Featured Runner “Jana Patzkowski Graham” November 2016
Posted in Featured Runners, Inspirational, Motivational, Personal Philosophies, Preferences & Opinions
Jana 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!
Jana with two of her best ultrarunning clowns (pals):
Bryan Carpenter & Mike Reeves.
Jana the trail ultarunning “badass”…all smiles and proudly
displaying her 2016 FlatRock Triple Crown Award!
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