Free Press Runner of the Week: Courtney Chase
Each week, the Detroit Free Press Bank Marathon presented by MSU Federal Credit Union chooses a runner to spotlight as the Michelob ULTRA Runner of the Week. Whether you’re training for a full marathon, going out on the weekend for a long run or getting back into the swing of running, the race loves to showcase its runners.
The marathon is proud to partner with Michelob ULTRA, the Official Malt Beverage sponsor of the Free Press Marathon. Michelob ULTRA will be sending each winner a prize pack.
Want to be the runner of the week or know someone who should be? Tag your pictures with #freepmarathon and #runneroftheweek on social media for a chance to be featured.
Courtney Chase
Location: Auburn Hills.
How long have you been running? Five years.
What is your running story? If you feel comfortable, what is your latest PR or top race times? I’ve been running since 2018 when I recovered from my fourth knee surgery. I spent lots of time building up the strength to be able to run just a few miles at a time. One of my coworkers at the library I used to work at encouraged me to sign up for a race since she was a season racer.
After completing my first 5K, I fell in love with the atmosphere that races brought and how they brought everyone together. When the pandemic hit and there were no races, and I was laid off from work, I spent almost every single day outside running and focusing on my mental strength to get through the really tough time we were all in. In 2019, I ran my first half marathon with the Detroit Free Press. I was by no means fast, but what mattered to me most was that I finished.
I’ve been asked by so many people why I even run at all considering the condition of my knees. And every single time I tell myself that the feeling I get from running is nothing I can get from anything else. When you cross the finish line of a race, the overwhelming amount of emotion is so powerful it keeps you going. Being out of the game for just about a year has been difficult, but six months ago I finally came back to it. My coworkers had convinced a bunch of people to get together for a Tough Mudder. I, of course, loved the idea. Then come to find out we were signing up for the 15K, but that’s exactly what I needed to pull myself out of my rut.
Running has always been the one thing I always turn to. Right now I'm at the peak of essentially being a couch to half-marathon. I’m running some of my best times yet and I'm only getting better each day!
How many miles do you run each week? 25-30.
Favorite running song? "Let Me Love You," (DAZZ remix) by Calvo
Favorite post-run snack? Swedish Fish.
What is your best piece of training advice? Not every day is the same, and not every run is going to be the same. It’s not about how fast you are or how far you go, it’s about the fact that you laced up and got out there. No one can take that accomplishment away from you.
Favorite area to run? Paint Creek Trail.
Are you planning on running in any Detroit Free Press Marathon events in 2023? If so, what event? the international marathon.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Free Press Runner of the Week: Courtney Chase
