Featured Runner “Jana Patzkowski Graham” November 2016

janarunJana Graham (in her own words): I didn’t start running until after I turned 50 and really didn’t run much outside of races until after my first marathon, the Half and Half in Tulsa in 2012. I met all of these wonderful, crazy people that were running things called “ultras” and it sounded like such an adventure that I just had to join in! I found that running is something I’m halfway decent at, and it provides me with meditation time. My husband and non-running friends think I’m crazy, but I think ultrarunning keeps me sane. So, I will keep going as long as I can.

THE BASICS

Date of Birth: April 13, 1961

Place of Birth: Bartlesville, OK

Currently Residing: Bartlesville, OK

Marital Status: Married to my best friend, Alan.

Job(s): Occupational Therapy Assistant

Children: 2, my son Carl, who lives in Tulsa with his wife Ashley, and my daughter Toma, who lives in heaven.

Height: 5’6″-ish

Weight: 135-ish

Shoe Size: 7- 8, depending on the shoe.

Best Physical Feature: Smile, I guess.

Worst Physical Feature: So many things I could list, but I am working on loving ALL of me instead of focusing on negatives!

Religion: Christian

Educational Background: A.A.S. Occupational Therapy

Personal Strength(s): My ability to start over, no matter how often.

Personal Weakness(es): Feeling like I’m not good enough.

Make Of Car You Drive: Toyota RAV4

Make Of Car You Would Like To Drive: I would like to ride my Suzuki GSXR1000 more often.

Pets: 3 cats, Cashmere, Caramel, and Moto

FAVORITES

Favorite Author: Stephen King

Favorite Book: Clan of the Cave Bear

Favorite Non-running Magazine: Crossword puzzles

Favorite Movie: Young Frankenstein

Favorite TV Show: Survivor

Favorite Actor/Actress: Johnny Depp/Sandra Bullock

Favorite Music: Rock

Favorite Musical Performer: KISS (best.show.ever.)

Favorite Artist: Any 5 year old

Favorite Spectator Sport: Motorcycle races

Favorite Subject in School: History

Favorite Game: Words with Friends

Favorite Vacation Destination: Cozumel,Mexico

Favorite Time Of Day: Early early mornings

Favorite Item Of Clothing: Running clothes

Favorite Non-Running Leisure Activity: Riding motorcycles

Favorite Running Shoe: Altra Olympus

Favorite Food/Drink Before An Ultra: Beer/Pizza

Favorite Food/Drink During An Ultra: Beer/Pizza

Favorite Food/Drink After An Ultra: Beer/Pizza!!!!

Favorite Crew/Pacer Person(s): Bryan Carpenter and Mike Rives, of course!! Together we are The 3 Amigos running club.

Favorite Place To Run: Everywhere!

Favorite Type Of Running Surface: Trails

Favorite Famous Quote: “Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regrets. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” -Dr. Seuss

ULTRA STUFF

Number of Years Running Ultras: 3-4

Number of Ultras Finished: 20 (as of 9/24)

Best Ultra Performance(s): Any one that I finish, because I learn something on each one.

Most Memorable Ultra: My first, Pumpkin Holler 50k in 2013. Because I didn’t know about “training”, didn’t know what to expect, and everything just felt “right”.

Typical Training Week(s) Before A Major Race: Varies, sometimes lots of long runs, sometimes cross training.

Injuries: Toenails usually, most recently a severely herniated disc.

Ultrarunning Idol: Kathy Hoover

Why Do You Run Ultras: To defeat that voice inside of me that tells me I’m not enough; to think about everything; to feel everything.

Advice For Other Ultrarunners: Run YOUR race, believe in yourself, and just do it!

ACHIEVEMENTS / GOALS / MEMORIES

Personal Hero: My husband

Personal Philosophy: If you only choose the things you KNOW you can do, it isn’t a challenge!

Short-Term Goal: Getting my back healthy again.

Long-Term Goal: Staying healthy

Most Prized Possession: My health

Most Proud Achievement: My first 100 mile finish, Prairie Spirit.

Happiest Memory: Every memory of watching my son grow up!

Secret Ambition/Fantasy: Hiking in Ireland and Scotland for at least a month.

Greatest Adventure: Diving Palancar Reef

DISLIKES / FEARS

Least Liked Subject: Math

Least Liked Household Chore: Dusting

Pet Peeve(s): People texting and driving

Greatest Fear: Losing my son

SPARE TIME

Book Currently Reading: The Book of God

Hobbies: Lately I’ve really been getting into the paint/drinking parties! (I’m better at the drinking part)

Collections: Race bling/bibs!

janafriendsJana with two of her best ultrarunning clowns (pals):
Bryan Carpenter & Mike Reeves.

janaJana the trail ultarunning “badass”…all smiles and proudly
displaying
 her 2016 FlatRock Triple Crown Award!

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