Hi! My name is Jess Malone, I am 44 years old. I have been married to my amazing spouse, Brian for 22 years.  We have two fun to be around, independent teenage boys.  We have been able to call Alaska home for over 12 years.

How did you get into running/mountain running?  

I have always said that I am not a runner (insert giggling), but the mountains have drawn me in, and I am falling in love with trail running.  I really like to call myself a jack of all trades, because I love almost any athletic outdoor adventure!  I love to hike, bike, downhill ski, cross country ski, trail run, backpack, and backcountry ski.  Being out in nature and cross training is what keeps me content and filled with gratitude.  The thing I love specifically about running is that I can easily get a good workout in in a relatively short period of time; that makes it really convenient.  

How does running inspire you?

Nature and being outside is what drives me to run!  Pushing and working my body makes me feel alive!

My current inspiration is my 17-year-old son and his girlfriend.  The girlfriend talked my son into doing his first race ever.  This summer they will be participating in the Anchorage Mayor’s Half Marathon, and I get to join them!  They have inspired me to start a real training plan, using my husband’s expertise as a physical therapist, I have started a running specific strength training plan along with gradually increasing my distance.