My running story!

I’ve been running since 2013. My first-ever half marathon was the Hollywood Half Marathon in Los Angeles, California. I still remember how wild and proud I felt crossing that finish line. Fast forward a few years and we moved to Barcelona in 2018. Since then I’ve run two full marathons (Barcelona 2019 and 2023) and a bunch of half marathons all across Europe. Running has become my way of connecting with new places — it grounds me, opens me up, and it brings me a ridiculous amount of joy!

Why I started running

Someone once asked me when I started running. I paused for a second, tilted my head to the side to think and then immediately blurted out, “After my dad died.”

That’s where my running story really begins. I was living in Pasadena, California, working away at my desk, when a wave of grief hit me so hard I couldn’t sit still. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I had to move. I grabbed my keys, drove to the Rose Bowl Stadium, parked the car, and just started running.

The Rose Bowl is a popular place to run. It has this big loop that circles the stadium, parking lot, and golf course and is 3.1 miles (5Km) around. That first day, I couldn’t make it all the way without walking, and crying. But I went back. Again and again. My first goal was just to make it around once without stopping. And when I finally did, I set a new goal: four loops. If I could do that, I promised myself I’d sign up for the Hollywood Half Marathon.

And that was the beginning. Running became my therapy, my meditation, my way of healing. And now, all these years later — it’s still the way I move through life.

An American living in Barcelona

I’ve been living in Barcelona for nine years now, and I love it. We moved here as a family when our kids were just 9 and 11. They've since graduated and flown the nest, now off living their own adventures elsewhere in Europe. So it’s just me and my two dogs now — Rex and Canela. (If you see me out running with Rex, the Jack Russell, say hi!)

Sitting still isn’t really my thing. I’m always up to something — traveling, exploring the city, finding a new trail, or diving into a creative project. Before Barcelona, we spent three years living in Costa Rica, so I’ve officially been living the expat life for 12 years now.

As far as work goes, I’m a wildly creative marketer with a big love for storytelling, ideas, and building things that feel personal. I’ve spent years helping brands show up in real, human ways—always mixing strategy with heart. I’m drawn to projects that are a little unexpected, a little rebellious, and always full of meaning.

What do I love most about living in Barcelona? Everything. The beach, the mountains, the architecture, the Mediterranean climate, the slower pace of life, and how easy it is to hop on a train or plane and see more of Spain — or Europe. Spain still surprises me. It’s such a beautifully varied country, and there’s always somewhere new I want to go.