WRC runners Pat O’Keefe and Rachel Morris are heading to the Garden State for the NJ Marathon this weekend! Like their Boston Marathon compatriots, they worked through a tough winter to come out strong for this race. Read their bios as we wish them all the best for the NJ Marathon!
PATRICK O’KEEFE
All smiles after the Capitol Hill Classic!
Q. Why did you decide to run the NJ Marathon?
A. I signed up for the race based on feedback from other Club members. They indicated that is was flat and fast which are both appealing features.
Q. What are your goals for the race?
A. I’m really hoping to run a sub-3:25:00 but anything under my most recent finish time would be great.
Q. What’s one thing you learned during this training cycle that you didn’t know before?
A. This cycle made it clear that I prefer training in the summer vs the winter. As difficult as it is to run 70 miles a week in 90 degree weather, it’s not as bad as running through a foot of snow!
Q. And now for a fun question: of the following television shows set in New Jersey, which do you relate to best and why? Choose from The Sopranos, the Real Housewives of New Jersey, or Jersey Shore?
A. The Sopranos, for sure!
RACHEL MORRIS
Rachel (left) and her friend showing off their New Jersey pride!
Q. Why did you decide to run the NJ Marathon?
A. The NJ Marathon was the obvious choice for my first marathon. New Jersey is where I grew up, where my family still lives, and where I competed in cross country and track all through high school and college. The Jersey Shore–where the race will take place–is also my old stomping grounds. I spent many summer weekends long running with my friends along the boardwalk, and then enjoying the beach afterward. I am looking forward to having the support of my amazing family along the course, as well as some of my college teammates who will also be competing in the half and full marathon.
Q. What are your goals for the race?
A. My main goal is to not go out too fast, run a smart race, and finish the marathon strong and excited to do another one. Although I have a few time goals lingering in the back of my head, I am trying not to let them consume me. Because this is my first marathon and because I am currently in “law school shape” I recognize that I need to be more realistic with my goals right now.
Q. What’s one thing you learned during this training cycle that you didn’t know before?
A. How much fun it is to go out on a 18–20 mile run! I had such a great time chatting with fellow WRCers over the course of my longer runs, as well as exploring all of the beautiful places to run in DC. I am also really enjoying the excuse to be able to have a snack while you run, even if it is GU!
Q. And now for a fun question: of the following television shows set in New Jersey, which do you relate to best and why? Choose from The Sopranos, the Real Housewives of New Jersey, or Jersey Shore?
A. Bruce has actually gotten me through quite a few training runs, so picking one song is tough for me, but I will be cliché and say “Born to Run.” Bruce Springsteen grew up in the town next door to where I grew up. The morning after Thanksgiving, my high school teammates and I had a tradition of running the Born to Run 5 miler in his hometown (instead of hitting the mall down the road).
GOOD LUCK GUYS!!