Monumental Runner – Jessica Sutter

Jessica Sutter
Capitol Hill

Self-described age group: 40-45

Occupation: Education Consultant

Why you run: Running makes me feel strong & never fails to help clarify whatever is clouding my mind on a given day

When did you get started running: Shortly before my 30th birthday. My dad had just run his first marathon and challenged me to train for a half-marathon with him. I had never run longer than a 5k before I started training for the 2007 Baltimore Half-Marathon. I’ve now run that race 7 times, and 16 half-marathons in total.

Have you taken a break from running:  Nope. A decade in and going strong.

Training shoe: New Balance Vazee Prism or Brooks Ravenna

Training group: Capital YTri Triathlon Club and Pacers 14th Street Fun Runs

The hardest race you’ve ever run: 2017 Zion Half-Marathon. It was my first race at altitude and nearly 8 miles was on trails…which I hadn’t realized until race morning. It was a beautiful race, but more mud than I’d ever like to see again.

Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: Well, I signed up for my first 140.6 mi triathlon this year, Ironman Lake Placid. The run segment at the end will be only my second marathon. I’m deeply excited and terrified all at once, but I hear that’s normal.

Running mentors: My dad- he convinced me to start running and remains one of my favorite race buddies. The awesome women and men of Pacers Fun Runs and YTri D.C. They inspire me to keep challenging myself.

My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is:  The Mall. I keep waiting for the views of monuments and museums to get old, but it’s been a decade and it hasn’t happened yet.

Favorite local trail:  Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.

My best race was: 2017 Rock ‘n’ Roll D.C. Half Marathon. It was freezing cold, but I earned a new half-marathon PR.

Favorite local race: Pacers’ St. Patrick’s Day 5k/8k and the Baltimore Half Marathon.

Ideal post-run meal: Brunch food involving eggs and bacon

Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: PowerBar PowerGels Raspberry

Pet peeve: Pace groups that run faster than the advertised pace

Goals: 3 more marathons – NYC, Baltimore, and a return to Marine Corps – my first and only so far

Your advice for a new runner:  Just start. Then keep showing up. If you do, you may just surprise yourself with what you are capable of as a runner.

Favorite running book: Born to Run. Another great running recommendation from Dad.

Song in your head during a run: Coldplay “Sky Full of Stars.” Almost always.

Have you dealt with a major injury: Not yet – thankfully

Running quote: “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” —Dean Karnazes” It helps remind me to just keep moving forward when a race feels tough. That finish line is waiting.

Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner:  There are beautiful places to run, wonderful people to run with, and a great set of running communities where any runner can find a home.