Valerie was born in Wichita Falls, graduated from Wichita Falls High School, where she first met Mark. After high school, she moved to Winter Park, FL to attend Rollins College. Upon receiving a degree in Biology, she attended SUNY Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, NY for two years. It was at this time that she reconnected with Mark and made the decision to change career paths. This brought her back to Wichita Falls, where she completed a BSN from Midwestern State University and is currently working as a Nurse Practitioner for a Dermatology practice.

Valerie began running when she was in medical school in NY as a cheap and easily accessible way to exercise. Running has been a part her life, in varying degrees, ever since. She has completed three half marathons, her favorite of which was the Wine and Dine Half Marathon at Disney World, which combines two of her favorite things, running and Disney. She has also run many 5ks, 10ks and a 15K.

What is your home town?
Wichita Falls, TX

How long have you been doing triathlons, running or swimming?
Since 2002

What is your zodiac sign?
Capricorn

What is your favorite piece of training equipment?
This is not technically training equipment, but I have to run with my iPod. My new favorite is my Apple Watch.

If you were a t-shirt what color would you be and why?
I would be black, because it is classic and slimming.

What is your nickname?
It has always been Val, more recently Val Pal.

What is your favorite pre-race meal?
I do like to eat pasta, even though I am generally not going far enough to load up on carbs, but it just feels right.

What do you do to recover from a hard workout?
A hot bath and a does of Advocare Nightime Recovery.

What is your favorite race?
I really enjoyed the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon, however, my favorite distance is the 15k.