Her Story

Because nothing motivates us to stay healthy more than meeting other athletic women who do it all, Her Sports brings you the stories of women just like you. If they can do it, so can you!

Name: Meghan Wallace

Sports: Running, snowboarding, swimming, soccer, lacrosse

Age: 25

Occupation: Legal assistant, environmental law

Where I live and play: Washington, D.C.

Marital status: Single, but attached

Kids: No

Animals: I have a surrogate dog named Cheech. He's a friend's energetic yellow lab who I sometimes take running. He pulls me a lot, but I like to think that he's just encouraging me to run faster!

First love: Horseback riding. I guess I was a fairly typical little girl obsessed with horses and was fortunate to have my own horse, Diamond. Though I haven't ridden in years, I still carry that first love with me and jump at any chance I get to be around horses.

Favorite place to be active: Running in Rock Creek Park in Washington D.C. The rugged trails have so many rocks, roots and creeks to dodge that my mind is always active. The park is especially beautiful in the fall when the colored leaves are in their full glory.

Role model & why: My father. Although he passed away from cancer several years ago, he always encouraged me to have confidence in myself and in my athletics. As an outdoorsman, he also encouraged a deep appreciation for being in nature. Those are influences that I will always appreciate.

Ideal active weekend: Snowboarding in the mountains in West Virginia, but now that the weather's warmer, I love starting the weekend with a long run to clear my head through Rock Creek Park or along the Potomac River. Then, I enjoy relaxing and hanging out in the different neighborhoods of D.C. with my boyfriend.

Proudest active moment: I used to live in San Luis Obispo, Calif., where one of my favorite running trails followed the perimeter of a small dormant volcano. It was wonderful enjoying the scenery and observing the wildlife and flowers on that trail, but one day I decided to take an alternate route—up the mountain instead of around it. When I finally reached the top, I was not only rewarded with magnificent views, but I felt a huge sense of physical accomplishment.

Best training tip: Cross train. I hurt myself devoting too much time to one sport without combining other forms of exercise. My body needed variety! Cross training is also great for keeping your mind in the game.

Gear I can't live without: A cheap sports watch from Wal-Mart that I bought years ago while preparing for soccer season. Even though it's practically falling apart, I just can't seem to run without it!

Favorite pre-workout/race meal: Nutella on wheat toast

Sport I'd most like to try: Even though I grew up on the coast in Southern California, I never learned how to surf. I'd love to experience the exhilaration of standing up on a board and riding a wave.

When I'm not running, playing soccer or snowboarding I'm: Gardening or sitting outside at a coffee shop with a good book.