Runner Spotlight - May 2025

Anne Tyson is the mother of three adult children, ranging in age from 28 to 20.  Her children have been the encouragers of continuing with running throughout the years. She is unsure if this is because it keeps her busy and out of their business, or if it is because they would like her to live a long healthy life. 

After working at Catholic Charities for several years as a psychotherapist, Anne then spent the next decade of her career working with terminally ill patients and their families as a clinical medical social worker for Harbor Hospice. Since this time, she has moved on to work for Corewell Health as a psychotherapist in their school based telehealth psychotherapy program and works with adults and adolescents in her own private practice. 

If she could spend her life doing anything she wanted, she would fish early in the morning – head out for a run – then go back to fishing.

1. How long have you been running?  Approximately 16 years ago, after two back surgeries and a solid recovery I decided to take up running.  Run Walk Run moved into wanting to find a way to run faster than my five year old son for a local 5 K race. The 5-year-old finished 5 minutes ahead of me, and I have been running ever since. 

2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?  In 2023, my best friend set up a half marathon course for Thanksgiving Day.  The two families ran this half marathon course at whatever time we wanted to in the morning and met afterward for a pancake breakfast with all of the fixing things.  Best half marathon time was achieved that day, and the best breakfast that could ever be imagined.
 
3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?  I would never be seen running in a costume. However, I have a friend who has a blow-up “leprechaun” costume, so if needed there is always the availability of one.
 
4. Only running shoes for me are...  After years of searching, I found that a wide toe box is a necessity.  I alternate between men's New Balance and Altra running shoes.
 
5. What is your worst running-related injury.  I would say the worst running related injury occurred when I was training for a marathon.  After an 18 mi run, and getting close to the end of training, I hit a wall.  I smiled and thought, “18 is really good.  I think I will just stick with that.”  Running related emotional injury, I would say.  I found it is really important to adjust expectations, enjoy the run, and be thankful for the mobility and activity that I have.
 
6. Hot or cold weather runner?  Hot weather running if the choice is between Hot or Cold. Warm weather running if I ruled the world.  Cold weather running if I had no choice, and treadmill running when it is freezing outside.
 
7. What is your motivation for running?  My motivation to run comes from finding a sense of equilibrium that occurs while thinking about a run, doing a run, or reflecting on a run.
 
8. I can't run without...  I found I require Trident peppermint gum while running. But in the event I forget my gum and there is a group run, I will gladly take whatever someone is willing to provide.
 
9. What's the farthest you have run at one time?  18 miles. 
 
10. What brought you to Run Muskegon and why have you stayed?  Looking at ways to connect with other runners who had a variety of different skill levels, a friend suggested Run Muskegon.  I’ve stayed because I feel Run Muskegon provides both social and emotional support, as well as education, entertainment, and civic minded endeavors. 
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