Name: Natalia Sanchez
Location: Lafayette, IN
Original Hometown: Gastonia, NC
Professional Career: Assistant Band Director, Tecumseh Junior High School
Favorite Running Shoe: Asics Gel Kayano
Favorite Race Distance: Half Marathon
Favorite Personal Record (PR): Half Marathon, 1:58
Favorite Food: Peanut Butter
Favorite Singer/Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Favorite Book or Movie: The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
Q: Can you give us a little background on your running history? What got you first involved in the sport?
I’ve been running since I was a kid, but I’ve only become an avid “runner” within the past few years. I ran cross country in middle and high school, but I wasn’t very invested (or fast) my whole time on the team. I continued running in college, at first just for exercise. Somewhere in those years, I began running longer distances and really loving the miles. In 2016, I ran my first half marathon, the Hoosier Half in Bloomington, IN. After that, I was hooked. Over the next couple years, I ran a few more half marathons and joined a local running club.
In January 2019, I moved to Lafayette, IN. I’d read about WRRC before the move and knew I wanted to join, so I started showing up to the Sunday morning runs right away. I ran my first full marathon this past May, and I’m excited for many more races to come.
What are your top memories from your competitive career?
I just ran the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, and that training process and race were a definite highlight. In training, I learned so much more about running than I ever had before. In the race, I had a blast. The first bit of the marathon was a big celebration in the city, with lots of spectators and nice views of the river. Finishing it was very challenging and very rewarding.
There’s a trail race series in northern Michigan that I really love, and I had my favorite race so far with them this month. It was a trail half marathon in the Upper Peninsula at Tahquamenon Falls. The whole run was through scenic forest, with beautiful lake views and so much mud. I sank up to my knees a few times and just kept going. It was such a fun race.
All my favorites are very recent—I must be really lucky lately!
Q: Who has had the most influence on your athletic career?
I’ve got to say the WRRC members. Before I started running with them, I was mostly just bumbling around trying to figure running out by myself. They’ve given me so much support, practical advice, and inspiration.
Q: What races are you preparing for and what are your goals for those races?
I’ve just finished a big round of distance races. Now, I have my sights set on a couple upcoming 5k races. My goal is to run them fast. I haven’t focused my attention on speed since high school cross country ended, and I’m excited to see what I can do with the experience and support system I have now.
Q: What are one or two of your favorite workouts that you are looking forward to running this training segment?
I’m excited to do some interval training. I’m ready to change my routine after focusing so much on sheer mileage. Someone needs to remind me I said all that when I’m out there dragging on the track.
Q: How has the Wabash River Runners Club helped you towards your running goals?
It’s had the greatest impact. From my first Sunday run, WRRC runners have been helping me improve—lending me gear and books, sharing favorite routes, and guiding me through training, especially for that first marathon. They answer all my running questions and offer advice when I need it, and they also motivate me to get moving on mornings I’d rather sleep in. The WRRC is such a wonderful community, and I’m so happy to be a part of it.