Greatest Achievement:

Winning the Mount Washington Road Race which was a U.S. National Championship earning me a spot on the U.S. Mountain Running Team in 2008. I represented the U.S. in Switzerland, was the 1st American and 11th overall—5 seconds out of 10th! I also won Pike's Peak Ascent in 2008 and was voted U.S. Mountain Runner of the year. I recently won the U.S. 2009 Snow Shoe Championships at Mt. Hood.

Favorite Event:

Anything with the words: ascent, climb or uphill!

What does it mean to you being a member on the NB Outdoor Ambassador Program?

I have worn New Balance shoes since I was 12 years old. (Actually I was 11 the first week of practice.) I was born with bunions and had/have always had a difficult time finding shoes that fit and don't cause blisters or other problems. New Balance has been the one and only shoe I have been able to wear all 20 years of running. (Knock on wood) I have only had one major injury within that time frame. That has to say something about the shoes! They are awesome!

Also, being from northern MN, Dick Beardsley is a known legend up there. I have read both of his books Staying the Course and Duel in the Sun. New Balance was the company that put their faith and support in him.

I love New Balance! I feel honored and privileged to be part of such a team. I believe in the product 100% :-)

Favorite inspirational quote?

I love quotes. I actually have notebooks full of them. My favorite quote before a race is, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." –Philippians 4:13

I also like Steve Prefontaine's Quote, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."

One other quote I really like, I think it is from Oprah, is "Temporary setbacks are opportunities in disguise, opportunities to improve."

Why do you do what you do? What's your motivation?

I love running for so many reasons. I love the sense of freedom, adventure and accomplishment. I like staying fit and spending time outdoors as well as meeting new people and places. Running in the mountains and on trails gives me a chance to explore and see things I wouldn't otherwise. I feel running is a gift and I want to use my gift to the best of my ability and push to my ultimate limits to see how far I can go. I also hope to use my experiences and accomplishments to reach out and inspire others.

My motivation comes mostly from within. I believe dedication, hard-work, a positive attitude and perseverance are the keys to success. Talent will only take you so far. If I ever wake up lacking motivation, I have two labs (Ches-E and Fischer) who like to run as much as I do; all they have to do is give me their puppy dog eyes. Being a special education teacher, I also realize how fortunate I am to have the ability to run. I thank God every day for the ability and never take it for granted.

Any advice for others in your sport?

Pray, work hard, listen to your body, believe in yourself, set goals and NEVER, ever give up!

Greatest Achievement:

Making the decision to pursue my passion.

Favorite Event:

100 mile mountain races…I guess the Leadville 100 has been my favorite event so far just because of all the excitement surrounding it; plus, Hope Pass (12,600’ pass that is ascended at both miles 45 and 55) is always a good time.

Why do you do what you do? What’s your motivation?

For the most part, we exist in a numb, dead society. I’m doing my best to be alive and running in the mountains is the best way I’ve found to do that. And because I love the effortlessness that sometimes occurs while cruising down a cushy pine-needle singletrack or even while grinding up a switchback above tree line. I love how I can run up and into a mountain cirque or over a pass and be completely dwarfed and humbled by the sheer immensity and grandiosity of the landscape and I love flying down the other side with the breeze in my hair and the gravel in my shoes and the burning in my quads and the branches in my face and then when I'm finally all worn out there's nothing like peeling my shoes off and just sitting. Just being at rest. Running sharpens the focus on life and intensifies the emotions. Is there any better reason to do anything?

Any advice for others in your sport?

Take the time to figure out why it is you are doing what you’re doing and draw on that most essential, most basic motivation when you get tired during training or racing and realize that—even if life seems a bit uncomfortable now—you will undoubtedly feel better, about yourself, about life, if you press on and finish instead of giving up and quitting. Doing well in ultras is largely about perseverance, perseverance in the consistency of your training and perseverance in the face of race hardships. The more often you persevere, ultimately, over time, the easier and more effortless your running will become.

Favorite inspirational quote?

“I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

What does it mean to you being a member on the NB Outdoor Ambassador Program?

Gratitude. Gratitude that a company exists that is willing to manufacture products that withstand the demands I require of them and gratitude that that company is actually willing to support me, thereby making my pursuit of highest-level performances and a satisfying lifestyle possible.

Greatest Achievement:

Winning the Quad Dipsea Trail race in 2008 and setting the course record. The 2008 Gore-Tex TransRockies Run also ranks high on the list.

Favorite Event:

Mt. Ashland Hill Climb and the Quad Depsea

What does it mean to you being a member on the NB Outdoor Ambassador Program?

As a member of the NB Outdoor Ambassador Program, I have a unique opportunity to work constructively with a company who has expressed a sincere commitment to develop mountain and trail running. Actually observing product designs that have been heavily influenced with ambassador input is quite refreshing. Through this dynamic relationship, NB should only continue to refine excellent trail and mountain products they already produce.

Favorite inspirational quote?

“Yeah, I walk that last hill.”–Max King, after winning the SOB50K, setting a CR and beating me by five minutes. Knowing Max walked simultaneously gave me pangs of hope and fear.

Why do you do what you do? What’s you motivation?

I run in the mountains simply because it is really enjoyable. Motivation, for me, is derived from the desire to push my body to the physiological limit and then determine if I am mentally tough enough to continue . . . which may not sound enjoyable, but it actually is. Also, winning races is quite motivation and enjoyable.

Any advice for others in your sport?

