I’m a fan of many of our sport’s top athletes. I’m a superfan of a more selective list of athletes. Susanna is one of the latter.
There’s so much to Susanna’s story, much of it may always stay untold and private.
Susanna manages to mix pro level training with an admirable day job – she is a fifth grade teacher in northern Virginia.
Susanna has been an elite runner for most of the last decade but her results have probably been just below the radar for most fans. Lately though she has really been hitting her stride! Her performance progression over the last year and a half has been a joy to follow.
On Sunday Susanna took this progression to a new level. Fresh off a big 5K PR last weekend (15:38) she boldly tested her fitness and made a risky breakaway move 4.5 miles into the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler against a strong deep professional field.
Susanna obviously decided today was her day. She crossed the finish line in 52:32, ahead of a another elementary school teacher, Carrie Verdon. Wow, one more reason to be in awe of teachers!
Video of Susanna with 500 meters to go, followed by Carrie and Paige Stoner:
Susanna’s time apparently places in her 11th on all-time list of fastest American 10 milers in history.
Next for Susanna is the BAA 5K, maybe a track 10K on the west coast, and Grandmas Marathon in June.
There’s a ton of reasons to love this sport. One of them is Susanna. Congratulations!
