February runner of month: Jenny Aliotta

Congrats to Jenny Aliotta for being named the Ultimate Fit February Runner of the Month! 

She is married to her soulmate, Steve and they are a blended family with four kids.  Her stepdaughters are Sicily age 12, Cypress age 9, and they have twin boys together Jasper and Percy age 4. They are blessed with amazing children which she cannot imagine their lives without them. For work, she serves in a paid role as Human Resources Director at Crossroads Christian Church and is the Wellness Chair there. She also teaches Zumba and Zumba Toning at Bob’s Gym. She has lived in Evansville, IN her entire life. 

Here is a little more about Jenny!
 
What motivates you to run/walk?
There are several things and people that motivate me to run. I have only been running about a year, but I think it is so important for our kids to see a healthy lifestyle, the importance of fitness, and setting an example for them. When I’m running, it’s like nothing else in the world distracts me during that time. I disconnect with the world and relax, listening to my music, running. I occasionally will listen to slower paced music, almost like yoga type music and have running sessions that are more prayer runs or just silencing my brain to relax.
 
How many races have you participated in?
Approximately 12, all local
 
What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively?
I started running for fun and competitively last March during Tri-State Fitness's Vahalla 5K at North Posey High School, which was also the first race in the Ultimate Fit Race Series in 2017.
 
Favorite place to run/walk?
My favorite places to run are anywhere with some sort of view such as trees, ponds, etc.
 
Favorite local race?
My favorite local race… that’s a really hard question! I love all of Tri-State Fitness’ races and volunteer for them. Restoration Run with Community One I really enjoy and lead their Zumba Warm Up before the race the past two years. I am looking forward to volunteering and running some of Rise Up and Run Events races this year. I love a local race that supports a good cause.
 
Favorite race outside of the Tri-State?
I have not done any of these yet but look forward to in the future!
 
Favorite race distance?
Currently 10K is my favorite, but I could see that changing this year!
 
Favorite race memory?
My favorite race memory is very first race at Vahalla last year when I placed 2nd in my age category. I was already on cloud 9 for completing my first 5K and running the entire time so placing 2nd was icing on top of the cake. I was so happy and shocked! One of my running buddies was around the same pace as me so we started and finished this race together which was a blast!
 
Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink?
I love Vega shakes and add in extra nutrients such as fruits, spinach, and even a dap of peanut better!
 
What is your favorite brand of running shoe?
Brooks
 
How many miles do you run/walk a week?
It varies but with my set goals this year I’ll be running a lot more!
 
What are your future goals for running/walking?
This year my goals are to run and train more often for races along with doing my first 10-mile race and half marathon this year.
 
Favorite time of day to run?
11-5 pm
 
Favorite weather to run in?
50-75 degree weather: not too cold, not too hot
 
Music or no music?
Definitely music-I run to the beat of my music and you may even see my inner Zumba love come out in me by a dance move here and there :)