Ellen Mincey

How long have you worked at Fleet Feet?

 I started working for Fleet Feet in September of 2010.

 What is your favorite part of working at Fleet Feet?

 My favorite part of working at Fleet Feet is going out to schools to kick off the Kids Country Music Marathon or to local businesses to educate them on how to prepare for a race.

 What do you do when you are not working?

 When I am not at Fleet Feet, I am coaching swimming for Excel Aquatics. I have a group of 11 - 18 year-olds who are constantly improving their technique and endurance. When I'm not coaching them, I'm enjoying training for my own races with my husband.

 When and why did you start running?

 I started running when I was 10 years old. I always thought I was fast until I realized that all my friends could beat me in races during gym class. That encouraged me to try to run farther. I started out doing laps in my driveway, always trying to get more laps in before getting tired. I had no idea running was an actual sport until I got to middle school and participated in cross country and track. Fortunately, I had coaches who taught me to love the sport at an early age, and it has stuck with me ever since.

 What is your fondest running memory?

 My husband and I were dating while we were studying in Austria in college. Our group took a trip to Italy for about 10 days, and part of that was in Rome. Alex and I had some free time one evening, so we went running on the Circus Maximus, an ancient grassy track and infield where gladiator games were held. Locals still use it as a place for daily exercise just like we do with a track at our local schools. We were out there with individuals running or walking laps and families playing together in the infield. We experienced much of Europe running and swimming with the locals.

 What is your biggest RUNNING accomplishment to date?

 As far as one major accomplishment in running, there isn't one that stands out above the rest. Every time I run the same course or same distance faster or more comfortably, I consider it an accomplishment.
One of my biggest accomplishments this year has been to consistently run the Percy Warner 11.2 mile course in 1:36.

 What shoe do you run in?

 I run in the Brooks Ghost on the road, the Saucony Peregrin on trails, and the Nike Lunaracer on the track.

What is your favorite product at fleet feet?

 My favorite product at Fleet Feet is the Montrail Flip Flop. It's a sandal that is supportive and comfortable enough that I can work and coach in it all day.

 What is your next fitness/running goal?

 My goal is always to feel better during a race and recover quicker from it. One of my specific goals for 2012 will be to run under 1:45 in my half marathons.

 Do you have a fitness hero? If so, who?

 I admire my oldest brother who is a Bear Grylls sort of guy. He has recently hiked the Appalachian Trail, competes on ultimate frisbee teams, and is becoming certified in avalanche safety in Colorado. Growing up, I would see him exercise wherever he could. He would get in trouble for doing pull-ups off the balcony. He'll visit at Thanksgiving, enter a race the morning of, and run it far faster than me without necessarily training for it. He's always training, always eating well, and always studying. He enjoys life because he's so engaged in what's around him.