Pace Setter : May 2022

Runner Questionnaire – Cara Sherman

When and why did you start running?

I started running at a very young age because of my dad. When I was young, he was training for marathons, and I would run the kid’s races at his races. I started running competitively as a freshman in high school.

What’s your favorite race to date, and why?

My favorite race is the Stockade-athon. I love running through some of the best parts of Schenectady. It reminds me of when my dad would take me on training runs through Schenectady when I was in high school.

What has been your biggest running adventure to date?

My biggest running adventure has been my journey through running at UAlbany. I ran for UAlbany for 6 years and had so many amazing opportunities to travel to meets all over, such as California and Puerto Rico.

What is your approach to training? Do you follow a particular training plan, or do you work with a coach and if so, who?

I mostly write my own training plan, with help from my dad and my fiancé, Ryan. I also use what I learned from Coach Jones in college to write my training.

What is your weekly mileage in peak racing/marathon training season? What is your approach to the off season

My peak weekly mileage is 75-77 miles. I am training for my first marathon this fall, so my mileage may increase. I like to cross-train during the off season, by biking and doing yoga, and run slightly lower mileage.

                     Cara winning Helderberg to Hudson Race 2022

During our cold winter days, do you brave poor weather conditions or stick indoors on the treadmill? If you do run outside, what safety measures do you take?

I usually run outside most days in the winter, but after we got a new treadmill this past winter, I used that more than I normally do.

List your PRs: Race, time, year

Half-marathon: 1:17:02 (Helderberg to Hudson Half, 2022)

15k: 54:24 (Stockade-athon, 2019 & 2021)

Road 10k: 35:01 (Troy Turkey Trot, 2021)

Track 10k: 34:01 (Virginia Challenge, 2021)

                          Cara being interviewed by media after race

What was your worst injury and how did you get over it?

My worst injury was a femoral stress fracture. I was out for 12 weeks, which was extremely tough. I learned from the experience, and now I am careful to take a day off/cross-training day every single week.

Your favorite shoe for training and racing

My favorite trainer is New Balance 880s and my favorite racing shoe is Adidas Adizero Pro.

Ever run in a costume?

No

Do you work with a dietitian to enhance your performance? If so, who?

No

What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?

I don’t have a favorite pre-race meal – I usually eat some sort of pasta with protein and vegetables. My favorite post-race meal is a veggie burger and sweet potato fries.

What activities do you enjoy when not running?

I enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and just spending time outside.

What challenges / races / adventures are you planning for the coming year?

I am running my first marathon in October, the Marine Corps Marathon.

What is the greatest piece of advice you've ever received in the sport?

It’s hard to choose one piece of advice – I learned everything I know about running from my dad and Coach Jones.

                    Cara First Place Heklderberg to Hudson Race 2022

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