Amber Hickman Qualls

Why did you start running?

It took me almost a year of exercising regularly before I built up the nerve to try running. I was always so envious of the people I saw running, but I was too self-conscious to try. One day I was feeling good, hopped on the treadmill and gave it a try. Next think I knew, I ran the first mile I had ever ran in my life. After that, I felt like could do anything.

​

How long have you been running?

I started running in June 2015. So far, I'm still going. 

​

What is your favorite thing about running?

My favorite thing about running is how I feel after I'm done. Honestly, I hate knowing I have to do it, but I feel good about myself when I'm done.

​

What are your goals?

My goal is to just keep going. I'm going to give more time for trail running in 2019, so we'll see how that goes.

​

What is your favorite race?

I'm definitely a cool to cold weather runner, so I'd have to say the Strawberry Plains 10k race just because that's where I'm from.

​

What are your current running shoes?

New Balance

​

What would you tell someone who's hesitant to start running?

The best thing I can tell a beginner is to just keep going. It's going to hurt, but forward is forward. Just go! Enjoy the face that you have the ability.