Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Runner in the Spotlight: Jocelyn Sikora

Jocelyn Sikora works at Bank of America during the day and trains for triathlons during her off hours. One of the areas top females runners and triathletes, Jocelyn also volunteers with a kids running club.

Where do you work?
Bank of America. I work in a quant group that forecasts revenue, loss and balances for the bank’s consumer products to help the lines of business make more informed strategic decisions. I focus primarily on our UK Credit Card portfolio.

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?
This is a hard one…I really like Zio’s, a little family owned Italian place on providence rd, but based on how many times I visit it, Jason’s Deli comes in a close second. Can’t beat all-you-can-eat frozen yogurt!

Favorite place you've traveled and loved for running?
I traveled to Lake Tahoe this past winter and the views on my run were simply unreal. The hills on the other hand were another story…

When and why did you start running?
I went out for track in 7th grade after growing up playing soccer, however I didn’t switch to distance running until my senior year of high school. I’d moved to Orlando the summer before and thought joining the cross country team would be a good way to make friends. It was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made.

What do you love about running?
I have had the chance to meet so many different people while running in Charlotte that I’m not sure is possible with any other sport. Also, it is both an individual and team sport at the same time. I can only reach about 90% of my potential on my own. It is the encouragement of my teammates, friends and family that help push me the extra 10%.

Are you a morning or an evening runner?
Evening, however I do manage to pull myself out of bed for some of those 6am runs.

Do you lead any Charlotte Running Club group runs? What time?
Yup, Wednesday 6am from the Dowd and co-lead the runs Monday at 6pm from the Dowd & Thursday 6pm & 6:30pm from Dilworth Neighborhood Grill.

What's your most memorable race and why?
I had the opportunity to participate in the Half Ironman World Championship this past November where I competed against athletes from over 50 countries. It was my third half ironman, first salt water swim and first triathlon for my parents. With swimming being my weak point, coming out of the water second to last in my age group didn’t seem like the best start. I pushed the bike hard thinking of all my friends tracking me when I cross over each timing mat. After finishing the bike, a cheer and wave from my parents and sister were the encouragement I needed to go the last 13.1 miles of a 70.3 mile journey. During those last 13 miles, I thought of all the people who had helped me get to that point and with each memory, a little boost of energy. I can’t explain the emotion I felt as I crossed that line. It had been a busy fall balancing increased responsibilities at work, a cross country team and tutoring, in addition to training, and there were points during that time that I didn’t think I was going to make it to the finish line. I ended up with a PR in all three disciplines and a 9 min PR in total – 4:49:21 (31st in my age group).

Where is your favorite place to run in Charlotte and PR?
Latta Plantation, McMullen Greenway and Dilworth/Myers ParkFavorite distance?
15K and Half Marathon
15K – 57:54
Half Marathon – 1:23:24

What’s next on your race calendar?
Cherry Blossom 10 Miler - Jocelyn finished 32nd overall at the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler and was a member of the Charlotte Running Club winning women's club team!

Thanks Jocelyn for such a great interview!

1 comment:

  1. If you are a runner and have not met Jocelyn yet, make a point to. She is terrific. Always has a smile and a great attitude. Thx for being another great contributor to the Charlotte Running community Jocelyn.

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