Hometown Hero – Runner Profile: Maureen Carroll by Lisa J . Photos provided by Hometown Happenings, Maureen Carroll & Marcy Jamrok Photography
Another feature we are adding to the Hometown Happenings’ spotlight addition is our Runner Profiles. Hometown Happenings’ foundation has been built by the running community and their incredible stories from how they started to the goals they have accomplished. We are proud to call each of them not just our friends, but our Hometown Hero family.
It is with great excitement that our first profile showcases one of our favorites, Maureen Carroll. It’s quite possible you have met Maureen, or even have a picture of her in your phone from a Hometown race, as she is the sweet face and fun personality behind Toy Story’s Jessie or Wonder Woman costumes. Maureen has also been known to start a Hometown race carrying the American flag in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. You see, Maureen is not only a great friend, a generous heart, a lover of animals and supporter of our children, she is a US Army Veteran.
In our recent interview, Maureen explains how she began running, her involvement with SoleMates for Girls on the Run of NW Indiana, and also gives some tips for those who are just beginning their running journey. Thank you, Maureen, for your time, your smile and your support of Hometown Happenings, we are proud to call you our Hero.
How did you get started running? 
You could almost say that I started running in Basic Training, but that would be a lie. I really just did whatever they told me to do so that I wouldn’t get yelled at. I ran when they told me to, and I hated every moment. I don’t think I ever really ran after that other than conditioning myself for Army Fitness Tests.
After college, and several life challenges, my good friend, Kelly, asked if I would do the Couch to 5K program with her the Summer of 2013. While starting out was really rough, setting small goals made it much easier and soon I was running by myself. Deciding to go all out, and a few 5ks under my belt, I signed up for a Carmel half marathon that next spring.
While the next 4 years was on and off with running, due to injury, 2018 was my big comeback year! I got back into racing with the National Women’s Half Marathon in Washington D.C. Although I just wanted to enjoy myself, the stars aligned and I PRed by 23 minutes! It was an amazing feat, and I really did feel unstoppable after the race. So, I signed up for my first marathon. I spent the past summer training with Fleet Feet and went out to run the Marine Corps Marathon with a group of runners from the area. We ran with the flag for a Fallen Soldier, Megan McClung, and it was one of the most amazing feelings in the world crossing that finish line.
How did you get involved with Hometown Happenings and what race is your favorite? 
Tim and I met a couple years ago while I was volunteering for his race, Kids in Capes. I was dressed as Maleficent. I don’t think either one of us realized we would become friends, but I am so glad we did. Hometown Happenings events are a staple for the feel of our town here in Crown Point. It honestly is an amazing thing he does each and every year. My favorite HH event has to be the Thank God for Pets 5K around Thanksgiving time. The theme of the race is Pets! I am pretty sure you could get me to do anything where Pets are involved! The best part was seeing the shelter animals at the race that found FURever homes. I really hope I get to experience that again this upcoming year.
What are some of the goals you still want to accomplish?
I still consider myself somewhat of a novice runner, but I hope to focus on ways to improve my running form this year. I am just now starting to truly realize the importance of cross training, so I would like to take some of the aspects outside of running shoes a bit more seriously. Anyone can put on running shoes and hit the trail, but a smart runner understands nutrition, recovery routines, and strengthening programs on top of that as well. My goal is to eventually be a mentor for new runners, so I have a lot to learn to feel comfortable getting to that point. Luckily, I have met a lot of great people running. I am pretty sure I am known as the ‘Question Master’ of the running group as there is hardly a time I am not asking for advice.
This year I am very excited to participate in my very first charity race with Northwest Indiana’s Girls on the Run SoleMates program. I am required to raise $1250 before the Chicago Marathon, but I am truly hoping to raise more than that. As a female in a male-dominated career field I understand the importance of building confidence in young girls, so I am happy to be able to support GOTR in any way that I can. My husband and I are pretty crafty, so I am hoping to come up with some neat ideas to sell for donations.
What are your interests outside of running?
In my spare time outside of running, I enjoy crafting and sewing. You might have seen me around in costume as Jessie from Toy Story or Wonder Woman. Sometimes I go to comic conventions, but I have started focusing on events I can volunteer at in the area for kids. That’s how Tim and I started talking actually. Hopefully I can whip together a few more costume options this year as well. It is hard to balance life when your running schedule is so demanding.
What advice would you give to new runners?
My biggest advice for a novice runner will always be to listen to your body. Understand the difference between being sore and developing an injury. Stretch, roll out your legs, and take a nice Epsom salt bath after long runs. If you notice weird pains, just take a day or two off to figure out what’s wrong. It’s easier to take a week or two off for inflammation than to take 2 months off for a stress fracture. Be smart because your health is worth it!
Running has so much to offer, especially for those who suffer from depression. It has been my lifeline. Each day I run to whatever ability I feel I have that day. Some days my pace is amazing, while other days I am pretty sure I am being lapped by turtles. Either way, I am still happy that I am able to be on the trails in the first place. It is a blessing, so it’s time for you to lace up and achieve your goals as well!