Clara Bishop

Name: Clara Bishop, née Kerley

Hometown: Powers Lake, ND

Current city: Portland, OR

Occupation: Pro Shoe Geek (a.k.a. Product Manager)

Instagram handle: @pdxgazelle

Best running experience: Getting a huge and genuine hug from a total stranger around mile 3-ish of the NYC marathon. I had just pulled over to the side of the road to peel off a couple layers of much too warm, but very fancy (and practically new) running outerwear, after having warmed up over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Perks of working for the official race gear sponsor! I was joking around with a friendly spectator who was cheering the runners on as I stripped, after which I asked if she could please find the apparel a good home. She was stunned as I handed her the clothes and then elated a moment later when she realized I was being serious. Best mid-race hug from a stranger ever!

Passion(s) outside of running: Traveling with my husband Skyler, hiking with our energetic pup Pepper, reading non-fiction, pancakes (a very serious obsession), and just starting to get back into photography.

Favorite post-run meal: A large order of coconut french toast with fruit (extra berry puree!) and a large French press of Kona coffee (extra cream!) from Naked Cafe in Carlsbad, CA. Bonus points if it's enjoyed on the outside patio, after a long run that ends AT the cafe with my husband and dog meeting me there. Oh, and if I can steal a few bites of his huevos rancheros (eggs scrambled).

Racing highlights/PRs: Time to dust off the history books...

2:18 - 800m (SCIAC Multi-Dual 2006)
11:41 - 3000m Steeple (Claremont Classic 2006)
18:17 - 5000m (Oxy Invite 2006)
23:13 - 6K XC (SCIAC Champs 2005)
1:32:12 - Half Marathon (AFC Half 2010)