From pageant winner to marathon runner to marine veterinarian, this lady is dedicated to spreading the word about the importance of the animals in our bodies of water. Don't let this beauty fool you, she is an avid runner who has qualified for the Boston Marathon. Ladies and Gentlemen: Juli Goldstein

KK: Where did you grow up?

JG: I grew up partially in Cape Cod, Ma (where of course I watched the Falmouth Road Race ever year!) and then moved to South Florida when I was about 10 years old.

KK: What sports did you play growing up?

JG: I grew up playing and participating in many sports, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Ballet and as a teenage was a competitive Cheerleader. I did not begin running until my senior year in High school and I have been hooked ever since.

KK: What is your academic background?

JG: Since the age of 3 years old I have wanted to be a veterinarian. Following high school, where I graduated with high honors, I received a bachelor in science/Zoology from Auburn University and continue on to Veterinary School, where I received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Auburn is one o only 26 Veterinary Schools in the US!

KK: You have a pretty interesting career; please tell us what you do for a living?

JG: As a veterinarian, I have a unique job that allows me to wear many hats! My primary job is the head veterinarian for a marine mammal research and conservation program. I rescue sick and stranded dolphins and whales and provide care, in hope to return them to the wild. I also conduct disease specific research on special species of whales and dolphins in order to attempt to preserve and conserve the oceans gems!  I am also a professor at a University and teach students all aspects of marine mammal medicine. In addition, I consult around the state and work on all aquatic species including fish and even sea horses!

KK: When did you start doing marathons?

JG: I ran my first marathon in 1999, which was also my first year in veterinary school!

KK: Who or what influenced you into doing marathons?

JG: I have always loved running. A good friend in college was a smoker and decided that he wanted to quit and run a marathon a year later!  He asked me if I would train with him and thought...sounds like fun!  Little did I know a marathon addict would then be created!

KK: What other distance have you done?

JG: The longest distance to date I have done is a full marathon. I have run countless 5Ks, half marathons, and a handful of 10 Ks. I hope to train for my first ultra in the next year!

KK: What is your favorite marathon? Why?

JG: By far Boston!  I ran my first Boston this

KK: What does your training usually consist of?

JG: My training varies depending on the goals I am trying to accomplish. I run 4 days a week with a day of speed and a tempo run day mixed in!  Saturday mornings are my long runs and catch up sessions with my great running group!

KK: What type of training do you do in the winter months?

JG: Winter in Florida is actually the best time of year to train! The weather is perfect and I tend to kick up my workouts and take advantage of the great temperatures.

KK: Tell us about some of the marathons you have done.

JG: My first marathon was the Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving Day, it was an extremely difficult course, and I couldn't walk for a week!  The best part was knowing you were running on the same steps as previous Olympians!  The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon is a beautiful and challenging course, but best of all it was my Boston qualifier race!! It's filled with Hills and great scenery including running on Churchill Downs!

KK: Is there a particular race you would recommend to someone visiting Florida?

JG: Definitely would recommend the ING Miami Marathon and the Space Coast Half Marathon. Both are very well organized races with diversity and a nice flat course!

KK: When you are not training nor racing what types of thing do you like to do?

JG: I love to practice Bikrim yoga, P90x is also my newest addition, and I am working on getting my RPM teaching certification.

KK: Have you ever had to overcome any injuries?

JG: Unfortunately this past year has been the year of injuries for me. Following a marathon in January I developed my first stress fracture of my running career, just in time to keep me out of the Boston Marathon. I followed every word the doctor said and was able to run Boston. What I didn't realize was that in my fast training for Boston (30 days to be exact), I developed another stress fracture and ran the entire Boston Marathon in pain on this injury!  But because Boston was so amazing, I was able to forget all about my foot!  I learned some tough lesson this year about the importance of proper training and rest! I am currently taking some much needed rest time from running so that I can heal properly and qualify for Boston again this fall!!

KK: What is the funniest/craziest thing you have done in a race?

JG: During Boston I was passed by a man in a pink tutu, drinking a beer.... It was by far the funniest and most aggravating thing I have ever experience during a race. He was so fast, and could definitely pull off a tutu better than me!

KK: Best advice anyone has giving you?

JG: REST, REST, REST!  Deena Kastor my Idol!

KK: What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting involved with marathon?

JG: Take is slow and train properly! Your goal for your first race should be to finish!

KK: What is on your schedule for 2009?

JG: I have a full schedule planned: my BQ race has yet to be determined, but I am looking to run a November or December race to qualify for Boston. January I will be running the Disney Goofy Challenge, followed by the A1A Ft. Lauderdale Marathon in February.

KK: What else would you like our readers to know about you?

JG: Running is my religion and I feel so blessed to be involved in a sport that has brought me to so many wonderful people and places!

JG: I was recently crowned Ms. Florida and am working to spread the word of Marine Conservation and Education for our Nations Coastlines and the beautiful animals the call our Oceans home!  For more information or to become a sponsor please email me at dolphindoc@mindspring.com

Thank you Juli Goldstein.

Magazine Sign Up: www.finishline-multisport.com/magazine-subscribe

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites