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Canadian Cathy Cullen on her Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas win

Mary CullenCathy Cullen of Winnipeg won the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas marathon over the weekend in 2:56. The elementary school teacher has now run six marathons, the recent win being her first win since her debut at the distance in 2007. The race was Cullen’s first time in Vegas. We caught up with her to ask a few questions about her trip to Nevada for the event.

CR: Why Las Vegas?

CC: It was good timing for me. My son was born 11 months ago so I had maximum time to train before my maternity leave ended. Also, it was appealing as it’s a fall marathon with cooler temps. Plus, it’s Vegas! Pretty neat experience running down Freemont and finishing down the strip.

CR: Did you do anything else while there?

CC: We have been spending the week exploring Vegas. My husband and son have not let me slow down since the race. We’ve been hiking in Red Rock Canyon, went to Hoover Dam (took a dam walk and ate some dam food.) and visited Grand Canyon, skywalk and all.

CR: Had you run any Rock ‘n’ Roll races before? How did you find this one?

CC: No, I haven’t. A few friends from Winnipeg had run this one before so I heard about it through them.

CR: How is being a mother of two young children and training for a marathon?

CC: I have an 11-month-old son, Tyler. Also, a 3.5-year-old daughter, Shelby. It is a juggling act at times, but I am so lucky to have two amazing kids and a very supportive husband. We often go for family runs together. My husband pushes them in the double stroller, which usually works as nap time for the kids. Also, Jayson, my husband, watches them as I go out for Sunday long runs or workouts at the track. My parents have also been a big help. My Dad actually biked with me for a couple crucial workouts as my mom watched the kids. I really couldn’t have done this without all their support.

CR: Is it doubly tough with two children now?

CC: No harder than with just one. I actually think I have an advantage being a mom. For one, I know what it’s like to run off an empty tank. When you’re a parent and you are exhausted, you have no choice but to keep moving and that’s what marathoning is all about! ‎Secondly, I think my threshold for pain and discomfort has increased since giving birth.

Just as coincidence, whenever we get ready to ‎go for a run with our kids in the stroller I always ask them “are you ready to rock and roll?” My daughter always replies”I’m ready to rock and roll, mom!” She is absolutely awesome!1

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