BIRTH-DATE: 01/21/82
HOMETOWN (ORIGINALLY): Northampton, Pa
WHERE I LIVE NOW: State College, Pa
WHAT I DO IN LIFE AS WE KNOW IT: Nutrition major at Penn State University (career planned as a Sports Nutritionist), studying is my job these days.
NON-RUNNING HOBBIES OR INTERESTS: That's pretty difficult to answer.  If I am not running, I am either talking about it or on the Runner's World Women's Forum conversing with the other "forumites".  However, shopping, eating, crossword puzzles, and "The Golden Girls" appeal to me.  As you can tell, I am not your typical college student.
A FAVORITE BOOK, MOVIE, TV OR RADIO SHOW: Running Quotes, Eat Smart Play Hard by Liz Applegate, "Friends", "Will & Grace", "CSI: Miami".
NICKNAME (AND WHY): Itals.  Oh geez... here we go.  My name is Jen.  However, my friends find it really amusing to add -"itals" to the end of "Jen" put them together and what do you pronounce?
IF I COULD WRITE MY OWN EPITAPH: "This is alright with her... Heaven just has more running routes for her to explore."
I STARTED RUNNING (WHEN, WHERE, HOW...): I always ran track in high school... a sprinter, I couldn't run LD for the life of me.  After senior year, I picked up running on my own to stay in shape.  Two miles wheezing escalated to 4 miles, then 6 miles, then 10 miles, then many satisfying miles after that.  It became my sanity after the first few months, I challeneged myself and I realized I am really good at this.  It became "my thing".  I ended up being the fastest girl runner from my high school graduating class after looking over cross country posted times.  Too bad my calling didn't come earlier.
AVERAGE MILES PER WEEK: I was injured 8 weeks this past summer, taking my training down to its minimum, but I finally am back up to around 50-60 miles per week.  Hoping to go higher within the next winter season.
A TYPICAL TRAINING WEEK: Ranging anywhere from 65-95 minutes, mostly hilly runs b/c thats what I always seem to encounter up here.  I would love to do more intervals or flat surface running.
PREFERRED RACE OR RACING DISTANCE: I adore half-marathons.
NUMBER OF RACES PER YEAR: About 5 at most.  I like to run to compete with myself as a challenging mind game instead... however, if I race has a good reason (Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society), then I consider running for the cause.
A GOOD 10K TIME FOR ME WOULD BE: 45 minutes seems pretty good to me.
WHY I RUN: Its what makes me who I am.
PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT: I used to hate running.  I don't care about being a "lady" and only eating half of my portion of pasta at a italian restaraunt.  I down the entire plate, 4-5 peices of bread, salad, and dessert.  Its okay to let loose, ladies!!