Name: Ann Wirtanen
Age: 49
Residence: Groton MA
Birthplace: Cleveland Ohio
Education: yeah-too much
HS-yes. But now they made my old high school into a retirement community-I can go back
College John Carroll University, Cleveland Ohio
Graduate MS Northeastern and MLS Simmons College
Occupation: Library Director
Marital status: Married
Children status: none. Do have a standard poodle-does that count for having a kid?

How long have you been running? Since 2002 at the age of 43
What made you decide to begin running? To feel better, loose weight and get into shape
Did you run competitively in high school? no
Did you run competitively in college? no
When / why did you join SRR? Joined November 2008. Joined for the group long runs and training for Boston.
Total number races: 54 total: 9 races in 2008; 13 in 2007; 10 in 2006; 4 in 2005; 9 in 2004; 8 in 2003; 1 in 2002
Favorite race (and why): Big Lake Half Marathon in New Hampshire. Awesome hill, straight up for miles. What a kick. Balloons and mardi gras beads at the top of the hill.
Favorite race distance: Half Marathon. You can train for it and still have a life outside of running.
Favorite runner: Kathrine Switzer
Favorite running shoe: Aesics
Average miles per week: 40
Most MPW Ever: 55
Best running memory: Passing people at the end of Bay State Marathon and qualifying for Boston. Second favorite was running the Freez'Or 5 in Sterling Jan 2008 in a blizzard.
Worst running memory: Having to find a porto potty on a half marathon and none to be found
Running PR's (when and where):
5 K 23:02 9/15/07 Danny Oats Bedford MA
10 K 48:57 4/29/07 Groton Road Race MA
5 mile 38:58 11/19/06 Slattery's Fitchburg MA Half-marathon 1:48 10/7/07 Portland Maine
10 mile 1:23:34 9/1/08 Marlborough MA
Marathon 3:58:23 Bay State MA October 2008

Favorite time of day: After work.
Favorite sport other than running: There is no other sport.
Favorite TV show: Sunday Morning
Favorite movie: Die Hard With a Vengeance
Favorite musician: Dave Matthew Band
Favorite song: Too Much (Dave Matthews Band)
Favorite cereal: Anything by Kashi
Favorite food: Salmon, grilled.
Favorite ice cream: Mocha Chip by Starbucks, but only in moderation
Favorite cocktail: Any type of wine or stout beer
Favorite restaurant: Filho's take out in Groton MA
Favorite car: All BMW
For the women: Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan? Sean Connery - "shaken, not stirred."
Fill in the blank: I like it when: When the running is sweet.
I hate it when: When all you can think about is the nearest porto potty
Favorite quote: "Marathoners don't get older. We simply change age groups." Gasper "Gabe" Abene
Other: (wax poetic about whatever you want, but we include at our discretion) Running is life-changing and life-enhancing. I wouldn't be the person I am today without it.