From 5Ks to 13.1 milers and from her first marathon to a 50K jaunt through her neighborhood in the wake of a pandemic, our next Runner of the Month Stephanie Oberheide is one tough running mother! It’s hard to fathom that it was only six years ago that the NRC Couch to 5K program welcomed her to the world of 4:1 interval running. But, over the years, she’s proven time and time again that when she puts her mind to it, there’s nothing she can’t do.
That’s not to say Stephanie doesn’t ever throw out a choice complaint on a challenging run. In fact, on a long run, Stephanie’s wry sense of humor is better than electrolytes. Ask anyone who’s tagged along with her and they’ll tell you, she has a way of saying out loud what everyone’s thinking in the most hilarious way and before you know it, she’s somehow lightened the load.
She is also part of an NRC crew that is highly-skilled in the art of post-run celebrations, because the only thing better than being done with a long run, is being done and having mimosas and yummy snacks as a reward! We were excited to have the chance to ask Stephanie more about her life, her running story, and what might just motivate her to lace up her sneakers in all 50 states:
NRC: From your accent, I’m figuring you’re not from Tennessee. Where did you grow up and what activities did you enjoy as a kid?
Stephanie: I was born in Denver, CO and moved to Michigan when I was 5½. We moved a couple of times, but I spent the most time in a small town just outside of East Lansing, Michigan (home of Michigan State University – GO SPARTANS!!)
I was never athletic when I was growing up. I made the cheerleading squad when I was in middle school, but didn’t enjoy it, so I quit after the 1st year. I enjoyed snow skiing and spending time outdoors.
NRC: When did running become a part of your life? Was there a specific motivation to start?
Stephanie: I tried running when I was a freshman in college because my roommates were “runners”. I hated every minute of it! It wasn’t until we moved to Nolensville and started the C25K that I actually fell in love with running.
NRC: That’s awesome! What brought you to Nolensville?
Stephanie: Jason accepted a job here that moved us from Chicago, IL. We moved here July 2012.
NRC: How did you hear about NRC and what was your first impression of the club?
Stephanie: We moved next door to Fritz and Elizabeth Schaub in 2013 and instantly became good friends. She always talked about running and actually got Jason to come to a few Wednesday night runs, long before I ever took part. To be honest, I thought they were all crazy.
In 2015, somehow Elizabeth talked Jenny Phillips and I into joining C25K. I remember thinking, I didn’t really have time to run. I was a busy stay at home mom with 3 little kids. But I knew I shouldn’t put this off any longer. So, I took the plunge and never looked back!
I remember feeling so welcomed to the group. Our 4:1s group became great friends. That group was how Jenny and I met Ray Sadler, which in turn introduced us to his wife, Angela. Two of my dearest friends today!
NRC: You’ve been involved with the NRC now for several years. From C25K to half marathon/marathon training to impromptu ultras, what is one of your favorite memories with NRC?
Stephanie: Oh gosh, I have so many great memories! One of my favorite memories is when several of us went to Percy Warner one Saturday morning and it unexpectedly snowed. We had a blast out on the trails! Marathon training was another favorite. You guys really saw the best and the worst of me during that time. The bonding and encouragement that takes place during marathon training is like nothing I have ever known.
NRC: I have to say, you’re one of my favorite people to run with because you always crack me up with your realness on running and your perfectly-timed sarcasm, especially when we’re at our most tired. You don’t seem to get too caught up in the competitiveness of things, but at the same time, you’ve made some massive achievements in distance and other goals. What would you say is your running philosophy?
Stephanie: You are so sweet! You are correct, I’m probably one of the least competitive people you’ll meet, but I’d like to think I am real. Running to me is such a social aspect. I honestly don’t know that I would have lasted all these years if it weren’t for the people around me. I run to escape the everyday life. I run to show my kids I can accomplish hard things. I run to explore the world around me. I get out of my runs, what I put into them. Sometimes they are good…other times not so much
NRC: What do Jason and the kids think about your running habit?
Stephanie: Jason is my biggest supporter! He is always impressed with my dedication to continue to get up and hit the road time and time again. The kids love when we go on destination races! They are always at the finish line to cheer me on! The other day, one of them said I should work on running a race in every state, that way we can go visit all 50 states! I think they might be on to something there!
Kailyn, who is a competitive baton twirler, will be starting high school in the fall. Nathan, who looking at him, you would never guess he’s only 12 years old, is my rough and tumble football player. Coco, who is the sweet and sassy one, likes to follow in her sister’s footsteps and is learning baton.
My family is my everything! They encourage me to be better and stronger every day!
NRC: You and fellow NRCer Jenny Phillips have run so many miles together and have such a close friendship. Whether it’s coincidentally wearing the same running shirt or knowing what to say to keep each other moving, it’s clear that you have a strong bond. Another close running friend is NRCer Angela Sadler, who you’ve known since the C25K and who shares your realness on running. I asked Jenny and Angela about how you motivate them and they said:
“I would not have done the C25K in 2015, if Stephanie hadn’t done it with me. Having her to run with and hang with has helped keep me going! These last 2 months have been more difficult to be motivated to get out there since I haven’t had Stephanie to run with.” – Jenny
“Stephanie has always been one of my favorite running partners. She keeps me laughing and never minds slowing down to my pace. We trained for our first (and maybe last) marathon together, so we saw the good, bad and ugly and still remained dear friends!” – Angela
Looking back, how have your running friendships helped motivate you?
Stephanie: Jenny & I have seen each other through many ups and downs over the past handful of years. I’m so grateful for her friendship and dedication to running. She is an awesome motivator! One of my proudest running accomplishments would have to be, my so far, one-and-only marathon. Jenny and I trained for and ran this together. Race day at Carmel IN, proved to be beyond challenging. Soaking wet and near hypothermic, is not the best way to finish a race, but I was determined to finish.
Angela Sadler was the pure motivation behind the 50K, that Angela, Jenny & I did in May 2020. It’s amazing what the craziness of a worldwide pandemic will cause you to do! Running with Angela is always a blast. She will have you cracking up throughout the run! She is real, and I absolutely love that about her!
I am so grateful for both of their friendships!
NRC: I know you’re currently in recovery mode and so not running as much, but do you have any goals for 2021?
Stephanie: Unfortunately, I haven’t run much in 2021. COVID-19 has totally kicked my butt! Recovery has been daunting. I’m slowly working on getting my strength back to be able to get back to running.
NRC: Well, you know that your NRC crew is here to support you! We have no doubt you’ll be back in your running groove soon. We’re blessed to have you as part of NRC!
SPEED ROUND – Stephanie Oberheide
Favorite local spots: We frequent all the Nolo coffee shops and restaurants, but they know us by name at Granite City.
Do you run with earbuds? I rarely run with music. I like to talk to people while I’m running.
Something surprising about you that no one in NRC would guess: We moved here when my youngest was only 4 days old. We literally left the hospital, stopped by our favorite local pub for a burger and beer and hit the road.
If you could splurge on buying something, it would be: A vacation to somewhere exotic!