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Cheryl Bellaire

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Meet Cheryl Bellaire: Watch the I.D. video about Cheryl!

Where do you live?: St. Davids, PA (outside Philadelphia)

Day job: OB/GYN in West Chester, PA

When did you become a Brooks I.D. Member?: ~1999

Date of birth: February 8, 1959

High School: Penn High School, Millersville, PA

College: Millersville University & Michigan State University; University of Michigan Medical School

Personal Record(s): Attended Michigan State University on a gymnastic scholarship, set record in vaulting and competed at Nationals. Sprinted at Millersville University and won a PA state track medal for sprint medley relay. As master won Mid Atlantic Grand Prix in 2001 - 8 races from 5K (19:29) to Marathon (3:19) which are age graded.

Events Currently Training For: Want to concentrate on road miles and 5K's this year.

Miles run/week: 40-50 miles, except when trained for marathon ~80 miles/week (that's why I don't do marathons anymore, body can't take it)

Favorite Brooks shoes and apparel?: Love the T5 Racer and the Glycerin^® 6. The new boy shorts are a favorite. I like all the high tech fabrics and the NightLife stuff.

Why do you run?: It is easy to do, can be done any where and can take less time than going to the gym. I like to run trails in Valley Forge National Park but can also run around the hospital grounds while waiting for a baby to deliver. Running can also be a social event and I enjoy being part of the Bryn Mawr Running Club. Running also helps relieve stress.

Who inspires you?: My running friends and my competition.

The best thing about being an I.D. Member (besides the discount): Meeting other members.

When did you start running?: I sprinted in high school and college but started running distance to keep my weight down for gymnastics. I also play field hockey and cycle.

What challenges do you face as a runner?: Number one is trying not to get injured. I always look for new things to accomplish as a runner. I ran my first marathon in 2001, I tried pole vaulting recently and loved it (expect for the strained hamstring). I tried cycling this year after a torn planter fascia. I really like cycling but it takes a lot more time. My "friends" say I will have to try triathlons next.

What do you like to do when you're not running?: I spend time with my three children (ages 1, 10 and 15). I have coached their gymnastic, softball, and baseball teams. I encourage my patients to be active with running/walking and eating a healthy diet.

Favorite type of event: Right now I like road miles and 5K's.

Favorite race: I like the races that have been around forever like the Broad Street 10 mile Run, Philadelphia Distance Run, Brian's Run (10K) in West Chester, PA , Red Rose Run (5M) in Lancaster, PA, and the Radnor Run (5M) in Radnor, PA.

Favorite run: Trails at Valley Forge or the ten mile "tennis loop" with the Bryn Mawr running club.

Favorite pre- and post-race foods: I don't eat much before a short race. Maybe a breakfast bar or bagel before a long race. Afterwards I enjoy some fruit and pasta or bread.

Anything else you’d like to add: It is truly sad to see the overweight children and adults. I encourage all my patients, if at all able, to exercise everyday like brushing your teeth. I also review eating not only the right foods but the right portions. It is truly rewarding when someone takes your advice and gets into shape! I also guide pregnant women on how to continue to exercise during the pregnancies.