Name: Lesa Overfield

State you live. In Summit area in WA.

What was the first race you ever ran? (Any distance): track and field in 6th grade. Got a blue ribbon! :)


How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?  7 years-August 98. I would go up to Rogers HS x-country trails and watch my high school aged daughter run for safety issues. She talked me into running with her. First time was about .2 mile and I thought she was trying to kill me! I was hooked and continued on always enjoying the long slow runs the most. Short and fast hurts!!

Of all the races out there in this world, which one would you most like to run? Its hard to pick out just one....maybe one in each state? It is such a big world!

If you could run a race accompanied by anyone either living or deceased, who would you choose and why? My husband the non runner or a marathon with my daughter would be really cool! Why? Maybe he would understand my addiction  more and her because the most she has ever done in distance is 12K and I know she would be thrilled with the whole marathon experience. I would love to share that with her. She better hurry up because I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this!!!

What was you most memorable Run and why? Boston. The whole experience was awesome! NYC is a close second. The support, sights, and entertainment all along the way.

What was the furthest you've ever traveled for a race? Florida. I did that one with my brother. It was his first marathon. 

Do any of your non-running friends or family members thing that you’re crazy for running as much as you do? Even some of my running friends think I am nuts! Especially after last weekend! Finally, I made it past being just a one star maniac...and with no injuries! :)

If personal obligations or finances were not an issue, how many races would you run in one year? One every weekend so I could slack during the weekdays and have a reason to travel more.

From what race did you receive your favorite finishers medal? Big Sur! There is another great race!

Where do you keep your finisher medals?  Hanging on the sides of our spare bedrooms full length mirror. That room is turning into the all about us room!

Do you wear your race t-shirts? What do you do with the ones you don’t wear? They are at the bottom of the stack and if they are long sleeved and I really don't like them, they turn into throw aways. I looked pretty hideous wearing a xmas dog run shirt last weekend up at Crater Lake but the start was a windy (tail wind Thank Goodness!) 40 something degrees. Burr!

What is your favorite pre race meal? Post race meal? For a quickie-no time meal...Chocolate mint cliff bar! Pasta with marinara the night before. Yum!  At home, my protein smoothie. Away...Starbucks if its cold, all the post race give aways otherwise.

What is your energy gel of choice? Sport drink of choice? Gu-vanilla but Hammergels are pretty good too! Lemon gatorade 3rd strength.

Which race would you never run again and why? Sound to Narrows. Got injured on that one (ITB) in 2000 and can't see paying $25 to run the roads there when the trails are so much better to run! Too close to home...

What was the most challenging race or combination of races you’ve ever done and why?  Last weekend without a doubt! Did Crater Lake marathon 40 min slower than my usual pace these days due to walking the higher elevations ( I learned I can hike 7000 feet and above but running makes me feel sick!) so my legs were not in the least bit trashed! Thank you Lake Youngs and the Orting hill of death training runs! The next day with tons of maniac encouragement, I ran another marathon called Haulin Aspen in Bend, OR. This was a 2500 foot gain in the first half so hike/ran then the second half was down hill rolling trails. All was dirt except for the first .75 mile. Another great run although both were hot in the end. Garanteed neg splits! I can tell you that E-caps really work. Never had one bit of cramping! Was the first time I had ever used them.

What is a typical training week like for you? How many miles do you run? Any cross training? This week was an all time high! Will be 71.4 after today’s 10 milers. :)

Do you have a training partner? If so, who is it? Several and most of them are from up the east side. Wow are there a ton of places to run up there that are outstanding!  Would love a carpool partner(s) if anyone is interested in running someplace else here and there. Sure breaks up the monotony.

What kind of shoes do you train in? Do you race in a different shoe? Asics 2100 & 2090's and Adidas Supernova controls currently. I Race in the newer ones recycling them into trainers as the miles approach 100.

What are your short-term running goals? Skagit or Shore to Shore in Chelan or maybe Cle Elum ultra (never done an ultra but love the trails!) in September. I am currently registered for Portland, Silicone Valley in October, and Napa Valley in March.

What are your long-term running goals? To do 20 marathons by the end of the year. Maybe 50 by my 50th birthday!

Assuming you have time, what do you do for fun other than run? Recuperate! Haha! I bike, kayak, hike/climb and camp once in a while and ride a dirt bike. Shopping is fun! 

What is your favorite Beatles song? Imagine all the people....Wish that could really work!