Family: Husband, Jim (22 years); son, Andrew (21); daughter Kathleen (20); daughter Sarah (18)
Favorite Restaurants: Anything that has gluten free options (I have Celiac disease). Mexican food, pasta and seafood are some of my favorites.
Favorite Movie: Saving Private Ryan; Bacl to the Future Trilogy; just about anything–I love going to the movies (my husband says it’s for the popcorn)!
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family; Scrubs; CSI; Grey’s Anatomy; Amazing Race; just about anything that’s on the History Channel
Favorite Book: I love to read and will read and enjoy just about anything. I read a great deal for work and always enjoy something that helps me learn how people learn. When I want to read to relax, I enjoy reading mysteries, non-fiction inspirational biographies and anything that will make me laugh!
Why did you start running/walking: I’ve always run but had to take a vacation from running a few years ago because of two back surgeries. Having two years where I couldn’t run made me realize how much I like to run, and how much I need to run. It’s a great way to reduce stress and no matter how stressed I am, I am always in a better mood after I run. Running is a great way to push myself and I need that.
Running/walking since: I participated in my first summer track program when I was 5 and I had so much fun I still remember this experience. I ran track in high school and for a short time in college.
RMRR member since: July 2009
How did you learn about the RMRR: Saw runners at events with the logo and then did an internet search and found out about the program.
Average Weekly Mileage: 25
Favorite Place to run/walk: The Ralston Creek trail and then head over to the Fairmount trail–I like being away from cars and enjoy finding soft surfaces to run on.
Favorite Workout: Anything that pushes me. I enjoy going to Red Rocks and working out (Redrocksfitness.com). Track workouts have definitely helped me get a bit of “speed” back so I like the results I get from them.
Most satisfying performance: Ah, to be satisfied. That’s the trick. It seems like everytime I set a goal and then work to make it I have a little voice in my head tell me I could do more. I ran a 1:50 half in DisneyWorld in January and felt great! But now I want to break that time.
Favorite RMRR event: I like the Marathon training series runs.
What do you like about RMRR: Everyone is really nice and supportive. Every event I meet new people who are interesting to talk to. I love how organized all of the events are.