Tricia Gianfagna
At our Saturday morning run clubs, Tricia is known for her infectious energy, her ability to lift the group’s spirits (even on the worst winter running days), and her humble yet impressive talent to run fast and far. She’ll be the first to admit she wasn’t always a runner. Sure, she dabbled during the annual Buffalo Turkey Trot, where she could easily cruise through the 5-mile course with little training. But it wasn’t until medical school, when running became her escape from long hours of studying, that she truly embraced the sport. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. From self-proclaimed non-runner to completing her first half marathon in May 2025, Tricia is one of our running superheroes - not just for her personal growth, but for being the positive, motivating presence every runner hopes to have beside them.
A Buffalo, NY native, Tricia has always been active - golfing, biking, skiing, hiking, kayaking, playing tennis, rowing crew in high school, and much more. She attended Nardin Academy, went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the College of the Holy Cross, and later earned her medical degree Summa Cum Laude from the University at Buffalo. With her humble, down-to-earth personality, you'd never guess she's one of the most brilliant people you'll ever meet.
For Tricia, running started out as something simple - a much-needed mental break during the demanding days of medical school. It was inexpensive, accessible, and gave her the chance to step outside, clear her head, and breathe. Those early 2–3 mile runs weren’t about pace or distance; they were about self-care and getting some fresh air.
Her passion for running quietly grew, following her from the lecture halls of the University at Buffalo to the scenic trails of Portland, Maine, where she completed her OB-GYN residency. Whether it was an early morning jog or a weekend hike, movement remained her outlet in the midst of an intense and consuming career path. Now an obstetrician-gynecologist, Tricia continues to inspire us with her ability to balance a high-pressure job with a genuine commitment to lacing up her running shoes and hitting the pavement each week!
Tricia moved back to Buffalo last year for a full-time role in the OB-GYN field; we are so lucky that she decided to join our Middle Trail Saturday morning crew, where her infectious energy keeps us going mile after mile. In May 2025, Tricia achieved a major milestone - she completed her first half marathon at the Buffalo Marathon and Half Marathon Weekend. With a bit more free time in her new role, she decided to commit to a training plan and joined our Middle Trail Half Marathon Training Program. Running a half marathon was something she’d always had in the back of her mind, but the timing finally felt right. And she didn’t just finish - she absolutely crushed it, crossing the finish line in 1:51:26, far exceeding her expectations.
Tricia’s advice to other women interested in getting into running and those just starting on their journey, is to give yourself some grace. It’s okay to run casually and just have fun and enjoy it. Goals are great, but she really emphasizes the need to not put pressure on yourself - that ruins all the fun. She also encourages new runners to find a group because running groups can help motivate and inspire you!
We are so thrilled to have Tricia as part of the Middle Trail Run Club. Her positivity, humility, and uplifting spirit lights up every Saturday morning run. Whether she’s setting the pace or cheering on someone else, Tricia reminds us what running is really about: showing up, staying grounded, and having fun along the way.
Meet Tricia
Meet Tricia
Q&A
How did you get started running?
I started running in medical school as a way to burn off some steam and give my mind a break from all that studying! It was free, easy exercise that left my mind and body feeling so much better afterwards.
What is your favorite part about racing? Is it the training? Is it the race day?
My favorite part is the feeling of accomplishment I have when the race is over! It is really satisfying to set a goal for myself then feel like I am able to achieve it after several weeks of hard work.
What keeps you motivated for your runs?
I think the biggest motivation is the fact that I am running to keep my body and my mind healthy - we only get one body so I feel like it is important to take care of it!
If you could give one piece of advice to help people who are looking to get into running get started, what would it be?
I would say have fun with it! Don't let it feel like something that is a burden to you or stressing you out. At the end of the day it is a hobby - so just go out there and run as far or as long as you want and maybe one day you'll somehow find yourself running your first half marathon...or marathon!
What is your favorite running event that you have done and why?
My favorite running event was the Seneca Seven race - it is a relay race of 7 runners that goes all the way around Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes. I had never done a relay race before, and it is a whole different atmosphere to be running a race on a team rather than solo and so much fun to cheer each other on!
If you could run anywhere in the world and leave today, where would you choose to go and why?
Ooh that is a tough one! I think I would say Greece - run along the water then jump in the crystal clear blue water afterwards!!