WEEKEND WARRIOR Photo by Tindall Stephens
Megan McDaniel, Runner 37, Dental Hygienist with Bellano Dental Health & Sunday School teacher at New Hope Christian Church
FAMILY: Husband Mark (38) & daughters Maggie (9) and Madalyn (6)
PROUDEST MOMENT: When I ran my second half marathons, I shaved 24 minutes off my time from the previous year.
FAVORITE RACE: I have been participating in St. Jude Marathon Weekend since 2008. Whether walking or running—or even just as a spectator to cheer others on—it is the best event in our city.
UP NEXT: The Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon in November and the St. Jude Half Marathon in December. I’m running with my friend group and our Bellano Dental Health team.
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RUNNING: I am an early morning runner. Although getting out of bed at 4:30 am isn’t easy, it does so much for my day, my energy, and my attitude. I enjoy the chit-chat time with my girlfriends, as well. We talk so much as we run so much, that I sometimes forget I’m running. But even the times I run solo, I’m able to clear my head, listen to my jams, and just sort of zone out for a while. I care about my physical health, but running is really about mental health for me. BUCKET LIST: Running a half marathon in under 2 hours. I have no desire to run a full marathon. Training is time consuming and with two littles at home, it is just not something I want to commit to at this time in my life. I enjoy getting faster, not long distances.
MAINTENANCE: Stretching and strengthening exercises are so important. I make a constant effort to do these still 3–4 times a week.
MY GEAR: After trying several shoes, I was properly fitted at Fleet Feet. They put me in the Mizuno Wave Riders. I LOVE them. Finding the perfect shoe for YOU is so important. All of my other running apparel is ZYIA Activewear.
MY JAMS: I enjoy contemporary Christian music…it’s inspirational and reminds me to be thankful.
BEST EATS: We love the patio at Coastal Fish Company. The view is amazing and the service has always been even better. The corn risotto is my favorite, and I’m always up for a glass of red wine.
DREAM DINNER DATE: The entire Friends cast. I could rewatch episodes all day, every day.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
QUOTE: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” 38
Philippians 4:13
