Tori turned 24 on Christmas Day!!!  She has been married to Dan for just over 3 years.  Currently Tori is an ESL teacher at Ben Lomond High School and of course she is a shoe connoisseur at STRIDERS!!!!!  She also coaches the Ben Lomond Cross Country team, basketball team and track team.  And in her spare time she trains two great women who want to become better runners.

Tori's hometown is Parowan, Utah (wonderful small town in southern Utah)

Here are a few facts when we asked Tori about her running career:

Years Running:  Well, I've been running with my dad since I was 7, and competing since I was 10 years old.  I have been running competitively ever since; from Hershey's track meets, to high school, to college on Weber State's track & cross country teams.  I don't plan on stopping either!

Weekly Mileage:  40

Favorite Race Distance or Race: My favorite distance or race has been the 800m run, but now that I am done with college, my interests have moved to the longer races (well, longer for me).

PR's - (5k, 10k, 1/2, mara, Ultra) or proudest running accomplishment:  5k: 18:18, 800m run - 2:13 and half marathon 1:37:00

Favorite training run:  I love the trails east of Weber state.  I love beginning there, then running north to St. Joe's, then continuing on the pipe trail toward Rainbow Garden and connecting onto the parkway all the way to the Ogden sign on Washington Blvd.  It's a beautiful run with various terrain.

Why run - (motivation, inspiration):  I run because I can.  As long as I have the ability, I will keep running.  I love it and it makes me feel good, inside & out.  My dad got me interested in running, and it's been something we do together.  He ran in college, and was my coach all during my youth.  He's my hero, and my favorite running buddy.

GOALS:  I am shooting for around 3:30 for my first marathon, the Ogden Marathon in the Spring.

Favorite Music to run to:  I love listening to the Black Eyed Peas when I am going up a hill, or when I am struggling through a long one.  Otherwise, it's a mix of Nirvana, Bush, AFI, Pearl Jam, Silversun Pickups, Linkin Park, Smashing Pumpkins (should I go on?)........

Favorite running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.):  The Adidas Supernova Cushions are the absolute best shoe for me!  They fit my foot perfectly, and match up to my arch.

Best advice you've been given as a runner:  My dad told me to visualize every race before running it.  That helped my nerves, and made me feel like I have been there before.

Best motivation quote:  "Pressure is the sign of a great opportunity."  Michael Johnson

Your role Model:  My daddy.  A dedicated runner and coach who established the Parowan high Cross Country teams, and within 2 seasons brought us to a State Championship.  A great dad and family man.

Favorite food:  Manicotti - yum!!!  Anything Italian, really.

Hobbies or interests other than running:  Dan and I have recently gotten into rock climbing.  I love basketball, snowboarding, camping and fishing with Dan.  I also love teaching!

Anything else the world might want to know about you:  I may not be a great runner, but I love it.  I love talking to people all day at Striders about running!  Anyone can be a runner, you just have to try and you're bound to improve.