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Northfield mom sprints into New Year
Norma Mersino of Northfield ran the Boston Marathon. Here she's about to compete in the Blue Life Coaching Fresh Start race in Northbrook Dec. 29. | Karie Angell Luc~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: February 25, 2013 6:16AM
Norma Mersino of Northfield knew how to start a New Year right. Yes, it was rather nippy on Dec. 29 in Northbrook when Mersino ran the Fresh Start 5K Race which stepped at Blue Life Coaching at 3100 Dundee Road. Mersino, a certified personal trainer, didn’t balk at the light snow. Her husband, Anthony Mersino, has his own consulting firm (Project Advisors Group). They have two children, Krista, 16, a New Trier High School junior and Jack, 12, a Marie Murphy Junior High School seventh-grader. Mersino grew up in Geneva, Ohio, east of Cleveland.
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Running, strength training, family time, date night with my husband, movies, cooking, volunteer work and spending time with friends.
Q. You ran the Boston Marathon. What was that like?
A. I qualified to run Boston in 2006 at the Chicago Marathon with the time of 3:44:24 I was 35 years old at the time and needed at least a 3:45:59 to qualify. Being able to run in the Boston Marathon was a dream come true. It was also special because my husband also ran. Credit needs to go to the CLE (Center of Christian Life Northbrook) community. Nancy Rollins, Rich Blue and the entire CLE community were major influences and supporters. I was never a runner until I joined Nancy’s Running Group back in 2002. She taught me how to set realistic goals, to listen to my body and know that I can always do more than I think I can. I started my training for the Boston Marathon in mid December 2006. It was an 18 week program. I ran about 10-15 miles weekly plus one long run on the weekends starting at 10 miles and building up to 20 mile long run.
Q. And running the Fresh Start race?
A. Starting the New Year off by running The Blue Life Coaching Fresh Start was by far one of my best experiences of the year. I like that I was able to volunteer before race, it was well-organized, family friendly, great food, awesome raffle prizes and the fire pits were great to stay warm and talk to friends. I’m a summer person but will run in any weather.
Q. Why is Northfield a fantastic community?
A. Northfield is a great place to raise a family because the schools are top notch, friendly neighborhoods, nice parks, baseball and soccer fields and the great running/bike trail. The North Shore has a lot to offer when it come to achieving fitness goals. For many years a group of us has met every Friday morning at the Skokie Lagoons rain, snow or shine to run a 4.5 mile loop. Sometimes during marathon training season, we’ll run a couple of loops. There is also the Green Bay Trail which is also nice for a change of scenery. We also sometimes meet at The Glen in Glenview which has a nice indoor track. I’ve also tried the Dailey Method in Winnetka which is a great place to get a challenging workout.
Q. Who are your inspirations?
A. My husband inspires me in who I am. He’s supportive in many ways. He’s a great husband, father, friend and business leader. He’s a hard worker, passionate and spiritual. This January 12th we’ll be celebrating our 17th anniversary. Nancy Rollins also inspires me in who I am. She’s my therapist. I’ve known her since 2002. She’s an amazing leader, athlete and mentor. She lives her life to the fullest, she’s compassionate and nurturing. She inspires me to be my authentic self.
Q. Do you inspire others?
A. I’m an inspiration to other busy moms by working hard, taking care of myself, being efficient and creative with my time and prioritizing my husband and kids.
