Christine now runs seven days a week, averaging 50 miles per week. Six days a week she runs on her treadmill at home. She often does five minute intervals at an eight and a half to nine minute pace, and includes some incline work for 20-30 minutes. Despite all the indoor running, it has not made her dread her Sunday long runs outdoors, where the weather this time of year can be so unpredictable. In fact, she welcomes the opportunity to be outside. Much of the inclement weather that Mother Nature dishes out to Central New York does not seem to bother her, including snow and rain. Only the severe, blustery winds may take their toll, but more often than not, she toughs it out all the same.

This past year Christine recorded some of her strongest running performances to date. She was very visible at area road races, often finishing among the first few women. She earned second place, overall female finishes at the Fulton River Run 8K, Grunt Run 10K and the Oswego Pumpkin Run 5K, with the latter coming one day before she ran a 3:37 at the Wineglass Marathon. She also ran to an impressive 1:09 finish at her first Utica Boilermaker 15K.

With so many running memories made this past year alone, perhaps none is as special as the Wineglass Marathon last October. Everything seemed extra-special about that day, right down to the lovely blue glass finisher's medal and the one she took home for placing fourth in her age group. According to Christine, "I think that the entire marathon was very meaningful because it was a great day weather-wise, I finished far better than I could have ever imagined, I qualified for Boston and my family was at the finish line."

This year Christine hopes to continue running stronger than ever, as well as take on some new challenges. By making some adjustments to her current workout routine, she would like to fit in some regular swimming and biking, in an effort to prepare herself for a triathlon this summer. She is also looking forward to training for, and participating in, the Boston Marathon.

Although Christine has a strong passion for running and fitness, nothing is as precious to her as children. Several years ago she read an ad in the paper for a course to become a foster parent. She feels it was fate that she saw that ad as she rarely has time to sit down and read a newspaper. She attended the classes and in time, became a foster parent. Being single, Christine says she can understand how difficult it is for single parents raising children on their own. In her case, she has a great deal of help when she needs to run errands or take a little time for herself, as she has family and friends close by. But she realizes other single parents may not have that luxury and she is sympathetic to the difficulties they face. Wanting to provide a stable, loving environment, Christine has cared for several foster children over the years. She has been raising her foster child, two-year old Mika for nearly his entire young life. She does not know what the future holds, and just relishes each day she has with him.

Born in Syracuse, she resides in Fulton with Mika and her dog Brady, a Miniature Schnauzer. She works at BOCES as a speech therapist. Christine enjoys all outdoor activities including walking, hiking, biking and kayaking. Mostly, she and Mika spend a great deal of time together walking Brady, going for bike rides, camping at Old Forge and swimming at the YMCA. During the summer they can be found at outdoor concerts and in the winter, they attend holiday concerts and dance recitals. For a real treat, they pack up for a long weekend and visit family in Virginia.

January, 2003