Laura Paulsen
Women's Marathon
Qualifying Time: 2:36:19
Qualifying Race: 2022 Chevron Houston Marathon
Date of Birth
03/29/89
Age on Race Day
34
Current Residence
Plymouth, MN
Hometown
Lutherville, MD
High School
Bryn Mawr School for Girls
Current Affiliation
Tracksmith
Profession
Chief of Staff at Medtronic in the Pelvic Health operating unit.
Marathon PB
2:36:19
First Trials qualification
No
Previous Trials
2016, 2020
Number of attempts to qualify
1
College(s)
Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, MIT
Career Highlights
4-time NCAA Division III All-American; upcoming inductee into Johns Hopkins University Athletics Hall of Fame in April 2024; have competed for Twin Cities Track Club, Greater Boston Track Club, BAA, Tracksmith
Family
Husband: Andrew Pisansky, married for 4.5 years, dated for 10 years; he ran his first (and only) marathon at Boston in April 2022 raising money for Massachusetts Eye and Ear, finishing just over 4 hours. We met playing ultimate frisbee (I could run fast and far with some coaching on how to catch and throw!) Daughter: Adaline Rose, born July 26, 2023.
Greatest Accomplishment
Having a daughter in July 2023 who allowed me to run all but three days of pregnancy (including the day she was born!) and brings so much love and joy into my life. I was able to begin running again eight days after she was born and now am back to the marathon fitness I had when I qualified for the Trials in January 2022. I'm self-coached and train alone and proud of being able to balance high-level running with a demanding job and being a new mom, wife, daughter, friend and colleague.
Interesting Story
See above related to #1 accomplishment - I'm a new mom as of July 2023 and grateful to already be back to running and marathon training. Addie will be just over 6 months old when we line up for the Trials - I will be running for her and I hope to give her a wave, high five, and/or hug each of our 8-mile laps, and at the finish line, too!
Favorite Book
Once a Runner
Favorite Movie
The Age of Adaline
Favorite TV Show/Series
Futurama
Favorite Song
The Ocean by Max Manie
Favorite Post-race Indulgence
Ice cream
Favorite Breakfast
Oatmeal
Favorite Motivational Quote
"Bid me run and I will strive with things impossible." - William Shakespeare (Julius Caesar)
Favorite Running Memory
Winning Centennial Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 2010 for the first time ever. I ran (and won) the 10,000m, 5,000m, 1500m, and 4x800m to help our team secure the win. It was a tough few days, but worth it. We dumped a Gatorade bucket of water/ice on our coach and kicked off a Centennial Conference winning streak that hasn't yet been broken and that ultimately helped catalyze future NCAA DIII Nationals cross-country wins.
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