Profile: Fran Thayer

Runner's Profile

She runs...she skis, she is a snowboarder, kite boarder and drummer in a band......she even knocks people out, for a fee...she is SUPER FRAN!!

The subject of this month's Profile, Fran Thayer, needs multiple photos to demonstrate just a few of her many talents. Fran Thayer, Renaissance Doctor/Runner/Etc- read and get ready to be impressed!

Fran & Armani at State St. Mile

Name: Fran Thayer
Age: 57 (2010)
Nicknames: Narf (Fran spelled backwards). My husband's name is Ted, so Ted and Fran often becomes Fred and Tan
Hometown: Originally from Los Angeles (Valley Girl). Also lived at the base of Squaw Valley ski resort for 10 years.
Employment: Physician-Anesthesiologist
Family: Husband-Ted, little dog-Armani
Other sports, hobbies, interests, etc.: Surfing, kite boarding, snowboarding, playing drums.

Most Prized Possession: Life
Favorite Food: Cookies.

Favorite Movie: Princess Bride, Braveheart, School of Rock (I want to go!)
Favorite Spectator Sport: Ski racing, basketball finals.
Car I'd Love to be Driving: I'm driving it-BMW X5, and I would like a Ducati motorcycle. I have a Kawasaki Ninja 250 now.
My friends describe me as: driven!
My trademark expression is: Never mind
If money were not a consideration, I would love to: Surf everyday in the summer, ski/snowboard everyday in the winter.
In the next 5 years, I hope to: Still be running
In the next 10 years, I hope to: Still be running
Personal accomplishments: Earning my degree in medicine and passing my written and oral boards in Anesthesiology.
Personal fact that will surprise my friends: I play drums in a band with my husband and was an action model featured in Ford commercials and ski magazines (20 years ago).
Favorite Running Shoes: Nike Lunar Trainers.
Favorite Distance and PR (post collegiate): 5K...usually surprise myself as I can hang on to a little faster pace before I blow up.
Best Race and Why: Santa Barbara Half Marathon 2008...9:15 pace and a third place in my age category. Peaked in my training and just felt really good that day throughout the whole distance.
Worst Race and Why: Santa Barbara Half Marathon 2009...9:56 pace. What happened??? Never Mind
Average Weekly Mileage (last 12 months): 35 miles
Favorite Local Race: Turkey Trot...run in the morning with family and friends, eat a lot with them later!
Most Memorable Running Experience/favorite place to run: I used to live on Donner Lake (by Tahoe) and run it 5 days a week...6 plus miles with the greatest scenery.
Glory Days PR: Started running later in life so hopefully my glory days are yet to come. Ran a 5K Resolution run 8:32 in 2009

Realistic Running Goals for this Year: 5K 8:45 pace , 10K: 9:05 pace
Wildly Optimistic Running Goals for this Year: 5K 8:30 pace/10K: 8:45 pace

Local Running Heroes & Why: John Brennand and Gary Clancy..both seem to be drinking from the Fountain of Youth. (By the way, where is it you guys?) Tamara Berndt and Marie Schnyer, who have shown me what training hard and consistently can do. You two are unbelievable. Christina Kinsky, a member of our group diagnosed with cancer over a year ago. Amazing fortitude and still going strong.
Personal Training Tips: Strength training with running, especially centering on the core. Recently started using recovery drinks on hard days and they work!!! Massage therapist on call can be very helpful. Lastly, love Advil.
Why I Run: For life.
I love runners who: Run...not an easy sport. Special group of people who show great determination in all that they do. Many of the members of SBAA are among the most talented and extremely productive people I know.
Suggestions for local races: More bands...I love music.
Suggestions for SBAA: Thanks for all you do.


My views on: Despite being an age group SBAA winner, I am one of the slower runners in the group...it's a tough act to follow! Everyone is always so encouraging and I thank you all for that.
Add Anything: Special thanks to Rusty Snow and Mike Swan for great coaching.
Favorite Quote: From Christina Kinsky...Bring it On (although with a little less fervor than Christina).
SBAA Member since: 2007

By Joe Howell and Gene Deering

Fran Thayer's Races