Featured I.D. Gallery

Diane Groff

Where do you live?: 25-year resident of Longmont, Colorado

Day job: Advocate for People with Disabilities

When did you become a Brooks I.D. Member?: In 2007, after being recommended by Coach Ric Rojas, Boulder, Colorado

Date of birth: July 15, 1957

High School: Southern Garrett High School (Oakland, MD)

College: Utah State University, Logan, UT; University of Colorado, Boulder (Masters)

Personal Record(s): In the past two years 400: 72"; 800 meter: 2:39; 1500 meter: 5:41 (missed All-American by one second two times); Mile: 6:02; 2 Mile: 13:32; 5K 21:56; 10K: 46:26; Sprint Triathlon: 1:17:07; Three-Time 1st Place Survivor at Denver's Race for the Cure.
Awarded the "Most Inspirational Colorado Female Athlete" of 2007 by Sportswomen of Colorado

Events Currently Training For: Boulder Triathlon Series, (Sprint, Olympic and Half); The Rocky Mountain Master Games, Ft. Collins, CO, Labor Day, 1500 meter (I want my 5th All-American and first one in this event!); The Race for the Cure, Denver, CO, in October, 2008

Miles run/week: 12-16 (Also swim: 2-3 times; Bike: 100-150 miles; and Irish Dancing, at least once a week.)

Favorite Brooks shoes and apparel?: I am an Adrenaline™ Gal for my trainers, Racer ST 3 for my racing flats and I look forward to getting my All-American Time in the 1500 meter in my Surge MD track shoes. My feet would be most happiest if I could always Irish Dance in my Brooks like I can in local Parades. That is why I love the Cascadia trail running shoes, lots of green color too! Clothing: Anything that is HVAC--great material, and I love my Motion pants, Motion Vest, and Motion Jacket.

Why do you run?: I love to move through space and running is the perfect time to practice my gratitude attitude. After my second diagnosis with breast cancer, I gave myself permission to spend as much time, each and every day, running, biking, swimming. . .moving. I am blessed to be able to run in beautiful locations around Boulder County, Colorado. I love early morning runs along the rivers or looking at the Foothills from the track and seeing the snowcapped peaks.

Who inspires you?: The amazing women of Team Survivor. We are women that rock. . .we have all heard those terrible three words: "You have Cancer." But we have not let those words totally define us. Rather, we ask ourselves, "What can I get out myself with what I still got?" We are women with fortitude and courage. Standing at a start line and being nervous is nothing compared to waiting in an exam room for test results. And going across a finish line as a cancer survivor and as an athlete is a true celebration of living life to it's fullest.

The best thing about being an I.D. Member (besides the discount): I love Brooks. Great quality and selection in shoes and apparel. Brooks has made a commitment to quality and promotes athletes to become aware of their body alignment and foot needs. My local Brooks shop is known in our community as being the place to get any foot issues addressed. My work as an advocate for people with disabilities, I had made referrals to Phelps Shoe & Boot Repair for years. And then I needed Brad Phelps help when I had my midfoot injury and was impressed with his expertise and use of Brooks shoes. In addition, I cherish reading the updates on the ID Yahoo Group and have made connections with ID’ers via this discussion group. I look forward to opportunities of meeting ID'ers in person!

When did you start running?: I started running when I was 17 years old and lived in Western Maryland. I wanted to condition myself to be a better downhill skier and loved running the trails of Maryland’s only ski area, The Wisp. One time, I was running up a trail where a new lift was being installed. From a big hole, I heard a very long and loud belch. I ran up next to it and said "That sound could scare away the bears." The worker was shocked to see me and was immediately embarrassed. Running is full of adventures and interesting moments. Running has also carried me through the ups and downs of my life and I am grateful that I can continue to move through space.

What challenges do you face as a runner?: I have hyper-mobile joints and must be careful to keep good body alignment. I am very flexible, but need to maintain strength around my ligaments. I had a midfoot injury last Fall that became quite a problem when I returned to competitive Irish Dancing. Being 50 also has something to do with it--or so I have been told. Also my Carpe Diem (Seize the Day) attitude can get me into trouble. I don’t want to wait to do something, I want to do it now.

What do you like to do when you're not running?: Connecting with the women across the USA of Team Survivor, (21 affiliates and counting). Also being an active member of my community, having my daily check in with my training partner Sarah, and preparing healthy meals for my husband, family, and friends. I am also training my 14-month-old shepherd/collie mix to be a running partner. Or, is it that she is training me?

Favorite type of event: Any event that isn't in the rain. I will do anything once. What I love most about being out there with others, is finding the shared elements that affect us all; the weather, the course, the food, etc., and swapping stories.

Favorite race: Because I am a two-time breast cancer survivor, the race that feeds my spirit is the Komen Denver Race for the Cure. Seeing the river of pink on the course is amazing. . .over 60,000 participate, and often in tribute to friends and family members. My favorite running event: Carlsbad 5000, what a premier race, very well-organized. Let’s have an ID group in 2009 run it!

Favorite run: The last one that I just completed. . .

Favorite pre- and post-race foods: Yogurt Fresh Fruit Smoothies

Anything else you’d like to add: The most important race of my life occurred three weeks after my last Chemotherapy treatment in 2002. It was a pre-qualifier for a seeded wave at the upcoming Bolder Boulder and was held at the old Crossroads Mall in Boulder. (Best use of the site due to lots of empty parking lots and no road closures needed.) When I lined up at the start line with my bald head wrapped in a bandana, I was full of doubt. Would I have to bail out in the race due to a side stitch? This was my first test of physical fitness in eight months. Would I have to walk? Would I make it to the finish line? The runners who were around me gave supportive comments, it is hard to hide a bald head. And then we were off. In mile one I felt just fine at a 7:50 pace. . .picked it up for mile two and still felt good. Mile three I felt the joy of moving in the stream of runners and picked up the pace again! And going across the finish line I had tears in my eyes. It gave me so much hope, validation, and courage to say to myself. . .I am a cancer survivor! Other runners came over and offered their congratulations. I thought I was running for myself and learned that one gal was thinking of her close friend who has cancer. We are all inter-connected. I ended up with a 7:40 pace and literally took off running and competing ever since--going beyond the finish line for myself, Team Survivor, and my friends and family who have been touched by cancer. Here is to the next starting line, bring it on!