For Jackie G., it's the community aspect of running that she loves the most. Texting her friends about her latest personal best time, seeing fellow runners on the bike path where she frequently sets out on her runs, or meeting new people at races and enjoying the post-race party are the moments that keep her coming back for more. Jackie G. is also the most dedicated member of our weekly Saturday Buffalo run club, consistently conquering the Delaware Park hill and 3-mile loop. 

Running is also something that Jackie G. can enjoy with her daughter, Genny. They share a passion for the sport as well as a favorite running trail. When they can, Genny and Jackie G. meet up to run a few miles together along the Clarence Bike Path–a scenic, flat and fast trail that helps them both crush their running goals. Over the years, Jackie G. and Genny have run many races together, including participating in the Mighty Niagara Half Marathon in 2017, Buffalo Marathon and Half Marathon in 2019, Chicago Shamrock Shuffle in 2019, the St. Christopher’s Summer 5K in 2019, and the annual Buffalo Turkey Trot. Genny and Jackie G. both cherish the runs and races they have done together.   

In her 10 years of running, Jackie G. has learned and shared so many valuable lessons with us and our running community. As someone who did not grow up running but joined the sport more recently, the most important lesson she shares and can attest to is the importance of setting achievable goals for yourself. She'll be the first to tell you that progress isn't always winning the race or beating everyone in your age group, but it’s about setting your own, personal goals and working towards them with consistency and perseverance. Whether it’s finishing a race in a certain amount time, hitting a running distance she hasn’t done in awhile, or just getting out there after a long day at work, Jackie G. emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in what other people are doing, but instead focusing on what her goals are, and steadily working to achieve them. 

Our favorite moments running with Jackie G. come from what we like to call "Jackie-isms", which are tips or advice that she shares either before or throughout a run. Her "20 degree rule" is extremely helpful to prevent overdressing and overheating on runs. The rule is to dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer outside than it actually is. She swears by this rule and has not overheated on a run in quite some time! Another one of her running tricks that truly encapsulates her spirit is the "cookie" break at stoplights and intersections. Whenever she has to stop for a light or intersection, she calls it her "cookie", a sweet treat and break from the hard work of the run. When the light changes, back to running! This little nugget is a reminder that even in the midst of the most challenging runs, there's always room for a little indulgence, a little joy. And isn't that what life, and running, is all about?

10 years ago, Jackie G. set out on her running journey. Since then, she has not only become an avid runner, but she continues to set running goals for herself and achieve them along the way. She shows us all that it is never too late in life to fall in love with the sport of running!  With summer just around the corner in Buffalo, Jackie G. is ready for all of summer’s upcoming races. We’re excited to see her continue to reach her personal running goals and add to her already very full medals rack.