Intro by DPMR Treasurer, Kaeleigh Reynolds
Gianna’s approach to running tells you a lot about who Gianna is as a friend. She’s in it for the long haul, she’s definitely brought a treat (electrolyte jelly beans??) to share, and she truly believes we can do hard things.
I’ve always loved to run, but when I met Gianna, she changed running for me forever. Yeah, running is a great workout and it’s cool to go far — but Gianna showed me what it means to truly go together. To crawl up a Sierra summit just yapping away the whole time, to cross the finish line holding hands (literally!). To solve work problems, and get boy advice, and share family stories in the single track with Gianna is one of the best things to happen to me! She’s the glue to a community I love. So many of us — she has so many friends! — feel lucky to have dog-loving, epic dessert-making, river-dipping, book-lending, support-giving Gianna as our number one running buddy. Thanks for all the miles, GZ. Here’s to the many more to come!
Photo Credit: Scotty Goddard
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I am from Placerville, CA, moved around a bunch and we were finally able to settle down in Truckee 3 summers ago.
When did you begin running and/or long-distance running, if that applies? Why?
I ran my first half and full marathons during college after I stopped playing competitive sports, but it wasn’t until we lived in Oregon that I discovered the beauty of dirt trails.
Do you race? Does racing motivate you? If not racing, what motivates you?
Racing 100% motivates me to get out there for longer and more consistent runs, especially after chasing 8 year olds around at work all day. Poppy, the black lab, staring into your soul when she hasn’t gone on a run in a while is also very motivating.
Do you have a favorite on-trail food or nutrition strategy and favorite post-run meal or beverage
Tailwind Dewaltermelon plus Jelly Belly Sport beans…also watermelon flavored.
Do you have a favorite recipe to share?
A classic staple in our house is the Runner’s High Peanut Sauce from the Run Fast, Eat Slow cookbook on top of grilled veggies and soba noodles.
What was your favorite recent running experience?
Too many to count! Anytime there are good friends, furry ones too, and beautiful views.
What are your upcoming racing/adventure plans?
I was thankfully able to defer Mammoth trailfest and the June Lake Tri until next year! In the future, I would also love to run or fastpack the Alta Via.
What led you to join DPMR?
I prefer to run with people both for socializing and motivation, so I was really happy to find the DPMR community after moving up here.
Photo Credit: Scotty Goddard
What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far?
Newbies!!!
Do you have a mental training technique, mantra, or similar that you rely on to combat the mentally trying times of a longer run?
“I can do hard things”. It especially helps if you say it outloud over and over. I usually need this more on steep slopes or backcountry skiing. That and focusing on picking up my feet on longer runs since I trip ALL the time.
You will soon bring a new human (runner?) into the world… Everyone’s experience is different, but how has your running (and other physical activities) evolved over the past months?
I am planning on, or rather trying to manifest, this little one being my new running buddy so I can keep getting out on the trails as much as possible! I have been incredibly lucky that my body has let me keep on running throughout pregnancy and hoping it will continue. The biggest thing I have had to work around is mentally being okay going slower or not going as far as I want to. Also after going for a run in a city recently, I didn’t realize how much I took for granted the ability to pee behind a tree or bush on a run in the forest. That seems to be an essential part of my running plan right now!
Anything that you’re looking forward to or worried about as you welcome a new human into the world?
I am excited to be able to see and explore the world through new little eyes…and terrified of everything that I don’t know yet!
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