This week’s Member Spotlight features Charity Miles member and ultramarathoner Stefanie Flippin! Hailing from San Diego, Stefanie currently resides in Evergreen, Colorado. “My husband and I are physicians specialized in foot and ankle surgery and sports medicine. When discussing her passion for running Stefanie stated, “I love how empowering it is! You get out of it what you put in and there's no better way to explore the world, am I right?”
And Stefanie definitely puts a lot into it, working her way up from merely running in her free time to completing ultramarathons of various distances. “I started running ultras in medical school with my now husband. He encouraged me to go after longer and longer races, and we worked our way from 50ks up to 100 miles. I've completed 4 100-milers and a number of 50ks, 50-milers & 100ks. I decided to get more serious about my training over the past year and a half or so and have been very fortunate to have a few podium finishes this year!”
Stefanie has turned to Instagram (@stefanieannflippin) to keep her followers updated on her ongoing running activities. “The running community, either on social media or just in general, is so positive, uplifting, and inspiring. In a world that oftentimes is so focused on negativity, I wanted to be able to share a small bit of light with others. I've been so inspired by many people through social media & I hope to do the same for others!”
She began using the app nearly 2 months ago after she was introduced to the app by fellow Charity Miles member and Coloradoan Margaret Spring. When asked about her typical workout Stefanie responded, “Anything from track workouts to ultra marathons! I love all the miles, any distance, any surface. My running took a turn when my mom's best friend was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer last year. I'd been struggling to find motivation to train and I realized I needed to connect my passion for the sport with something greater than myself. When we take away the focus from ourselves, incredible things happen. I love Charity Miles' mission and the ease of running for another through the app.”
Stefanie supports a wide range of charities, stating “I am a huge supporter of brands and charities that give back to clean water initiatives, children's education, illnesses & health, women's health and education, trail restorations and protection of wildlife and animals. There are so many privileges that we often take for granted that another human would give anything for. The charities out there that are working to equalize these disparities have my heart.”
After having completed a mind-boggling 4 100-mile ultramarathons Stefanie has the incredible drive to continue running. “I have my sights on continuing to better myself on the trails and hoping to be competitive in some bigger ultras in the coming year. With that being said, I also love my road running! I had been so focused on trails over the years, I decided this past winter that I really wanted to go after a Boston qualification while still in my 20s (I'm 29 now). I began training with my coach in January 2018 & was so grateful to qualify in April. I'll be registering for Boston 2019 this week and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of it. It may be weird to some that I love both my trails and ultras but also my road races but in short. I simply just love to run.”
We just love to run too, Stefanie. Good luck at the Boston Marathon and whichever races you set your sights on in the future!
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