Since their first experiences with NRC as participants in the 2016 Couch to 5K program, Ann and Derek Robinson have been all in! Whether they are logging miles for causes close to their heart, mentoring others to the finish line or just being a welcoming part of our running community, you can’t miss their positive energy and bright smiles.
But, just because they’re friendly, doesn’t mean they’re afraid to sweat! Ann and Derek continue to find new races and reasons to keep training, driven by their amazing crew of NRC walkers and runners who make having accountability fun!
We recently had the chance to ask Derek and Ann a few questions and learned so many amazing things about them. Read on to learn what they shared about growing up, finding love through friendship, their interests and travel adventures, and of course, the unique running stories that eventually brought them to NRC.
NRC: Knowing most people aren’t from Nolensville, it’s always interesting to hear where are NRCers are from. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Ann: I was born in Houston, MS. I was raised in Abbeville, MS, which is a small town about an hour south of Memphis and about 20 minutes from Oxford, MS, the home to the Ole Miss Rebels. Hotty Toddy!
Derek: I was born in Knoxville, TN, but my family roots are in Middle TN. I grew up in Pegram, TN, just west of Nashville.
NRC: Were you into athletics growing up, or in high school or college? If not athletics, what were your favorite extra-curriculars or interests?
Ann: I played softball when I was in the 5th grade. My coach was Jennifer Gillum, who is now an Olympic Gold Medalist and a member of the WNBA Hall of Fame. I played intermural softball, as a catcher, during college. I played trumpet from middle to high school, then played in the jazz band my freshman year of college.
Derek: I was never particularly athletic. I’ve enjoyed watching sports but never felt that competitive edge for myself. But, I’ve always enjoyed being generally active outdoors, enjoying nature and being with friends and family.
NRC: How did you two first meet?
Ann: In May of 2006, I moved to Nashville, the singles ministry from one of the local churches helped me move into my apartment. As they were helping me move in, I was invited to dinner and a movie with the group that weekend. I took them up on the invitation that lead me to meeting Derek at Chili’s in Brentwood. Being new in town and not knowing the area, he gave me a ride to the movie theater. We were friends for 4 years before we started dating.
NRC: How cool that you met the very first week you moved to Nashville! So, you were friends for quite a while. How long before you were engaged and got married?
Ann: On March 26th, 2010, we went on our first date. We were trying to take things slow, but God has other plans. In May, Derek lost everything in the 2010 flood. Both of our families, meeting for the first time, rallied to get Derek back on his feet. On June 11, 2010, 40 days after the flood Derek proposed. We got married on September 6, 2010 on my grandparent’s farm overlooking the pond followed by a tailgate reception enjoying hamburgers and homemade ice cream.
NRC: What eventually drew you to moving to Nolensville?
Derek: We were living in the Nippers Corner area in a house that didn’t really meet our needs and many of our friends lived closer to Nolensville. So, we decided to build a home in Nolensville to be closer to our friends and church family.
NRC: I believe you took a pretty big trip this year. Was it for a special occasion?
Ann: Yes! In September, we celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary in Maui, Hawaii.
NRC: Tell a little bit about your current line of work?
Ann: After 15 years with the Marketing and Communications Department at Vanderbilt, I have started a new job this week as the Marketing Manger for Hope for Haiti’s Children. I have served on a mission team and medical clinics with HFHC for the last 5 years, so joining the official team is in line with my passion for the organization and serving the people of Haiti. Derek and I sponsor 6 kids there!
NRC: Wow, Ann! Congratulations on your new opportunity! That is great that you are able to be more involved with this mission you have both supported over the years. What about you, Derek?
Derek: I have worked at HCA for almost 7 years as an application developer, after working in the earlier part of my career at a medical software startup company. I have enjoyed working in the healthcare information technology field, which for me has been a neat intersection between technology and patient care.
NRC: That’s awesome! So, when did running and/or walking for exercise become a part of your life? Was there a specific motivation to start?
Ann: I started running my sophomore year of college to lose weight. My sister was getting married and I didn’t want to be the heaviest person in her wedding. I have struggled with my weight my whole life, so this was a huge turning point for me. I connected with a college friend that was a runner. He helped me train for my first 5k, the St. Jude Memphis, and I lost almost 50 lbs. Running has been a part of my life ever since.
Derek: I always enjoyed hiking and exploring. As a young adult, off and on, I did try to be more intentional about being active and hiking in area parks. Ann had done more running than I had. She influenced me to start doing 5Ks and 10Ks with her. I quickly learned the value of training and investing in a quality pair of running shoes. On one of our vacation trips to California in 2016, we signed up for my first Half Marathon at Disneyland.
NRC: How did you hear about the Nolensville Running Club?
Ann: In 2016, I injured my IT band. After several months in physical therapy, it was recommended that I work back up to running again, so I did the NRC Couch to 5k with the walkers. I was hooked! The NRC walkers are the best!
