Northfield Woman Competes in the Marathon Olympic Trials

For years, Northfield resident Nichole Porath dreamed of running in the Olympic Marathon Trials. A few weeks ago, her dream came true.

“I wanted to be there,” said Porath. “I wanted to be able to say that I made it.”

Running is a lifelong love for Porath. She joined the cross country team in seventh grade and went on to compete at the state level five times throughout high school.

Porath continued to run while attending Gustavus Adolphus College, where she set five school records in track, won two conference championships and was ranked 42nd nationally her junior year.

After graduating, Porath stepped away from competitive running, opting to participate in marathons recreationally instead. However, when she placed 11th in the Houston Marathon, just one spot shy of winning prize money, Porath wondered what she could accomplish if she really committed.

She resumed competitive training, but working out without a coach led to frequent injuries. Finally, in April 2010, Porath suffered a stress fracture in her hip. In the worst shape of her life, she decided she needed professional coaching.

With the help of Jerry Schaubach, the former coach of the Red Wing High School track and cross country team, Porath started to see improvements. 

She also sought support from . The co-op is one of her financial sponsors, but nutrition professionals there also provide Porath with dietary advice, helping her select more nutrient-dense foods.

“Nichole’s a great example of somebody who decided to take charge,” said Mary Upham, who is the outreach and education coordinator for Just Food.

Porath started to improve and in October 2010, she was ranked top Minnesotan in the Twin Cities Marathon.

By April 2011, Porath was stronger and faster than she had been in college. And in June, she officially qualified for the Olympic Trials at Grandma’s Marathon, with a running time of 2 hours, 44 minutes and 46 seconds, well under the 2 hours and 46 minutes required to qualify.

On Jan. 14, Porath competed in the Olympic Trials in Houston, placing 69th out of 189 runners.

“I can’t even begin to describe the experience,” said Porath. “The roar of the crowd was unlike anything I’ve ever heard before.”

She may not have been one of the three runners selected for the Olympic team, but Porath is far from discouraged. She intends to reduce her race time to less than 2 hours and 40 minutes by the end of 2012 and to compete in the Olympic Trials again in 2016.

Porath presented a talk at Just Food earlier this week, when she discussed the importance of self-confidence, goal setting and healthy eating.