If there’s anyone in Colorado that knows a thing or two about running – trail running, in particular, it’s Gina Lucrezi. Lucrezi has immersed herself in the running and sport community both by profession and location since her younger years. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Lucrezi dreamed of living among the mountains and thin air. Fast-forward a decade and you’ll find an accomplished trail runner with an impressive resume in the sports industry living her dream in Carbondale, Colorado.
Gina Lucrezi has been competing with the best of the best in top trail and ultra events across the world. Last September, the former Trail Runner Magazine employee decided to take a break from the work force to pursue her passion for ultrarunning. Read on to find out how she manages the scariest – and most rewarding decision she has ever made.
Quick Stats
Name: Gina Lucrezi
Age: 30
Hometown & Current: Bangor, PA | Currently living in Carbondale, CO
Professional & Educational background: Professionally, I’ve worked in the sports industry focusing on marketing, advertising and tv/film production. Past employers include: Trail Runner magazine, Inov-8, NBC Olympics, 3601 Creative Group. My educational background includes a BA in Tv/Film from DeSales University and a Masters in Sports Management from East Stroudsburg University.
Sports participated in: Trail/mountain ultra running. As a kiddo – Cross country, indoor/outdoor track, field hockey.
Years in current sport: Running since 9th grade, but have been running trails for 6 years.
Racing Team: Salomon National Team
Sponsors/Affiliations: Salomon, PepsiCo, Julbo
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career?
A large highlight for my racing career was winning the 2013 Laugavegur Ultra Marathon 55k in Iceland. It was my second ultra, and I was able to achieve the 3rd best time despite competing in the worst weather the race had seen in its 17 years. Another huge highlight actually deals with mental and physical strength rather than place. I competed at the 2013 Stumpjump 50k (Chattanooga, TN) and sprained my left ankle twice within the first two miles. I was so focused on my ankle that I forgot to consume salt tablets. The 85 degrees and 90% humidity caused me to suffer with severe cramps the last 10 miles. I had never experienced so much pain racing…that day taught me how to be tough in more ways than one (I ended up in 3rd…but lead for over half the race). As a short race highlight, I had won the USATF 2010 National 10k Trail Champs in NC. It had always been a goal to win a USATF championship…so it was great to have it come true.
What are your long-term goals? What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
My major long-term goal is to grow the sport of trail running. I want to bring awareness and help influence others to experience the great outdoors by foot. Whether it be to find peace, beauty, freedom, or to just listen to the wind blowing through the trees. As an athlete, I want to push myself to the limit. Then, I want to push myself some more. I always hope to race well, but I also strive to have fun and enjoy the journey.
Why Colorado? What makes Colorado so special for endurance athletes? What makes Colorado special to YOU?
I’ve wanted to live and train in Colorado ever since college. I wanted to train in altitude and was always mesmerized by the mountains. It was clear as day that I needed to live in CO. Training in CO as an endurance athlete is a no brainer. Not only is it one of the best playgrounds you can find, but the community and support is unbelievable. What makes CO special to me…well, it just feels like home. Between the adventures, people, and continuous sunlight, I don’t think it can get any better.
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
In general…this is what my day looks like: I usually try and sleep until 7:30am, but sometimes I end up greeting the sun instead of it greeting me. I immediately boil water for my French press, I don’t like to start my day before enjoying a cup of java. After a few sips, I conduct my “morning set,” which includes a variety of ab, quad, and hamstring exercises…along with some general stretches. I fuel up on oatmeal (my favorite being strawberries and cream) and check my email. Around 10am I’ll head out for my run/workout. As soon as I return, I make a light lunch and kick my feet up. Literally, I keep my lower half horizontal for about an hour. Around 3 or 4 pm, I’ll usually head to the Glenwood hot springs to do some cross training. I’ll either swim a mile to 2 miles, or aqua jog beltless for an hour. By now I’m starving for dinner, which consists of mostly protein and veggies. I end my evening enjoying an IPA and a good book…usually hitting the hay by 10pm.
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
REST!!! It is a major piece to success. Taking time mid-day to pick up my legs/feet and possibly score a 30 minute cat nap is huge! Your body literally builds and strengthens itself when you rest. If you don’t give yourself adequate rest…you’ll never reap all the benefits from your workouts.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans?
I really don’t have a specific nutrition plan, but I probably eat 75% veggies, 25% protein/fat, and 25% carbs. Oatmeal is my go-to day starter, it gives me solid energy for my morning workout. As for post-workout, I have a weird obsession with sautéed power greens (spinage, kale, etc.).
Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites, coaches)?
Howard Nippert…amazing runner and coach. Howardnippert.com
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Good question… My biggest challenge is to find balance. Running has been the theme to my life since high school…so it can obviously get a bit “heavy” at times. It is a huge part of who I am, but it is not everything. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I make it a point to switch gears and focus on something that isn’t running related…like baking, writing, etc.
What are your favorite races in Colorado?
Eek! It is hard to pick…I love the Barr Trail race. I’m a fan of the up/down course, the competition, and community support of Manitou/COS.
Where do you like to train in Colorado?
All over!!! I love exploring. Each area of the state offers unique terrain. If I had to pick…I would say the Roaring Fork Valley. There are high peaks in every direction and low traffic trails.
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: The Salomon Speedcross
Favorite post-run/race beverage: Naked Juice-Protein Zone
Favorite post-run/race meal: Cheeseburger…with bacon
Role models: Mom and Pop Lucrezi
Day job: Professional Runner…lover of the outdoors.
Solo runner, running partner or team/group? Tough one…but I probably enjoy training with a partner/s instead of being solo. It is fun to share an adventure, and I love the ability to be each other’s motivator.
Favorite Restaurant: Ha…umm can I say Whole Foods…?
Favorite Coffee Shop: Bon Fire Coffee Carbondale, CO. I’ve consumed too many Americano’s to count. Lots of room to relax, read, work, or socialize. The baristas are pretty amazing as well.
Favorite Bar: Beerworks Carbondale, CO. Perfect place to get a burger and beer after your weekend long run.
Favorite Running Store: Independence Run and Hike.
Favorite non-running activity: Beltless aqua jogging. l challenge anyone to outlast me in beltless aqua jogging contest!
Favorite TV Show: No cable… but I’m hooked on The Following when surfing Hulu
Favorite book: Hmmm…it changes all the time. Right now I’m on a Bukowski kick.
Favorite movie: Jaws
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
The biggest breakthroughs I can remember are 1) discovering an extra gear at the end of a key race…which convinced me I needed to work on my mental game because I obviously had a lot more to give, 2) running over 19 miles. I was a miler in high school and college…so the idea of running long was cray-cray. Once I hit 19 miles…anything was possible.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
1) Never give up on something you want. 2) You need to believe it to achieve it.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? That you train by?
You only live once… so live the dream. Make choices based on how you feel, too much thinking can get you into trouble…
What keeps you motivated? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I like to give myself some type of pep talk every day…whether it be to help with a workout, or just to remind me to embrace the day. I often draw on my friends and family for inspiration.