Teri Harper

““The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race; it’s to test the limits of the human heart.” Bill Bowerman”

City: Colorado Springs State: CO

Favorite Shoe: Acsics Size: 8 1/2

Age: 56.2 years old

Family members:
5 sisters

What I do for work:
Middle School PE Teacher

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
Omaha,Nebraska; Germany; England.
Love Colorado because I love the mountains!

When I started running and what got me started:
Middle school track several decades ago. I have just always been a runner!

What does running mean to me:
Freedom to be outdoors, especially on trails!

Running accomplishments: View my Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon results
21 marathons including London, Berlin, Athens, Greece, 2 Bostons, and Pikes Peak. 3 Ascents including the 20 mile Ascent in 2008:( Dozens of shorter races from the mile to 1/2 marathon. Two 50k's.

What I like about trail/mountain running:
Freedom,fresh air,wildlife!

Favorite running trail and why:
Catamount out by Woodland Park. Never crowded, I am often totally alone! Wildlife and great views of Pikes Peak.

Favorite trail/mountain race and why:
Barr Trail Mountain Race, fun environment, I especially like the High School aid stations! Also the watermelon after the race!

Best running experience:
It's hard to pick just one. Maybe the Chicago Marathon 2001, less than a month after 9-11. While running through a tunnel near the start everyone was cheering U-S-A, U-S-A, it sent chills down my spine! Also qualified for Boston and ran my PR!

Worst running experience:
Tearing my calf muscle while running at Palmer Park. Had to limp a mile back to the car. Was on crutches for 6 weeks, didn't run for 4 months, and then got blood clots in my leg:(

Neatest thing found on a run:
Once almost ran into an elk on the Catamount trail. We both stopped and looked at each other, waited and then he wandered off.

Running related bathroom stop story:
During the Barr Trail race coming downhill I was looking left and right for a good place to go to the bathroom rather than at the trail, I tripped and totally wiped out. Skinned myself up really good!

Running pet peeves:
Litter and trash on the trail, if you are going to be out in pristine nature then don't trash it with trash!

Something non running related that no one would guess about me:
I can do 40 regular push-ups!

Other hobbies and interests:
Hiking, mountain biking, climbing 14er's, gardening, reading, traveling.

Other stuff:
Huge Nebraska Husker fan!

Page last modified: 6/20/2016