Runner Spotlight - March 2025

Filomena Valim was born and raised in Araras, Brazil. She is a food engineer and has a doctorate degree in Food Technology. She met Marcos, the love of her life in college and they have been married for almost 40 years. They have 3 sons, 2 grandsons and a granddaughter. While in Brazil she worked as a professor of Food Technology at São Paulo State University. After moving to Florida, she joined the Florida Department of Citrus as a research scientist. Since 2018 she has worked remotely as a research assistant for the University of Florida.
 
1. How long have you been running?
About 18 years. When Marcos ran his first 5K in 2005 I went to cheer him on and later in 2007, I thought that it would be fun to run/walk too!

2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?
I participated in many races, 5 & 10k, half marathons and 2 Florida Ragnar relays. My most memorable race experience was running the Berlin marathon in 2014. I was able to finish it and did it in honor of our son Rafael.

3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what? 
Never.

4. Only running shoes for me are... 
I have used Nike, Asics and now Brooks.

5. What is your worst running-related injury? 
A fall at the end of a 10k at Millennium Park. I broke my nose, front tooth, and dilacerate lip but finished the race and was second in my age group.

6. Hot or cold weather runner?
Hot weather for my Brazilian blood.

7. What is your motivation for running? 
Physical fitness and friends!

8. If I didn't run I.... 
Play pickleball

9. I can't run without... 
My hat

10. What's the farthest you have run at one time? 
The 26.2 miles of the Berlin Marathon.

11. What brought you to Run Muskegon and why have you stayed? 
Marcos started going and after I met some of the group, I decided to join even though I am a slow runner. I stayed because of the amazing group of people that makes Run Muskegon
 
 
 

---