Our 2024 March Runner Spotlight is on the Diane Frelke! We interviewed her below.
Name: Diane Frelke
Age: (Old enough to know better and still old enough to do it anyway)
1. When did you start running? Why did you start running? : My first 5K was in 2015 for Melanoma Research in memory of my boss’s daughter who lost her battle with the disease at a young age. After walking and talking through the course and crossing the finish line in just over one hour, I began to wonder what I could do if I walked faster and thus my 5K journey began.
2. How many events a year do you typically do? : When I started doing races somewhat regularly in 2019, I tried to do one or two a month. In 2023 I challenged myself to do 100 Bishops races in the year. I finished the year with 106 races (104 Bishops and 2 others). Hoping to exceed that number in 2024.
3. Most embarrassing running experience? or biggest accomplishment? : Most embarrassing moment was at Molon Lave for the first time. The course rep said to stay left and I turned left which took me up a hill that lead to nowhere. The worse part was that Kevin Kirkland followed me. When we came out of the trees at the top, Travis saw us and corrected our error. Lesson learned!
4. Something we should know about you? : Along with my friend Mark Page, my other sport is bowling. Not only am I a bowler but I also run youth bowling events/tournaments that award scholarship funds that they can use to further their education. Many times if I haven’t been at races for a few weeks that is the reason.
5. If you could run any race, what would it be? : I’m still waiting for Travis to find Kevin’s unicorn course. Otherwise, I’d have to say maybe Disney with my sisters or other Bishops friends
6. What keeps you coming back for more of our events? : Most definitely the people. The Bishops staff, volunteers and all of the racers are all so friendly and encouraging. Whether you’re first across the finish line or the last, there are always cheers and words of support throughout the course.
7. How has running changed your life? : Never ever did I think that one day I’d be a runner. I always thought that runners were crazy. Well, we probably are. Running races has motivated me to get off the couch and out of the house. Running was also instrumental in my recovery from back surgery.
8. Favorite post run food? : A Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino (a not so healthy habit that I’m trying to break) and an omelette.
9. Favorite race/course? : How do I pick just one? The different scenery has to be my favorite part of the various races. The Burke Lake races are probably the races that I attend the most since they are easy to get to and I’m familiar with the courses there. Lake Accotink and Neabsco are also some of my favorites. As for the Sippin Series, my favorite is now Morais Vineyard since the course is fairly flat and mostly paved (and their dessert wines are delicious!)
10. Favorite parts of an event or things you look forward to at one of our events? : Catching up with other runners and hearing of their accomplishments and different races that they have attended. Hearing of others achievements is uplifting to the spirits. Even though I am not much of a morning person, I find that there is a heightened energy that lasts through the day on race days.
