Name: Amy Drapeau Olson

Town: Lebanon

Where are you from originally and what brought you to this area?

I was born in South Korea and am adopted. I grew up in northern Connecticut. I moved here from Boston for a new job and quality of life with my husband and oldest son. The easy access to the outdoors here was definitely a factor.

What do you do professionally?
I work in media relations as a Senior Media Relations Officer for the Office of Communications at Dartmouth. I field press inquiries and conduct proactive outreach about faculty research and expertise, and institutional news.

How long have you been running?

I ran one season of track in high school and then picked up running (recreationally) when I went to college in ‘92. I have been running pretty regularly ever since.

Why do you run?

It’s great exercise and a fun way to destress! And I love being outside.

Recent memorable moment while running?

A few months ago, I was running with my dog (an Australian shepherd mix) here in Lebanon and a snowy owl flew right in front of us on Meriden Road. It was about 6-7’ feet away from me and looked right into my eyes! It was unbelievable.

If you like to race, notable race moment? OR most memorable race?

One of my most memorable races was running the City2Surf in ‘97 while I was in grad school in Sydney, Australia. It’s a scenic, 14-km race that starts in the city and ends at Bondi Beach. The weather was absolutely spectacular that day and my best friend met me at the end of the race and we went out for donuts!

Training partners?

I don’t have any training partners but I participate in the weekly Saturday runs with UVRC members!

Cross training activities? 

I play tennis year-round on a few teams and also enjoy skiing and mountain biking with my husband and two boys. Some of my favorite places are Magic Mt. for skiing and Cady Hill in Stowe for riding.

Favorite local running route?

In the summer, I like running on the rail trail from CCBA to Mascoma Lake and back. In the winter, I like to run up Mount Support Road and down to Route 120 and back to Leb; it’s not the most scenic route but it’s always plowed and is usually not too icy.

Who is your running “idol”? 

I don’t really have a running “idol” but I think that Des Linden is pretty awesome. I just read her book, Choosing to Run: A Memoir (Dutton, April 2023). I also like the podcast, “Nobody Asked Us with Des and Kara.”

Why did you join UVRC? 

I thought it would be a great way to meet people who also love running.

The only running shoe for me is made by New Balance. Right now, I’m using Fresh Foam 1080s. I have tried other brands but New Balance works for me best.

Hot or cold weather runner? 

Either is fine.

What is your diet like?

I’m a vegetarian or technically a pescatarian, who eats dairy and eggs. And I have a soft spot for sweets!

Aside from running, what are your hobbies?

My hobbies include tennis, mountain biking, baking, gardening (perennials), and sewing.