My name’s Flo Karp, I’m 48. In February 2007, I embarked on a walk/run program called C25K or Couch To 5K. From the ass-end of winter through the beginning of Spring 2007, I learned how to run. That April, I entered my first 5K where I got a not-so-bad-for-a-beginner 29:08, 11th out of 47 in my Age Group, which put me in the top 25% – I was chuffed!

I spent the next few months training for a Half Marathon and getting faster. After the Half, I entered my second 5K, won first in my AG and that was that: the beginning of a serious obsession.

When I’m not running, I’m also a voiceover actress, so you might hear me in a commercial on radio or TV, or in a learning module for a new drug or for convicts entering the workforce (that was a funny one), or some other weird thing.

I have a couple online shops, too: The Gifted Runner for running shirts and gift stuff and Fish Pie for scuba, music, weird and funny stuff. The first one’s new as of July 25, 2008, but the latter I’ve had from 1998. Beyond that, I have a “how to make websites” sort of site called Website Beginners. It’s not a business, but people seem to learn from it, so it serves a purpose.

On Oct. 12, 2008 I ran my first marathon, Steamtown, which was the source of much blog angst for the five months preceding it.  I came out of it with a BQ and some incredible memories.

January 09, I began a mini-makeover (thus the vanity shot, left); lost some weight, upped the mileage, started doing push-ups and chin-ups.  My times dropped in the Spring, much faster than I could have hoped for.

Nov. 09, I ran my second marathon, Philly.  I was aiming for sub 3:20.  I bombed and ended up run/walking the last 8 miles.  Finished with a painful 3:33.

After some deep soul searching, I’ve decided to make Boston 2010 my last marathon.  I am better at and enjoy shorter races more, so after Boston’s done I’ll be targeting the Philly Distance Run as my Fall Goal race.  Stay tuned…