Competitive Runner
Laura Timms is an athlete, coach, competitor and supporter who has
turned her passion for fitness, health and adventure into a way of
life. Laura’s journey as a runner began as a casual participant in
various short distance races over the years. After setting out to
accomplish a few personal goals and enjoying the social aspects and
friendships she made along the way, Laura started running and
competing in races on a more consistent basis. Inspired by continuous
improvements in her performance and endurance, she sought out new ways
to challenge herself, such as relay runs, adventure racing and long
distance running. A marathon was something Laura had never envisioned
herself doing. Even after taking on the challenge and successfully
completing the Virginia Beach Half Marathon in 2008, Laura questioned whether she
could possibly run double the distance and complete a full marathon.
But armed with commitment, determination and dedicated training, Laura
crossed the finish line of the Marine Corps Marathon in 2009. Laura continues to
run races and half marathons, including many in the Rock and Roll
series, improving her personal records and setting new goals with her
eye on completing an ultra marathon.
Laura embraces being an active member of the running and racing
community as a competitor, a spectator and a volunteer. Through her
participation with EX2 Adventures, a company who produces local
adventure sport races including trail running, mountain biking and
off-road triathlons, Laura became involved in every aspect of the
sport, competing in races, learning the logistics of setting up a race
course, providing racer support on course, managing registration and
timing, and producing race results.
Laura is passionate about incorporating health and fitness into daily
life. She is active in her community, encouraging and motivating
others to challenge themselves, reach their own personal goals and
have fun. Even when not training for an upcoming race, Laura leads
and participates in running groups, believing that group support,
camaraderie and routine play an essential role in the motivation to
run faster, further and more often. She is also a run coach for Girls
on the Run, a non-profit program that encourages pre-teen girls to
develop self-respect and a healthy lifestyle through running.
Other interests that have contributed to Laura’s development as an
athlete include mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and bikram yoga. In
addition to someday completing an ultra marathon, Laura would like to
participate in the Hood to Coast race. She also plans to run, ski or
cycle through all 50 states.
