A Running Experience with Claudia Torres - October 2007

Contract Coordinator for LB Memorial/Miller Children’s Hospital

I started running in… April 2005.

My life/sport philosophy… Life philosophy: “Do not rush through life, pause & enjoy it.” Sport philosophy: “Have the courage to just do it.” My favorite spot to be active…. Is anywhere where there are trails— my own personal sanctuary.

Athletic highlights…Finishing my first halfmarathon in Maui & first marathon in San Diego

My running experience with AREC has been… Amazing!!! Life changing!!!

I’ve been with AREC since… August 2005.

The best thing about AREC is… it’s a fun group to be with; they encourage me and keep me motivated.

I run because… it keeps me out of trouble because I don’t have time to do anything else. I get personal satisfaction from doing something that is healthy.

When I’m not running I… spend time with family & friends. We like to eat, drink and be merry.

My favorite running surface is… definitely trails.

My pre-race meal is… a peanut butter sandwich & coffee.

After a race I treat myself to… a vegetarian hamburger, fries and a cold beer.

My favorite race is… the X-Terra Trail Run/Turkey Trot in Topanga Canyon.

My goal is… to continue feeling the freedom, peace, calmness, tranquility that I feel when I run and of course to stay injury-free.

My running mantra… “Baby Steps.”

I’m inspired by…people who overcome great challenges.

My best training tip…respect the miles that you run regardless of how slow or fast you run them.

The best advice I ever got was… “Reach for your dreams and goals, however wild they may be. The preparation will be worth it…the journey cherished.”

I want to improve in…every aspect of my personal life.

I love… being around fun, positive people; reading psychological thrillers; eating Thai food.

I hate… people who complain but don’t do anything to change it.

I run marathons because… it’s a doorway to a new, more spiritual approach to life.

I wish… I could afford to work part-time so I can have more time to play.

My best experience was… being introduced to trail running by Mark Fell.

To all… Thanks for all the training tips and encouragement, and I look forward to spending many more years with you.