Name: Jess Micciolo
Self-described age group: Right in the middle of 25-29
Residence: Washington, D.C.
Occupation: Attorney
Why you run: I run because I love the feeling of pushing myself and achieving goals I didn’t think were possible when I set them. The joy of breaking a PR makes the weeks of hard training and all of the setbacks worth it.
When did you get started running: I started running when I was in elementary school. My CYO 4×1 team went to the Penn Relays!
Have you taken a break from running: Yes, I took two years off after running two years of Division I cross country and track (Go AU Eagles!). I got back into running when I started law school.
Training shoe: Brooks Glycerin, but currently trying out the Brooks Revel.
Coach or training group: No, but sometimes I do fun runs at Pacers.
The hardest race you’ve ever run: During cross country my freshman year of college, I didn’t realize I had mono. I ran a 6K about 7 minutes slower than my previous race and honestly couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. I finished dead last… but at least I finished!
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: I lived in Munich for a year in college, and I raced an 8K there despite very light training. It was such a different experience. I still remember I was one of the only people not wearing the race t-shirt.
Running mentors: All of my high school and college cross country and track coaches. They taught me to push myself, and that it didn’t matter if I wasn’t the fastest person in the race, as long as I was working toward beating my own PRs.
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Rock Creek Park and the Mall
Favorite local trail: Capital Crescent
My best race was: My most recent race, the National Women’s Half Marathon. The weather was ideal for me, and I shaved another minute and a half off a six-week old PR.
Favorite local race: Veterans Day 10K
Ideal post-run meal: Anything I’ve been dreaming about on the run! My long runs often end at Chipotle or Taylor Gourmet.
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: Strawberry Honey Stingers
Pet peeve: Drivers who don’t look where they’re going, don’t use their turn signal, don’t follow traffic laws, etc.
Goals: To run a marathon… one day, maybe.
Your advice for a new runner: Get fitted for the right shoes! And don’t worry about what others are thinking of you.
Favorite running book: First Ladies of Running by Amby Burfoot.
Song in your head during a run: I pretty much only listen to weekly radio episodes by my favorite trance artists, Above & Beyond.
Have you dealt with a major injury: I struggled with shin splints on and off for a while. Keeping my mileage consistent and finding the right shoes for my high arches has helped me the most.
Running quote: “Effort equals results.”
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: D.C. is a gorgeous city, with so many parks and green spaces to explore. I never get bored running on the Mall, no matter how many times I run there. And the perfect fall weather makes the harsh summers worth it.
Recent Stories
A break from racing one of my favorite events gave me a chance to help other runners reach their time goals.
Eight local runners will compete in the Olympic Marathon Trials Saturday morning in Orlando.
St. Albans alumnus wins club cross country championship.
Locals contribute to NCAA titles, another Trials qualifier, Prince William County moves toward an indoor track and comments are sought for the Capital Crescent Trail.
Race to the Rescue 5k
Join PetConnect Rescue at 9:00am on Sunday May 19th for their second annual Race to the Rescue, 5k and children’s fun run.
Taking place at the beautiful Franklin Park in Purcellville VA, this is an event perfect for all. Run/jog/walk
Hero Dogs 5K9
5K race professionally measured and timed by Windsor Running. 8 am start – early bird prices starting at $30 includes a t-shirt and swag bag. 1K fun run and silent auction are also available. Post-race snacks and DJ. The race