Name: Michele Tritt
# of Years Running: 30 years Running- Began with Cross Country NSHS 1985
Favorite Race Distance: 13.1 and Sprint Triathlon
Current Shoes: Hoka Clifton
Last race: Richmond 13.1 - Duo Team (Briana Taylor)
Training For: Boston Marathon 2020
Trails, Roads, or Track: Primarily Roads, but learning to love trails even more
Group runs or solo: Group: I couldn't make those 6am runs without accountability. Surround yourself with other runners that encourage you.
Longest run: 33 miles- Ultra Ragnar (across 24 hours), consecutively 26.2, longest race 70.3 (Triathlon)
Why I run: I run because I love to be active, to connect with others, and to be outside! Running has helped me learn about humility, purpose, pushing personal limits and to take it all in with a grateful heart and mind. Every run is a gift and a way to move forward in life. It's a great way to set goals and learn about yourself in the process. This Bible verse for me sums it up: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in it's various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 I love sharing the "gift" running is to me with others. Running gives me a purpose, and each race, each training cycle, allows me to reflect and set a different goal. No matter what other life circumstances are, running has been a wonderful way to keep moving forward.
Favorite thing about running? The experiences I have shared with others who are not able to run traditionally. Adaptive/inclusive running brings a joy to my own runs as I am able to use my legs to share purpose, goals, participation and accomplishment with many who may be on the sidelines. The conversations and screams of complete joy I get to hear while running with Ainsley's Angels is far better than any medal or recognition.
Best race experience: Any race with Ainsley's Angels! In 2014 I had the opportunity to run a 6 mile Race in Baltimore pushing Esther Mullins (then 4 years old). She laughed with screams of delight the entire race and pointed toward the finish line urging me to go forward! It warms my heart and soul to help others enjoy the feeling running brings. After this race I was hooked, and I started an Ambassadorship in Fredericksburg which has completed over 100 races in the last 3 years. In 2017 Esther and I completed the Marine Corps Marathon as a Duo team, one of my favorite memories ever.
Worst race experience: Boston 2013 - My 1st Boston Marathon was simultaneous with the bombing. I crossed the finish line about 40 min prior, but the aftermath of being there was heartbreaking for all.
Advice for new runners: Whatever you fix your mind on is what grows in your thoughts. Go out to every run with the mindset: "I can do this, this is fun!" Set your mind on hopeful and encouraging thoughts. Keep it simple, keep it positive. You will feel the confidence and strength as you meet your goals. Come join us running with Ainsley's Angels! I guarantee you won't ever look at your running in the same way.
Fun fact about you that not many people know: I hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest 13.1 wearing an awareness ribbon (all in the name of the Sweet Julia Grace Foundation - a wonderful cause). I have a son who serves in the USCG in Guam, I'm currently taking a Latin class, and I love history.
Article from the Free Lance Star: https://www.fredericksburg.com/news/local/participants-run-for-a-cause-in-sunday-s-event/article_8eaa28f6-26d5-58ac-88a7-293f19479a65.html
Ainsley's Angels: www.ainsleysangels.org