Member Highlight – Tracy Cuneo

Introduction by Aude Hofleitner, DPMR Board Member

I think I first met Tracy at the bottom of Johnson’s Canyon, which I later learnt was her favorite trail. She was just starting as I was finishing her run, training for Broken Arrow. What struck me from that interaction was her love for the trails and the events of the community, which she shares in this discussion. She also has a really inspiring story which I hope will bring each of us motivated to keep on moving and exploring.

• Where are you from and where do you live now?
  Born and raised on East Coast. Got married and moved to Truckee 29 years ago. 

• When did you begin running and/or long-distance running, if that applies? Why?
  Mainly swam competitively til age 40 but also ran 3-5 mi/day and raced shorter Marin Headlands races. Long distance running? Helen Pelster and Lesley Dellamonica would greet me on DPRM runs with a smile and had this “You could do this!” (ultra distance) attitude. I was curious but never dreamed I could. After hearing of so many DPMR members completing 50K/50M/100K/100mi races, I thought “maybe?”
  
• Do you race? Does racing motivate you?
  I thought I was seriously “losing it” at 50 – severe depression, memory loss and balance issues. Symptoms were undiagnosed but eventually we figured out it was a brain injury. I needed a goal to keep me alive. So hearing Helen’s and Lesley’s “You could do it” (ultra distances) enough times, I signed up for the Marlette 50K. Running provided the endorphins. DPMR provided the encouragement. RunnersConnect online coaching provided the daily accountability. I am alive today due to that combo and hearing Jesus whisper, “Just get home”, when I was about to drive off a cliff to end the crushing weight of depression. Loved the training. Loved the race. 
  
• What made you start running again?
  After that 50K, I hated running for the first time in my life, for three years. I still don’t know why. Enter Helen Pelter’s idea to try snow shoe running! I picked up a demo pair from Diane Frederic, then president, and bought my own pair the next day! Thank you OG’s for helping me fall in love with running again! 
  
• What was the best running advice you’ve received?
  The June DPMR Book Club book, “The Lost Art of Running” detailed the beauty I see watching Dave Cahill and Kelly Fuson running effortlessly at track practice. 
  
• What was your most challenging/ character-building running experience?
  Aging. Being  slower. It is humbling. After being plagued by injuries the last two years, Scott Williams, PT, told me that my age, 63, finally caught up with my form. So we are working on improvement!
  
• Do you have a favorite on-trail food?
  Baked sweet potato with butter in a ziplock. Squish it out of the corner for longer runs. Learned from OG Helen Pelster, a fellow whole foods fanatic.
  
• Do you have a favorite recipe to share?
  I’ll host a “How to Make Sourdough” for anyone who wants to learn! And yum – 3.5 ounce Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
  
• What was your favorite recent running experience?
  Broken Arrow Sky Race is my absolute favorite. Last year, Steve Woo, love that guy, previewed the 2nd half of the 23K with me and taught me how to use running poles while borrowing his. Was also honored to host an elite French runner and her brother this year. 

• What are your upcoming racing/adventure plans?
  To continue racing Broken Arrow annually into my 70s and maybe get a 1st place age group award! Also, Carol ran Marlette 50K at age 80. She did track workouts with us! What a legend and an example of aging like a wild woman! 
  
• What do you do for a living?
  Is it hard to fit in time for training? Early morning runs are my favorite. Am a licensed electrical engineer. Quit working at 39 to raise kids. Educated them at home – a full time job! All three graduated from college. 
  
• What led you to join DPMR?
  Being motivated by fun, kind, real-deal ultra-runners and regular runners. Learning new trails, track sessions, hill workouts, and social/educational events. 
  What brought me back to DPMR after being away for 5 years? The encouragement and the kindness. Bruna is always so enthusiastic. Dana stayed back with me on the first social runs when I was lagging, and it was getting dark. Who does that? Answer: DPMR members do that.
  
• What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far?
  Track sessions for some crazy reason. They hurt, but I am so proud of all of us for just showing up, running hard and getting stronger at 6:30AM. Thank you, Dave Cahill, for your consistency!
  
• Favorite local trail?
  Johnson Canyon – great combo of beauty and decent elevation for a short run.

• Do you listen to audio while you run?
  The solitude and peacefulness recharge me. No audio.
  
• Do you have a favorite piece of running gear?
  Naked Belt
  
• What other outdoor or indoor interests do you have?
  Summer in Tahoe! Andrei got me into roasting my own coffee. Backpacking. I run a women’s mentoring program. All things skiing. And my faith is a super important part of my life. 
  
• Any interesting facts about yourself you would like to share?
  I want the world to know there are a hundred solid ways to safely kill cancer outside of chemo, surgery and radiation. Within 12 months of each other, my mom, dad, and I were diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer due to severe family stress. We’ve been cancer-free 3 years using integrative medicine — mainly ivermectin, fenbendazole, green tea extract, curcumin, fasting weekly, eating clean food, and of course, running with DPMR!