Amanda is from Saco, ME and has lived here her entire life. She lives in Saco with her husband, daughter (15), son (12), her dog and 2 cats. 

 

She attended all of the Saco Schools and graduated from Thornton Academy. Amanda then attended University of Maine in Orono and graduated in 2001 with her elementary teaching degree.

Amanda tries to be the best she can be with all the different hats she wears- wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, coach, friend, etc. She says she tries her best to stay balanced, to try not to sweat the small stuff and to always remember what is important. 

She has a passion for having fun and always trying new adventures. Things she loves: Running, hiking, being in nature, watching the sunrise, teaching, coaching, skiing, watching and supporting her kids in school and sports, learning about nutrition, and taking photos.

 

Running has been a HUGE part of her life.  She began distance running when she was about 15 years old, when she was on the track team in high school. It has been her go-to ever since then. Whenever she has a bad day, feels anxious or upset and even when she is happy, a run will pick her up. It has been a consistent part of her life, helping with both mental and physical health. Running has been an outlet for her.  It has helped her to set goals and has allowed her to push herself further and harder than she ever thought she was capable. Running has been something that continues to give her a sense of accomplishment and something to feel good about when other parts of her life may not be going so great.  She has been inspired by many other runners, knowing how hard they have worked and the dedication they have put forth. She has made lifelong friends with teammates, running groups and even now, the coaches she has had. She has run 9 marathons and is hoping for at least one more to get to that magic number of 10. This passion and wonderful feeling she has about running has led her to coaching the girls track team at Thornton Academy.  She loves track and field because it is a sport that everyone can participate in, regardless of talent or experience. All track athletes can work to get better and try to achieve their personal bests. She says it's amazing to watch these girls work with grit and determination in multiple practices per week and then share in the excitement of their achievements or when they shock themselves by exceeding their own expectations!

 

"Second, would be making memories with my friends and family."  Says Amanda

 

 

Here is another one of Amanda's Favorite quotes:

 

"It is not the critic that counts: Not the man that points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to those in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood, who strives valiantly...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never known victory nor defeat."  -Theodore Roosevelt