Anyone who is running in the mountains probably has it figured our already. Although, sage advice has been dispensed in my general direction on various occasions from the marmots on the summit of Sante Fe Baldy, the Maldrones of the Siskiyou Mountains and the ubiquitous Mountain Chickadee.

Favorite New Balance Shoe:

790

Greatest Achievements:

Wasatch 100 course record holder, Wonderland Trail speed record holder, alpine lake swimmer extraordinaire.

Favorite Event:

Any event in which I get to run up and down a mountain or two.

Why do you do what you do? What’s your motivation?

Mountain running is one of the keys to my happiness. I feel most alive when running at my physical limit high above treeline in spectacular terrain. While I train in preparation for racing against strong competition, the daily pull of a mountain summit or alpine lake provides even more motivation.

Any advice for others in your sport?

The key to success in trail running is to Have Fun! The pure joy achieved through running in the mountains, canyons, and forests is the greatest measure of accomplishment.

Favorite inspirational quote?

“Life begins at 10,000ft” - Willi Unsoeld

What does it mean to you being a member on the NB Outdoor Ambassador Program?

Being a member of the NB Outdoor Ambassador Program ensures that there are no barriers between me and the trails I run. NB provides me with the best trail products available – allowing for my optimal performance, and I provide feedback on how the shoes and apparel perform – helping NB meet the needs of trail runners.

Where do you live?

San Antonio, TX

Date of birth

Tuesday, February 1, 1972

Your favorite New Balance running shoe

MT110

Where are the best places for fans to follow you online (Twitter account, Facebook profile, blog, website, etc…)

http://www.lizahoward.com

Events run (and personal bests)

2011 USA Track and Field National Championships 50mi08:09:591st female, course record
2011 Rocky Raccoon 100 mile 15:33:09 1st female, fifth overall
2011 USA Track and Field National Championships100k 09:35:23 1st female, course record
2010 The North Face Endurance Challenge 50mi 08:48:467th female
2010 Leadville Trail 100mi 21:19:471st female
2010 Rocky Raccoon 100mi 15:45:03 1st female, 2nd overall
2009 Cactus Rose 100mi 21:02:00 1st overall, course record

Major Accomplishments / Honors

Rocky Racoon 100 15:33

What is the oddest trophy or prize you have won?

Steel chicken

How did you get started running?

I wanted to get fit and signed up to run the Philadelphia marathon.

What made you gravitate towards trails?

Spending time work for the National Outdoor Leadership school

Your coach's name

Howard Nippert

Favorite place to train

Hill Country State Natural Area, Bandera, TX

What is your favorite workout (and why)?

Long weekend runs. I get to spend time talking with friends.

What is your least-favorite workout (and why)?

Intervals. I don't have much natural speed and it's painful trying to develop any.

What's the most awesome thing you've encountered in nature during a run?

A huge rattle snake with a body as thick as my thigh. It didn't bother rattling because it wasn't worried about any runner giving it trouble.

Favorite race

Bandera 100k

Favorite type of race

100 milers

What's the most grueling event you've experienced, and why?

The Rocky Raccoon 100 this year was a suffer-fest during the last 40 miles. My stomach and intestines rebelled and I couldn't stomach the gels I had with me. My sports bra was too tight and I had to ask an aid station worker to loosen it with trauma shears. I kept asking my pacers for hugs throughout the race.

Do you have any superstitions related to competing or training?

If I can choose my bib number, I choose 401 because it was my grandmother's area code.

What is your pre-race / warm-up routine?

Standing under a heating lamp if there is one.

Piece of your kit you would never be without:

hat

What gets you most excited to compete?

Seeing old friends.

What is your favorite meal, the night before the race?

Progresso lentil soup.

What is your nutrition strategy during an extremely long race?

100 liquid calories per hour and one gel every half hour. (200 cal/hour)

What is your favorite post-race meal?

Hamburger, fries and a shake from a drive thru.

What gives you an advantage over your competition?

I am older and find meaning in suffering.

What food / snack is your guiltiest pleasure?

Jelly Bellies.

Which character from a TV program or movie best resembles how you think of yourself?

Kermit the Frog.

What is something most people don't know, or would be surprised to learn, about you?

I'm an Army brat.

What activity, apart from running, most represents 'me time' for you?

Reading on the couch.

What person has most shaped your career or life?

Running: Amanda McIntosh, Life and Career: My husband, Eliot Howard

What is the best piece of advice (not necessarily related to running) you've ever been given - and would be eager to pass along to others?

There is more in you than you think.

Why do you run?

I run because it makes me feel lighthearted and capable. It energizes me and moderates my moodiness. I am more patient with my son after a morning run and more likely to enjoy my mom duties.
I run ultras because I think it is important to practice suffering. Suffering in life is assured. Practicing patient perseverance in the face of suffering during an ultra helps you pass through suffering more gracefully when you encounter it in life. Enduring suffering in ultras also teaches compassion. Physical suffering during a run helps me empathize and care better for people who are ill.

What was your darkest moment out on the trail?

When I couldn't finish a run because my foot hurt so badly. It turned out to be a stress fracture.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

A stranger handed me a feminine hygiene product at an aid station during Leadville after asking my crew if there was anything he could do to help out.

What is your proudest?

When I came through an aid station and my three year-old shouted, "That's my mom!!"

Person you would most like to run with

After my dad, Eric Greitens (wrote The Heart and the Fist)

What tips do you have for new runners?

Running should make you happy. If it doesn't, change something in your routine so it does. For me, running with a group was key to falling in love with running. You will run faster and feel stronger when you are happy. You will work out harder when you are happy. You will learn more when you are happy. Most importantly, running happiness affects every aspect of you life.