Runner Spotlight - February 2023

Shanna Alderink

Meet Shanna Alderink! Shanna is a Speech-Language Pathologist who was born and raised right here in Muskegon. She moved back in 2016 after living in Oklahoma and Metro Detroit because nothing beats West Michigan. She found Run Muskegon in 2017 and loves the friends and sense of community that the run club has provided her. In her free time, she loves being out and about, experiencing all that Muskegon has to offer.
Thanks to the push from Run Muskegon friends, Shanna is training for her first full marathon, the Chicago Marathon in October. As a part of our Runner Spotlight, we also asked Shanna to answer a few fun questions:
1. How long have you been running?
I started running in 2012.
2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?
I am starting to get the "race itch" more. My most memorable race experience was the 2022 Bayshore Half Marathon. It is a great race with an incredible course. I surprised myself with my first sub 2 half marathon in 2022.
3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?
I've never run in a full-out costume but I never turn down some lights and a tutu depending on the occasion.
4. Only running shoes for me are…
Saucony Guide. It's actually the ONLY shoe I have ever run in.
5. What is your worst running-related injury?
My dog, Tucker, and I got in a pretty bad tussle with a loose dog that sent me to the emergency room and prevented me from running most of the 2019 summer.
6. Hot or cold weather runner?
Cold weather!
7. What is your motivation for running?
Endorphins. There's nothing like the feeling you get after finishing a long run on the weekend
8. If I didn't run I...
would still need to find some other kind of cardio, which is way less fun than running with friends!
9. I can't run without…
either a friend to talk to or headphones to listen to a podcast. People who are able to run with nothing to listen to fascinate me!
10. What's the farthest you have run at one time?
A half marathon. Planning to change that this year with my first full marathon!

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