I am a wife, mother, dog-mom, athlete, vegan, trying to maintain my sanity and sense of humor as I deal with the changes and challenges brought on by life and time.
I live with my husband in La Quinta, which is in the Southern California desert east of Palm Springs. We share our home with five dogs and two cats (my adult sons moved out long ago). One interesting fact about Alan and Debbie: We met and three years later got married at the Palm Springs Tram Road Race. Yep, right there on the finish line, I in my white satin running shorts and lace running bra, Alan in his morning coat and running shorts. Oh, and yes, we did run the race before our wedding.
I ran my first marathon in 1996 (Honolulu), and since that time, I’ve run about 35 more, although it has been several 
years since the last. My best time ever was 3:17, in the St. George (Utah) Marathon when I was 41 years old. A long time ago, but I’m still pretty proud of that effort. My favorite marathon, though, has to be Paris. We’ve run it twice, both times with camera in hand enjoying the 26.2 mile tour of the city of lights.
These days I run a lot less and ride my bike a lot more. Between 2007 and 2008 I rode a century (100 miles) a month for 18 months in a row. My goal for the last couple years has been to ride a double century, but I have not accomplished that yet. Maybe next year.
Together, my husband and I coach cross country at Palm Desert High School. It is very time consuming, but also very rewarding. It is satisfying to know that you can make a difference in the life of a young person.
In 2008 I had a hysterectomy, which slowed me down for a while. While it solved some medical problems, I discovered a whole new set of issues that I deal with, most of which come under the heading of the “M” word (that would be menopause, youngsters). I’m still working to balance my hormones, lose the hot flashes, headaches, weight gain, etc., etc. When I get it right, you all will be the first to know.
In January of 2007, I decided that my love of animals would no longer allow me to eat them. Fortunately, my husband felt the same way and we both decided to become vegetarian. It was definitely one of the best and happiest decisions I’ve ever made. Over the last several years, I gradually cut most other animal products out of my life, and in February of 2010, I finally made the final cut: No more dairy products. Now I eat a completely plant based diet and I’ve never felt stronger.
