Carling hails from Maryland, and still currently lives in the DC area. She attended school at Salisbury University, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, where she studied psychology. After graduation, she began working for the government and continues to work for the Department of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. Inspired by her work to sign up for the Army Ten Miler, she is hoping for a fun and challenging race on October 9. A huge fan of the Washington Redskins and Capitals, Carling has a younger sister who is a theater intern, in Florida, and her parents still reside in the DC area.
Coach: How did you start running?
CU: I started running after signing up for the Army Ten Miler race. I attempted to train for the race last year, but lost motivation. This year, I knew that I had to train and complete the race (as to not disgrace myself 2 years in a row haha), so I began training after signing up for the race and FNF.
Coach: Who is your running role model?
CU: My running role models are the volunteers at the Back on My Feet organization. The time, motivation, and encouragement that they give to the organization is inspiring. They've taken doing what they love as an opportunity to share the positives of running and they help show others how to achieve goals, running or otherwise.
Coach: What has been your most memorable running / racing experience?
CU: My most memorable running moment was running an 8-mile training run in England. It was the furthest and longest time that I'd run and I was in England, running through the countryside with my motivating boyfriend by my side. It was a great opportunity to see the country from a different perspective.
Coach: What have you enjoyed about working with us?
CU: I've enjoyed the daily regimen and structure of the FNF program. I keep the schedule up at my work desk and it helps me get motivated for my runs and workouts. I like the variety of the work outs and the ease of being able to do it yourself, without much explanation. Mostly, I've enjoyed the personal contact I've gotten from staff members, whether it be enquiries, training modification, or motivation! I started the program a couple of months ago with, literally, NO running experience and now I feel confident in running the ATM. I like how FNF tailors the training program to your experience, strength, and whether you're running for a time or not.
Coach: What is one part of your racing routine you can’t do without (sleep, pre race meal, tie shoes certain way, other ritual)?
CU: One thing I'm definitely planning AND looking forward to before the race is the pasta dinner. I love pasta, and running has certainly given me a good excuse to eat it. I'm looking forward to the communal race atmosphere and the excitement of everyone there.This being my first race, I'll be pretty excited to get my bib, as well!
Coach: What is your favorite place to go for a run?
CU: My favorite place to go for a run is on the Mount Vernon Trail, by my house. It's right on the water, never too crowded, and I can map out various routes depending on my mileage. I never get bored of the scenery and it's especially nice when there's a breeze off the water.
Coach: In the next year, what goals do you hope to accomplish?
CU: In the next year, I'd love to try a short, fun triathlon. It would be fun to get cycling and swimming into the race. I hope to have done more fun 5K's and to have made friends who share the fondness of community through running.
