Blyss Champion ~ Meet Jackie
This month's champion is a customer who has ordered a few times from the shop and I reached out to her and asked if she'd share her story, which she graciously agreed to do. She initially became a customer because she was excited about supporting a women owned small business. The pockets are what keep her coming back!
I'm always so thankful for being able to meet you and read your stories. I believe that running can be something to each one of us personally, but also something entirely different and wonderful collectively.
"A map does not just chart, it unlocks and formulates meaning; forming bridges between here and there, between disparate ideas that we did not know were previously connected." ~ Reif Larson
Your strength, generosity and honesty are inspiring.
Please meet Jackie...
When and why did you start running? What’s your story?
I was always an athlete, but I loved to play soccer. I started when I was 5, and played up until graduate school. After I moved to NY and started a job as a professor, I had less time to play but I still played pickup games…mainly late at night. When my son, Ben, was born I gave that up. When Ben was 4 a friend of mine started the Rhinebeck Hudson Valley Full and Half Marathon, and I thought, why not? I started training and ran the half. It wasn’t fast, but I did it, and that started my new love of running. Since that time I have run the Rhinebeck race 4 times (and I’m registered for the 5th time, this May), along with 6 other half marathons and many shorter distance races.
Favorite distance? And /or favorite race you have run?
I suppose that half-marathons are my favorite, but I really liked the Right-to-Run race in Seneca Falls, NY, in support of the Women’s Rights National Historic Park. The race distance is 19K, in support of the 19th amendment, and its fun to realize that it’s almost a half-marathon, but not quite. The other race that I really enjoy is the Old Forge half and full marathon in Old Forge, NY. The race is run on dirt roads and trails through the Adirondack Park of NY and it is in early fall, when the temperatures are perfect and the leaves are changing.
If you could go on a run anywhere, where would it be? Your ideal run?
I really enjoy running through forested dirt roads in cooler temperatures. My ideal running temperature is 37 degrees!
Favorite pre or post run food?
I always have a plain bagel with butter 2 hours before a race, and a good beer afterwards :)
Do you cross train?
When I’m not running I walk a lot, especially with my 2 dogs. Aside from that, I’d much rather be outside, so during the winter months I cross-country ski and snowshoe (we get a lot of snow!)
Do you use a GPS or track your mileage and if so, which one?
I have a Garmin Forerunner 235 watch and I use Runkeeper. I’m not sure why I use both!
What have you learned/gained through running?
Running is keeping me sane, and I’ve learned that if I don’t run I’m pretty grumpy. Running has showed me that I can have a goal and, if I work at it, I can achieve anything!
Your next running goal?
Currently I am just trying to get back into running after experiencing a personal set back. I am looking forward to running Rhinebeck for the 5th time, and the Old Forge race has added a “loony” challenge of a 10K the evening before the main race. I’ve signed up for that too!
Alyson
Also in Our Voice
So Long, Farewell
I still believe Blyss could be wildly successful and big with the right funding and leadership, but at this point in my life I'm not comfortable with taking that financial risk nor am I excited about leading a big company. I truly like knowing each of my customers and had hoped to be able to remain small and successful.
Best Everyday Running Skirt - Outside Magazine
A high-waisted fit, secure pockets, sweat-wicking spandex, and a flattering cut made the Blyss II the one we returned to again and again.