Hi, I’m Cathy! Welcome to Running2Run
Running2Run is about continuing to run—through setbacks, seasons, and the years ahead. This is the story of how running shaped my life, how I almost lost it, and how I found my way back. If you’re wondering whether it’s still possible to keep running as you get older, you’re in the right place.
I have been blogging on and off for years to document my running journey and to share life in Alaska with family and friends. What began as a personal space has slowly evolved into something much more meaningful.
I came to Alaska many years ago through the military. Unlike many people, I stayed. I love Alaska, though I still miss the Carolinas, where I spent most of my early life. With family spread across the East Coast and the Pacific Northwest, this blog has also become a way to stay connected—a place to share miles, memories, and moments.
When I first started the blog, coming up with a name was surprisingly difficult. Eventually, Running2Run felt right. At the time, it reflected how life felt—running in circles. Over the years, the meaning has changed. Now, it represents something deeper: the idea that the only way to keep running, especially as we get older, is simply to keep running. Running2Run.
A few years ago, a major setback made me believe my running days were over. Injuries piled up, followed by a diagnosis of bilateral knee arthritis. It was discouraging—physically and mentally. An orthopedist even suggested I “take up swimming.” That wasn’t exactly the future I had envisioned.
Instead, I began strength training with the modest goal of reducing pain, not returning to running. Cardio wasn’t even on my radar until one day my husband, Scott, convinced me to try snowshoeing. To my surprise, it didn’t hurt. That moment planted a seed: if I could snowshoe without pain, maybe I could run again.
My relationship with running has always been a bit unconventional. Aside from winning a few grade-school races, I didn’t truly embrace running until the running boom of the 1970s—and even then, it was sporadic. It wasn’t until after I moved to Alaska and gained a bit of weight that I really started running. On a whim, I signed up for a 10k race and fell in love with the sport. I was hooked!
Getting back to running after injury required patience, persistence, and a lot of trial and error. Progress was slow, but it worked. Eventually, I returned to marathon training and have completed two marathons since then. While I’ve run some iconic races—including Marine Corps, New York City, and Chicago—the one that means the most to me is the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. It wasn’t my fastest, but it marked my comeback. I never thought I’d run another marathon, and there I was.
Today, Running2Run is evolving once again. Along with blogging, I’m now coaching—with a special focus on helping people start running in their 60s and beyond. It’s a natural progression at this stage of my life and running journey.
I’ll always share stories about running, family, and real life—now with a bit more intention and consistency.
Thanks for being here.
Join me on this journey, and let’s share some miles.
Happy Running
