GETTING TO KNOW......Laura Zenger

Age

28

Residence

Fort Wayne, IN

Grew Up

Fort Wayne, IN

College

Purdue University (undergraduate)
Ball State University (graduate)

Number of previous Marathon Trials?

0

How did you start running?

My mom likes to run, so in 1998 (when i was 7) I started by trying to keep up with her as well as my two older brothers.

Where did you qualify for the Trials?

CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, 2019

Tell us about the point you realized you had qualified for the Trials and how it felt?

I think I realized I could probably make it around mile 23, but I wasn't totally sure until I saw the clock at the finish because I only qualified by 27 seconds! It was surreal and also very painful. I wasn't exactly expecting to qualify, so it definitely came as somewhat of a surprise that I had actually done it! It was a 13 minute career best.

What High School did you graduate from and what year did you graduate?

Blackhawk Christian (Fort Wayne) - 2009

What were your best track times in high school what were your best times in track and best placings in cross country?

I ran cross country in high school, but our school didn't have a track team at the time. I think my best time was around 21 minutes, but I can't remember exactly.

#1 High School highlight?

I think probably just being a part of the team. We had a lot of fun together.

College?

Purdue University (2013) - Spanish / Political Science

What were your best times in college?

I ran for the club team for fun in college.

#1 College highlight?

Running my first marathon during my 2nd year of Graduate school in 2015.

Current Coach?

My husband helps me with planning my workouts, but I don't have an official coach.

Sponsor(s)?

Brooks and my local running store, Three Rivers Running Company.

Something unique about you?

I speak Spanish pretty well. I have also taught English to international students from all over the world.

Favorite Workout?

Threshold

Favorite Place to Train?

Fort Wayne has a great green-way trail system, but it is definitely a treat when I get to go somewhere out west and run in the mountains.

Occupation?

I process applications for annuities at Lincoln Financial.

Favorite Food?

Tacos

Favorite movie?

Free Solo

If you could have dinner with one person who would it be with?

My husband

Goal at the Trials?

Enjoy it! This is probably a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience, so I definitely want to soak it all in and do the best that I can on a hilly course.