While most Stern students were enjoying a restful weekend before finals period, MBA 2Veronica Clemens, flew to California to run and WIN the women's title of the Big Sur International Marathon with an impressive time of 2:55:18. We're not the fastest runners, but we managed to catch up with Veronica to offer our congratulations and hear a bit more!
Tell us a few details about the marathon!
The marathon was in Big Sur, California, the course is point to point from Big Sur to Monterey along Route 1. The views along the way are incredible and it is known as one of the most beautiful marathon courses in the world. I had originally planned on running the Boston Marathon, which was two weeks ago, but, though I qualified for it a long time ago, I procrastinated in registering and the field filled up two months before it usually does, in early November. I was really frustrated and intent on running a Spring marathon so I did some searching and found Big Sur.
How do you find the time to train while at Stern? How many marathons have you run in the past?
I actually have found it easier to train while I am in school than while I was working because I have more control over my schedule, especially in the past year. I have purposely scheduled my classes and my graduate assistant position to start at 11:00 or later every day so I can wake up and get my workout in while leaving the afternoon and evening free for group meetings, homework, or hanging out with friends. This is the sixth marathon I have done; I've run the New York City marathon for the past five years in a row
What do you love most about competing?
My favorite thing about competing is the feeling of exhaustion and accomplishment that you feel after running a race. I think a lot of people who participate in races can relate to this. No matter your pace or the distance of the race, everyone should feel great after finishing. There's nothing better than being done with a hard workout by 11 AM on a Saturday or Sunday!
Tell us what it felt like to come in FIRST!
It was pretty surreal to come in first place. I went into the race knowing that I would likely place in the top three, just based on the previous years' times. I was in the front of the pack but was running neck to neck with another woman through mile 10 at which point she fell behind. After that point I had a course marshal on a bike riding alongside me making sure the way was clear and keeping me informed on my lead vis a vis the other competitors. There were walkers along the course and spectators who were all really encouraging, which was great. The craziest part was the attention when I came through the finish lane. A race director immediately came up to me and asked if I was ok to do interviews, once I said yes about 10 reporters ran up and shoved their mics in my face and started asking me questions. They were all local channels and I have no idea if they aired on TV but hopefully they're not on YouTube!
Is there a connection between your passion for business and your passion for running?
I actually think they are on different ends of the spectrum. Each one satisfies a different part of my personality and aspirations.
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