You may not know her name, but you know Margie Hofmann. Margie participates in many of our races. And, whether she is participating or not, she is among the first to ask if we need help at packet pickup or registration. Margie has a big heart and that is reflected in both her running and her personal time. For the last several years, Margie has been the Chairperson for a Gala at that supports other abled people. The Gala she organizes is for the Share Foundation. This year’s event will be on Friday, November 1st at the Croation Center in Merrillville. If you would like to learn more about either the organization or the Gala, please get in touch with Margie. In the meantime, let’s find out about her running!
1) Why did you start running? I enjoy food and I enjoy liquor. Something was going to have to give. Exercise of some sort seemed to be the answer; I sure as heck wasn’t giving up the other two. For months I’d tell myself I have to do “something”. Running was the logical answer: no gym membership, no time commitments, I could go alone or maybe finding that person I could suck into misery with me. You know, how can I do this without really doing it but still tell myself I am accomplishing an activity. It was supposed to a causal relationship with my running shoes. I did not expect it to turn into be a torrid affair going with me on vacations, trips, and planned running dates. Or heaven forbid calling myself a “runner”
2) How did you get started? Starting was really 2 phased. A friend (Tina Wincek Rosenbaum) had a group 
doing a mud run I thought it would be fun. At 40 years old and having never run any measurable distance in my life I invited myself to join, dragged along another friend (Darla Kinkade) and had a pretty darn good time. We had a blast, it was as filthy as I anticipated, involved a lot of walking, rescuing a drowning woman who was surprised to learn she had to swim on a mud run, and even a post-race trip to the ER for one of our group. But most importantly it was a lot of laughs. The following spring Crown Brewing was hosting their first Leprechaun Run with a free pint at the finish. Again, I dragged Darla into joining me, the husbands waited back at the pub and off we went. Roughly 45 minutes and a accidentally a skipped street later we returned, flush-faced and feeling very accomplished. Again, there may have been a lot of walking involved but we did it. This worked because Darla was in the same boat with me, not a runner but knew she 
had to do something. We were slow together. This is where our running really started. Busy moms can attest finding an evening to get together with a friend for a simple dinner is not easy, plans are made and cancelled repeatedly until months later you finally get together. With running we realized all we had to do was sign up for a 5k and our problems were solved. We could get together, get the much need workout in, and by golly darned if we might just have beer or 2 afterwards. We promised each other to sign up for one 5k a month and it worked. The next thing we knew it was 2 a month,and coming to the realization I need to get out more. The affair had begun. My alarm was now set for an hour earlier than normal and I was slinking out of my bed away from my hubby and hitting the asphalt. Over the next 5 years came the increase in distance the Popcorn Panic 5 miler, Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Hot Chocolate 15K, and Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Nashville. Even a treacherous trail run that consisted of carrying a 6lb 11 oz pumpkin start to finish. My husband, Mike is now addicted as well.
3) What is your favorite Hometown Happenings event? This one is tough. The hometown runs had such a profound effect on my starting out but I’d say it’s a toss-up between the Halloween night time run, and the Santa run. Both have their own unique feeling and atmosphere. Regardless of the event though it’s Tim and his dedication that make the events something you enjoy and want to be a part of.
4) What goal do you still want to accomplish with your running? If you were to ask me if I‘ll ever do a full marathon right now I’d say probably not. But who knows what that answer will be when I am 60 or 70. Five years ago I would have said a resounding “hell no” to a half and look how that turned out. That is my goal. Well into my retired years I want to still be out there. It may be a mile a day, it may be 3, just as long as I am able.
5) What is your best advice for someone getting started? There is safety and success in numbers.