Vicki has run over 1000 races in her running career, but that isn’t anywhere near the number of friends she has made over the years. She was born in Oklahoma, and moved to Lima, Ohio as a child, and lives there today. She met her husband at school, worked in the family insurance company, and raised her family.

Her kids ran track, and Vicki used to wait in the car and crosswords during practices. Her husband and kids talked her into trying running, and it quickly became part of her life.

Vicki runs for fitness, fun and most of all, friendship. With over 100 marathons (26.2 miles) to 50 mile races, and other amazing events, like The Goofy Challenge at Disney World (5k, half marathon, and full marathon) in 3 days.

Vicki is an astonishing runner.

She has qualified for Boston 25 times!

But her favorite pastime is not racing and setting records, but meeting and mentoring new runners.

I was one of them 26 years ago. I jogged slowly, by myself, while Vicki ran with a pack of (what I considered) real runners. One day she turned around, introduced herself and brought me into the pack, despite my slow pace. While she could fly past us in any race, Vicki is also happy to hang back with the slow pokes and simply enjoy the run.

She is up for most every gathering that celebrates living a happy life, and her optimism is contagious.

Vicki is the proverbial life of the party. Her laughter and welcoming smile brightens up every gathering, running and otherwise. She is very proud of having so many lifelong friends, from all walks of life.

When she considers what has changed, she looks to the fact that women can participate in so many sports. This year was the first time the number of women was equal to men in the Olympics .

Her advice: when trying something new or working towards a goal, reach down inside, and pull yourself up.

There is no limit to what you can achieve in life.