Whether we know it or not, we meet and cross paths with truly gifted people in our every day lives. Take Deanna Ardrey, for example. The 29-year old Boulder resident is currently attending Metro State University and works as a server on the side.
Who would know that this top Colorado runner qualified and ran in the Olympic Trials in the marathon last January? Or that she recently ran her very first trail race at the La Sportiva Boneyard Boogie 10K in Eagle and not only won, but also broke the prestigious Anita Ortiz’s course record by over 3 minutes?
Deanna Ardrey is making her way up the competitive racing circuit. While she doesn’t want her coach, Steve Jones, to find out that she has a secret passion for trail running (whoops!), she still loves to train on the endless network of Boulder trails near her home, but knows that for now her competition lies on the roads.
Read on to find out more about this amiable and admirable speedster that trains with some of the best and is making a serious name for herself in the road (and now trail) racing scene.
Quick Stats
Name: Deanna Ardrey
Age: 29
Hometown & Current: Sayre, Pennsylvania and Boulder, CO
Professional & Educational background: Strength Coach at CU for CC and Track Team, Personal Trainer at Body Dynamics, Associates Degree in Personal Training. Currently a student at Metro State University working towards a degree.
Sports participated in: Soccer, Softball, Beer cruiser bike rides, Running, Skate Skiing, Bass fishin’!
Years in current sport: 2
Sponsors/Affiliations: Bobby Gordon (agent)
Coach: I’m coached by Steve Jones, former marathon world record holder! He’s amazing! My coach, mentor, friend, and as I like to say, my “Boulder dad!” :)
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career?
My career highlight so far is qualifying for the Marathon Olympic Trials when I raced the 2011 Chicago Marathon…followed closely by competing in the OT, of course!
What are your long-term goals? What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
I want to continue to improve and race faster. I want to inspire others who think about running but haven’t laced up their shoes yet. When I started I wasn’t sure I’d ever compete at an elite level so I want to encourage others to not put limits on themselves and to dream big.
Why Colorado? What makes Colorado so special for endurance athletes? What makes Colorado special to YOU?
Lack of oxygen! Haha! I think Colorado makes an athlete tough. This is not a place for the weak to live.
I come from upstate NY/PA and it’s just very different. The grass back home is nice and soft to lay on…here we get hard cruchy crab grass!
Back home you get nice misty rain showers…here it’s crashing thunderstorms with hail.
At home the deer all look like Bambi. They are perfectly groomed with shiney fur coats…here they are mule deer. They have a wild look with patches of fur missing.
At home you have gentle rolling hills…here it’s gigantic mountains with jagged boulders. I love it here and it’s taught me endure aggressive elements. The best thing about being a runner in Colorado is the endless trails to run.
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
Before I do anything I drink a nice stong brew (coffee) and then it’s on to train with Jonesy and our group. Later I head to work or school (sometimes both!), followed by a second run. At night, I hang out with my super handsome and supportive boyfriend! ;) Love you, Craig! I like to end my day with a glass of hot milk. Seriously. :)
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
I follow Jonesy’s training to a T. I can’t do it on my own. I need his advice and direction. I need him kicking me in the rear when I begin to slack. I look up to him so I always want to do my best and get the most out of his direction.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans? What are you favorite recovery meals, drinks, etc.?
Umm…I really need to work on this area. I am a garbage disposal! I eat a lot of carbs and sweets. I love the quote, “if the furnace is hot enough it will burn anything.” But realistically I should be eating more fruits and veggies. I’m gonna work on that!
Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites, coaches)?
Honestly, I don’t read any books on training methods. I put all my trust in Jonesy. I do, however, like to read Mike Sandrock’s “Running with the Legends.” It keeps me motivated and inspired. I always read it in bed at night. Then I go to bed excited to wake up and run! I also like talking with other athletes to get their
advice and opinions. I train with some amazing women who are world class runners and get wonderful advice from them.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
My challenges change all the time but I struggle with confidence in my ability. I’m finding more and more assurance though with every race I enter. I think the more racing I do, the better I’ll be able to cope with this.
What are your favorite races in Colorado?
I like the Run Boulder Series for the atmosphere, spectators, and tough competition!
Where do you like to train in Colorado?
I love Boulder because of all the trails. You can run fairly easy trails or really hard, steep mountainous trails. We have it all here. I recently spent the weekend in Eagle and the trails there are amazing! It reminded me of home, it was so lush.
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: Adidas Aegis (training), Brooks Green Silence (racing)
Favorite post-run/race beverage: Mmmmm. Beer.
Favorite post-run/race meal: Burger with fries.
Role models: Steve Jones, Priscilla Welch, Kathy Butler
Day job: Waitress
Solo runner, running partner or team/group? Yes, yes, and yes!
Favorite Restaurant: The Mediteranean Restaurant in downtown Boulder. Best food in town! I also have a weakness for Mexican food and I eat at Efrain’s weekly!
Favorite Coffee Shop: Trident
Favorite Running Store: Boulder Running Company
Favorite non-running activity: Biking…especially to Upslope Brewery (best brewery in Boulder!)
Favorite TV Show: Chopped on Food Network.
Favorite book: No single favorite but currently reading “The Alchemist”
Favorite movie: My Cousin Vinny AKA “Vinny Bag O’ Donuts”
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
Yes, but I’m still waiting for the next breakthrough. I think as a runner you are continuously making breakthroughs. That’s the point right? To improve and perfect. I don’t expect to be the best of the best tomorrow, but if I keep working hard I hope to be among them one day.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? That you train by?
“Tough times don’t last but tough people do.”
What keeps you motivated? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My coach, training partners, my competitive nature. If i’m not pushing my limits then I don’t feel alive.