Sharon Thompson

How long have you been running?  I started running in 7th grade. I decided to do track because I watched my older brother and sister compete in Cross Country and Track and they had great success so I figured I’d give it a try.

Do you recall when you first knew you loved the sport? It definitely grew on me as the more success I had. Making All-State my freshman year in high school was the first time I got recognition and it fueled a fire in me to get better. I love the feeling of competing at a higher level and the feeling of achieving something big.

At what race did you qualify for the trials?  Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis Indiana. I didn’t sign up to run this until 2 weeks before due to Achilles issues I had over the fall. I’m glad it worked out for me that day.

How many marathons have you run? I've run 3.  This will be my 4th. Chicago 2010 was my very first marathon which qualified me for the 2012 trials. 
I ended up running the 2012 trials after having my third baby with only 3 months of training. It was difficult for me but I’m glad I did it! I got to take my children and give them high fives each lap.

Is this your first marathon trial experience? No

What was your high school and/or college top accomplishments? Some of my big accomplishments in college: being 3-time ALL-American, 4-time All-SEC and 4-time All-Region, SEC champion 5k

Do you have a favorite race experience? I made World Cross Country in 2006 which took place in Japan. To qualify I had to run in New York in frigid temps. On paper, I wasn't expected to make the team. I was able to sneak in the top 6 to make the team with some impressive runners.

Favorite race distance? I've always loved the mile. In college, I'd beg my coach JJ Clark to let me run the mile. I never thought I’d run longer than the 5K:)

What's your nutrition of choice while racing? I just started with UCAN before my workouts and I use Spring gel during my marathon or long runs. I keep it pretty simple.

Do you have a pre-race ritual or superstition? I did more in college, I'm just happy to get a meal and some sleep now:)

Post-race, what's your must-have meal? Burger with fries would probably be my first choice.

Married? Yes, to one awesome guy named Kevin Thompson who I met on the track team at UT Children? I have 4 kids who keep me very busy. Luke is 12, Siena is 10, Samantha is 8 and Summer is 5. Furry friends? One dog named Logan or for short LoLo (Luke needed an L since all his sisters start with an S:)

Who is your running icon? Suzy Favor is who I remember watching in the 96 Olympics and just thought she was awesome.

Favorite mantra or motivational quote? "I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success.  Great things come from hard work and perseverance.  No excuses" - Kobe Bryant.  

When you aren't training, how do you like to spend your time? I own CycleBar Franklin which keeps me very busy. I do most of my cross-training there. I love being with my family and going to my kids sporting events. I have 4 active kids so they keep my schedule filled. We like to do anything outside as a family like hiking, skiing, and we love to travel to different countries/states, etc.

Any fun facts you would like to share? I just turned 40, I have 4 kids and this will be my 4th marathon and my 4th Olympic Trials. I think my new lucky number is 4:)

Social media handles: Instagram- sharon_thompson, cb_franklin_, Facebook- Sharon Dickie Thompson