PRX PROFILES

VANESSA

Birthdate:  August 8, 1974

Hometown:  Brooklyn, NY

Occupation:  Advertising (DDB Worldwide)

Education:  Skidmore College, New York

Family Life:  Not married, but I'm in a relationship.

Running History:  I got hooked on running when I moved to San Francisco and my friends convinced me to do the Bay To Breakers in 2000. I've done a few 12K races, but my first half marathon is in January 2003. My ultimate goal is to run the New York City Marathon.

Miles per week:  I'm running about about 20-25 miles per week, which is more than I've ever run before.

Paces:  8:00 to 10:00 minute miles.

Favorite Race:  Wharf to Wharf in Santa Cruz, CA, because I love running by the water.

Best Running Experience:  Last Sunday when I ran 12 miles at Sawyer Camp with Lindsey, because it was a beautiful location and I had never run that much in my whole life!!!!!

Worst Running Experience:  5M Turkey Trot in New York City on Thanksgiving this year. Running in 25 degree weather should be illegal. Also, it was a bad experience because the woman I was running with decided we should do 8 minute miles the whole way, which nearly killed me.

Diet:  Most of the time I eat healthy, but I definitely crave NYC pizza and anything sweet!

Injuries:  None. Knock on wood.

Non-Running Interests:  Skiing, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and shopping.

Who would star as you in the Hollywood story of your life?  This is a hard question. Maybe Renee Zellweger, people have told me I look and act a little like her.