February Runner of Month: Samantha Schu

​    Samantha Schu is the February Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month!  She is 24 years old and just started her last semester of law school.   She is from Mt. Vernon, Indiana and still lives in Posey County when she is not in school.  
​    Here is an excerpt from the email nomination: "Sam is an inspiration to me because she continuously pushes herself day in and day out and has helped several of her friends and family achieve their running/fitness goals.  She is relentless, selfless, motivating and strong.  She has completed countless 5Ks, half marathons, marathons (including trail), and a half iron man.  Her love for running is truly admirable, and she is always training for the next race or goal."

**What motivates you to run/walk?
A couple of things motivate me to run.  It used to be just the peace I felt while I was running.  I now have a running partner, Kasey Spindler, who pushes me to get out there, get faster, and push myself.
 
**How many races have you participated in?
I’ve done 1 70.3 triathalon, 4 marathons, 15 half marathons, and countless races between 5K-10K.
 
**Whatage did you start running/walking for fun & competitively?
I grew up playing soccer and ran as a way to be in shape for that.  I ran cross country my sophomore year of high school and then did not really run races again until my sophomore year of college.
 
**What is your favorite race distance?
I’m not sure which race is my favorite because I love them all.  I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I finish a distance like a 70.3 or a full marathon.
 
**Favorite place to run/walk?
I love the USI Burdette trail, but I also enjoy road runs out in the country.
 
**Favorite local race?
I always really enjoy the Evansville Half Marathon.  
 
**Favorite race outside of the Tri-State?
I love the Thunder Road Race (Half marathon or marathon) in Charlotte, North Carolina and the Knoxville Covenant Health Half and Full marathon.
 
**Farthest you have traveled to do a race?
Seattle Washington has been the farthest trip so far.
 
**Favorite race memory?
My favorite race memory is probably the entire day of the Bowling Green Half Marathon.  It was a great race and Kasey and I both got 3rd in our age divisions.
 
**Craziest thing you saw at or during a race?
I really can’t think of anything crazy.  The Tinkerbell Half at Disney Land was pretty cool since you run through the park and all of the characters are there.

**Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink?
I like bagels with peanut butter and banana.
I love ice cream, so I always eat ice cream or drink a shake after a race.

**What is your favorite brand of running shoe?
I really do not have a favorite brand.  I love Asics Nimbus for my cushion shoes and Brooks Launch for my shorter runs.
 
**How many miles do you run/walk a week?
It depends but somewhere between 30 and 50 usually.
 
**What are your future goals for running/walking?
 I really want to run a half or full in every state.
 
**Favorite time of day to run?
I like early morning runs when it is hot, but afternoon runs when it is cold.
 
**Favorite weather to run in?
Any temperature between 45 and 60 is pretty nice.
 
**Music or no music?
No music, Kasey and I talk the entire time.