Derek: I joined my first C25K the same time as Ann. When I was placed in a particular running group (4:1s), I was initially not so sure. But, I learned what I was capable of with training and getting control of the mental game! The running mentors, other participants, and attitude of the whole program was awesome and very encouraging.
NRC: What is one of your favorite memories with NRC?
Ann: I have lots of wonderful memories! It is hard to pick just one. Mentoring the Couch to 5K and watching runners cross the finish line for the first time is always emotional for me, because I remember my first 5k and how life changing it was for me. A few other favorites include the scavenger hunt, eating ice cream in the rain after a Purity Dairy race, high fives at the Rollin Nolen, Kathy Sorenson taking my picture ringing the PR bell, Saturday breakfasts at Mama’s Java, and the walking challenge we completed this summer.
Derek: I’ve enjoyed the community, no one left behind atmosphere of the group; thinking of all the different times from weekly run/walks to Couch to 5K to some of the racing events, both local and travel, in some cases.
NRC: Knowing more about your running stories, I’m curious to know what are a few of your most memorable races or accomplishments?
Ann: In 2015, I completed my first half marathon for World Vision in Kansas City. It was harder than expected and I wasn’t adequately trained. I completed the race in 3:25 and wasn’t sure I would ever do another one. But then a dear friend passed away from brain cancer before she could run the St. Jude Half, so I decided I would do it in her honor. In 2016, I completed my 2nd half in 2:48 in memory of my friend, Alicia. Since that race, I have completed 10 half marathons. In 2019, I got my PR by completing the Half at Rocket City in 2:43. Even though the plan is to complete my 13th half this December, I would say my biggest accomplishment was completing my 1st (and probably only) full marathon in March of 2019. My goal was to finish in under 6 hours and I completed it in 5:57! Never in my dreams did I think I would complete a full marathon, but after Kenneth Moore telling me about the medal and the time limit extention, I was in. My sister and I have never had so much quality time! It was totally worth it! My second favorite is crossing the finish line with Derek, as he completed his first half, at Disney Land.
Derek: My first half marathon at Disneyland in 2016 will always be a great memory. But, I have enjoyed other races such as St. Jude in Memphis, as well as multiple races in Nashville. We completed the Titans 5k in August together!
NRC: What are your current training goals or next races coming up?
Ann: We are looking forward to being back in person for the St. Jude Memphis half marathon in December, running in memory of our friend, Alicia. I am also registered to complete the Rocket City half marathon in December. We plan to complete the Hot Chocolate 15k in February even though every year when we are freezing at the starting line we question our judgement. In the meantime, I look forward to Mondays and Saturdays that include walks with our amazing friends!
NRC: What would you tell someone who hasn’t joined NRC because they think they have to be a “runner”?
Ann: The NRC is for all skill levels. Whatever goal you have, the NRC is a community that will support and encourage you along the way. If you want to run, there are pace options from 1:1 all the way up to no intervals. But if you want to walk, walk. The goal is to stay active! If you need accountability, the NRC is the place to be.
Derek: NRC has a fantastic walking group! We’ve had various people not running or taking a break from running. But, the running opportunities span a wide range from light intervals (one minute run/one minute walk) and up from there, from people just breaking in, to people upping their game (there are some elite runners in the group), and for a lot of people, it’s a great way to be active and get to know people in the community. You’ll find your comfort level with a group.
NRC: OK, you’re both now are new NRC spokespeople! That is awesome! So, for a final thought, what is your favorite thing about running?
Ann: My favorite thing about running is the community and the feeling of accomplishment when I cross the finish line.
Derek: My favorite thing about running is the health/physical benefit. When I become more active, I have more energy and look and feel healthier.
DEREK SPEED ROUND
Craving: Salty or spicy
Hobbies: Historical studies and sightseeing
Most unique place you’ve ever trekked: Hawaii/Maui was hard to beat. But, we also saw some spectacular views in the desert canyons and mountains around Tucson, AZ, last year.
Favorite Holiday tradition: Food, family, and fun. In no particular order!
Phrase you say often: You won’t be good at anything if you try to be good at everything.
ANN SPEED ROUND
Craving: If it is candy, I would say sweet. But if it is popcorn, salty for me.
Hobbies: I love spending time with my nieces and nephews! We love traveling. Our goal is to visit all 50 states together. I love taking photographs capturing those memories and putting them in a book to enjoy for years to come!
Most unique place you’ve ever trekked: In September, we hiked the Haleakala crater – Maui’s giant, majestic shield volcano – it was breathtaking! The hike was cold and wet due to hiking in the clouds, but the view was extraordinary. Watching the sunset at the top of the summit was spectacular!
Favorite Holiday tradition: For Thanksgiving, I love that everyone brings their signature dish to the meal. Aunt Jan’s rolls, my mom’s mashed potatoes and Aunt Lori’s lemon ice box pie are a few of my favorites. At Christmas, I enjoy grabbing a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider then driving around listening to holiday music while taking in all the Christmas lights.
Phrase you say often: Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. – unknown; Keep smiling…it makes people wonder what you are up to; Be the reason someone smiles today!