Catching Up with the LA 100 Ladies

LA 100: Nashville Women Take on the Los Angeles Marathon

Four women from our community – Lydia, Victoria, Brooke and Teri – are heading to Los Angeles as part of the LA 100 program with ASICS, Featherstone Nutrition and Believe In the Run. Each has trained through winter miles, busy schedules and the recent debilitating ice storm to prepare for race day.

A couple months ago we met up with the ladies to gift them some gear and talk all things training and goals – read more from that interview HERE. With race day just around the corner, we connected again to discuss what it means to be a woman in the running space, hear how they're feeling mentally and physically and to wish them well as they seek to conquer the LA Marathon on International Women's Day.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in the running space?

Victoria: Not only am I a woman in the running space, I am a woman of color—and it feels so good to be seen. I may not be the fastest, but I am still a runner.

Brooke: It means strength and resilience. Women are capable of so much, and endurance sports highlight that in a powerful way.

Lydia: Empowering. Encouraging. Limitless.

Teri: I feel a responsibility to be a voice of encouragement and authenticity for women in the running space. Running – and runners in general – can be intimidating and I want other women to know that if I can do it, they can too and I will be cheering for them all the way.

Women face many barriers when it comes to running. How do you overcome them? 

Brooke: For me, the biggest barrier has been managing time and life balance. Training requires intentional planning and support from the people around you.

Teri: My biggest barrier is safety and time management. To fit my runs in I usually have to go very early and by myself. Preparing my routes ahead of time and being cognizant and aware are necessary. You can never really just zone out.

Lydia: Historically, winter running has been my biggest challenge. I don’t love the cold. This cycle, I’ve committed to running outside more – mostly with friends, which makes everything better. 

Victoria: Being a woman, especially running alone, is definitely a barrier. There have been so many tragedies. I stay vigilant and alert when running outside. Being part of the Fleet Feet and Nashville running community has made me so much more comfortable. Weekly group runs provide comfort and safety.

Why do you run?

Lydia: I run to connect with the Lord and His creation. It brings me back to a grounded, childhood-like joy of competing. I also run to show my boys that taking care of your body and mind requires intention.

Victoria: I run for my physical and mental health. It’s therapeutic and helps me process tough days. And I have a son who loves sports—I have to keep up with him!

Teri: There are so many reasons! But ultimately, I run because I love the way it allows me to connect with people and experience the shared joy of feeling accomplished.

Brooke: I run because I love seeing what I’m capable of. The process of training builds confidence that carries into other areas of life.

How are you feeling now that you’ve made it to taper**? 

** a Marathon Taper refers to the period in training over the last few weeks where mileage volume is intentionally reduced to encourage recovery and allow the athlete to get to race day feeling fresh and ready to race. Traditionally it can also be a period of angst uncertainty with some athletes experiencing "taper tantrums". 

Teri: I'm not gonna lie, the taper is not my favorite and I struggle with feeling sluggish coming off of some really high mileage weeks. But it feels good to have extra time in my day and to see my training readiness start to improve again.

Lydia: Physically strong. Mentally, taper brings excitement but also some doubt. You start wondering if you’re fully prepared—but I believe I am.

Victoria: Amazing! My peak long run was 20 miles. If I can do 20, I can push out six more.

Brooke: Excited and ready. I feel prepared.

How did you fit in training during the ice storm? 

Lydia: I still ran outside when I could but focused more on effort than pace. I did one 19-mile treadmill run… and I might not touch the treadmill again for the rest of 2026!

Victoria: It was a challenge! I hit the treadmill more than I would’ve liked. Some long runs were broken up. Some runs didn’t happen – and that’s okay. I prioritized yoga, stretching, foam rolling and cycling too.

Teri: I did what I could outside – slowly and carefully – but for the workouts and longer runs I took it to the treadmill. I'm one of those weird people that actually likes running on the treadmill, but I think 18 miles might be my limit.

Brooke: I’m fortunate to have a treadmill at home and never lost power, so I logged a lot of miles indoors

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

Victoria: Good meal, plenty of rest—and my ‘flat Victoria’ race-day gear photo laid out before the race!

Brooke: I keep it simple—routine, calm and sticking to what’s worked in training.

Lydia: My husband prays over me, I hug and high-five my boys, and I eat warm Turnip Truck French bread with butter!

Teri: Not really, this will be my 36th marathon and every one has been a little different. But, the basics are to avoid trying anything new at the expo and to make sure I get plenty of fluids and fuel in the days leading up to race day. If I can get to bed early that's a plus, too!

What advice would you give someone wanting to run their first marathon?

Teri: I know I'm biased, but sign up for Fleet Feet training! Or find a group – with an actual coach – to train with. And to give yourself some grace because marathons are hard work!

Victoria: Just do it! Anyone is capable. Believe in yourself, trust your body and stay consistent. Discipline is key.

Brooke: First, know your why. That will carry you through the hard days. And realistically evaluate your time—training is a major commitment. But it will change you in incredible ways.

Lydia: Find people with similar goals. It will be 10,000x more enjoyable with friends beside you.

These women are chasing their finish lines in Los Angeles, but their stories stretch far beyond race day.

They’re about representation.
About motherhood and ambition.
About community and courage.
About believing you can – even when you’re unsure.

As they head to the starting line of the Los Angeles Marathon, they carry with them months of early mornings, icy miles, treadmill grit and unwavering determination.

And we'll be cheering for them because no matter what the clock says in LA, they’ve already won!