Current Residence
Port Orchard, WA
High School
Central Kitsap High School (WA) and Belmont High School (MA)
Current Affiliation
Running Joyfully
Profession
Market Research Analyst
First Trials qualification
Yes
Number of attempts to qualify
1
College(s)
Brigham Young University
Career Highlights
Winner, 2023 Eugene Marathon (2:33:48 second-fastest time ever on course in her second marathon); Winner, 2022 Orange County Half Marathon (CR) and 2023 Snohomish Half Marathon; Winner, 2022 Utah Valley 10K (CR)
Family
I am married to my awesome husband, Sam! We have a little cockatiel named Giannis (named after the Milwaukee Bucks player). He hasn't quite taken after his namesake, but he is learning how to skateboard. My father, Siegfried Naumann, was born in Chile and immigrated to the US when he was 11. My mother, Riitta Naumann, is from Finland. I have three brothers: Karl, Erik, and Andrew.
Greatest Accomplishment
Honestly, qualifying for the Trials has been a huge accomplishment for me. I never thought I would run competitively again after high school, so I feel extremely grateful and humbled to be here. I'm excited to have a long future ahead of me in running.
Interesting Story
Although I ran cross country and track in high school, I did not compete in college. I had dreams of running for BYU but was not recruited. During my senior year, my family moved to Mexico City, where I was not able to find a track team to run with. I developed an eating disorder that took me out of running for almost three years. Fortunately, I worked with an amazing therapist and had a lot of support that helped me overcome this challenge. In 2020, I decided to run a marathon with my brother-in-law. I did the bare minimum, having no knowledge of proper training or nutrition. The marathon was the worst experience of my life, and I swore I would never do it again. While watching the Olympic Track and Field Trials in 2021, I was inspired by Sarah Lancaster, a full-time lawyer competing in the 1,500m. I had no idea that unsponsored athletes could compete at this level, so I reached out to Sarah on Instagram. She shared that she had a coach and ran with a local team in her area. I was so inspired by her that I set a goal to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials and found a coach who helped me achieve this dream. I truly thought my competitive running days were behind me, and it's been such an incredible experience. I feel so grateful to be here. Funny story about running: In high school, my track team nicknamed me "Chunks" because I often blew chunks after hill workouts.
Favorite Book
The Thursday Murder Club
Favorite Movie
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
Favorite TV Show/Series
Breaking Bad
Favorite Song
All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift
Favorite Post-race Indulgence
Five Guys Burgers
Favorite Breakfast
Pancakes and eggs
Favorite Motivational Quote
βIt is hard to make the boat go as fast as you want to. The enemy, of course, is resistance of the water, as you have to displace the amount of water equal to the weight of the men and equipment, but that very water is what supports you and that very enemy is your friend. So is life: the very problems you must overcome also support you and make you stronger in overcoming them.β β George Yeoman Pocock (from "The Boys in the Boat")
Favorite Running Memory
Running with my dad. He always listens and gives great advice!