Runner Story: Taya Upkes

Taya has a wonderful story & we are honored that she is a MN RUN Series pacer and racer!

Here is her story in her own words:

I started running routinely when I was a summer intern in Minneapolis​ -  I was going through my weight loss journey (I've lost a total of 100 pounds since 2010) and running wasn't as hard anymore.  I joined Club Run and ran with them that summer and signed up for my first marathon.  I completed my first marathon in November of 2011 and swore I would never run another. 

That didn't last long :) I finished my 21st marathon this spring, the Boston Marathon! I'm in the process of training for the Sioux Falls Marathon and the Twin Cities Marathon, with hopes to get back to Boston with some better weather. 

Some of my favorite races (besides qualifying for and running Boston!) are the ones that I get to pace.  It is so fun to get people across the finish line and help them hit their goals - whether it's their first race and they just want to finish, or if it's a PR for them.  I love to look up corny jokes beforehand and tell a few of them along the way.  

Way to go, Taya. Your smile & jokes will brighten any run or race!