We’re pleased to highlight Lisa Johnson in our series of runner profiles. She has recently taken on the role of Social Committee Chairperson. We hope you enjoy getting to learn a bit more about Lisa.
When Major Lisa Johnson says “Run the islands” or “Diamond-to-diamond” members of TVRC sprint the duration of the medians on the golf cart paths or power up the markings on the hills. Her challenges, cloaked in enthusiasm and encouragement, motivate everyone to dig just a bit deeper on our training runs. It is not surprising that people respond to Lisa’s commands since she spent years serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and is still serving in the National Guard! In addition to her military training, Lisa spent years in Grafton and Charlton Massachusetts. There she learned the finer points of a Boston accent where they hop in their cah to get some burgah. When Lisa says, “run” we run!
Lisa started as a medic in the military and was one of the first people to earn a degree in paramedic technology and she eventually went on the become a nurse. Lisa worked for 20 years as a paramedic and has worked nearly 20 additional years as a nurse. She has served her country for 28 years. Lisa believes her longevity has been tied into her commitment to fitness, health and nutrition.
She has always had a passion for fitness, particularly running. Lisa recalls running road races in her teen years, competing in track and cross-country in High School, serving as a Fitness Instructor and doing CrossFit over the course of her life. In fact, she was completing a CrossFit sprint when she pushed so hard she actually broke the top of her fibula off during the workout. Being the tough competitor that she is, Lisa still managed to walk back to the gym.
Lisa finds she really enjoys running, especially as a part of groups. She thoroughly enjoys pushing her speed on the track and in 5Ks. Lisa has done one marathon, Boston 2012, which ended up being extremely hot (94 degrees), so hot that runners were offered the chance to defer their race until the next year. Always one to meet a challenge head on, Lisa ran and completed her one and only marathon in those very difficult circumstances. Don’t mess with a mom in combat boots!
Besides, the Boston Marathon, her favorite races include the Army Ten-Miler run in Washington, D.C. around the capital and even our own 5K in Clermont! Lisa also enjoys trail runs and pub runs and as the new TVRC Social Committee chairperson, we will all benefit from her desire to keep running fun!
Lisa is the mother of three boys, Bryan (25), Shayne (22) and Shawn (21). Shawn lives here in Florida with Lisa and he is also a member of TVRC. We often spot the back of his running shoes as he races up ahead with the quickest runners in the group. Her husband, Robert, her mother, Elaine, and her dogs, Griffin and Dusty, round off the crew living here in The Villages.
We are so happy Lisa opted to start running with us here in 2019; she has had a significant impact on the group and helped keep it together during the pandemic. As your Social Committee chairperson, Lisa will help TVRC keep the joy and fun in running!
The Villages Running Club 