Running Made Her Whole Again

There is something special about athletes who discover that running is more than exercise.

Samantha Tribble, started running as a way to lose weight, but it eventually became something much bigger. Over the past 16 years, running has helped her celebrate victories, work through challenges, build lasting friendships, and find peace in a busy world. Her story reminds us that running brings lasting peace when we allow it to become more than a workout. It’s a way to connect with ourselves, our communities, and the moments that often pass us by.

From chasing half-marathon personal records to dreaming of 100-mile adventures, Samantha continues to prove that success is about much more than crossing a finish line.

Odd Duck Running Co. Athlete Spotlight Questionnaire

The Basics

• Name: Samantha Tribble
• Hometown / Where you are currently running: Kouts, IN
• Occupation or side hustle: I am currently between gigs, but my areas of expertise are Quality Assurance/HR/Data Entry if anyone reading this is hiring. haha

Your Running Story

• How did you get into running? Starting in high school, I ran on and off, but never really considered myself a “runner”. It was always something I did to lose weight. Eventually, I just fell in love with running and how it made me feel. My first race (which, in hindsight, was not my wisest choice) was the Indy Mini Half Marathon. I was much heavier at the time and not nearly as trained/prepared as I should’ve been, and I ended up walking more than I ran. But I finished, and it flipped a switch in me, and I kept at it. Eventually, I went back to run Indy Mini again and did so several more times. Most recently, hitting a new half-marathon PR there.
• What keeps you coming back to it? In the last 16 (or so) years, there have been times when I have taken brief breaks from running, but I always felt like a part of me was missing when I wasn’t running. Running has been both a way to celebrate and a way to heal. Sometimes running is the only way I can make sense of things. I am now 4 years and 5 months into a running streak, and I can’t imagine stopping. It’s like my morning cup of coffee. Running makes me feel whole. It’s also something that has helped me to feel more connected than ever to some of my most favorite people in my life. I’ve met some really wonderful people because of running. I’ve seen some really wild things because of running, too. I’ve also gotten to see so many sunrises and say hello to the moon more times than most, and I am so grateful for that as well. Maybe it sounds cliché, but I think people get so caught up in work and other obligations that they forget to just be and miss out on things like this, and when you’re running, you can’t miss it.

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The “Odd Duck” Section

• What makes you a little different as a runner? I’m not sure what makes me different, but I love seeing others reach their goals. Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone achieve what they thought they couldn’t. Running often makes me cry, but for good reasons.
• A quirky habit, superstition, or pre-race ritual: I look for particular numbers (repeating numbers) or certain birds (cardinals, cranes, or turkeys).  Honestly, I do that type of thing all the time, though, but if I see that right before the start of a race, I feel like it is an extra sign of good luck. Also, lip balm and wintergreen mints are a must-have for me, especially when I run longer distances.
• Favorite weird or unexpected running snack: My current obsession is sour watermelon Bee-Ups. Also, I’m a big fan of banana chips.

Life Beyond the Miles

• What does running give you outside of fitness? Beyond fitness, running has given me a sense of community.
• How has running changed you as a person? It has brought me peace and built my confidence. It has also taught me that you never really know how others see you, and what you may see as a weakness, others may view as a strength.
• Something you’re proud of that has nothing to do with running: My ever-growing plant collection. You want to make me happy? Buy me coffee and take me to a plant store.

Community & Connection

• How has the running community impacted you? It’s provided me with accountability and support and challenged me to push myself harder. I’m also proud to be a support/accountability to others when they need it in return.
• Advice for someone just starting out:
• Don’t compare your running story to anyone else’s. Every runner’s journey is unique.
• Shoutout to someone who’s inspired you: I have been very blessed over the years to have found a number of runners who make my life better because they’re in it. I have learned something new from them, and they inspire me regularly. I hope that they all know who they are. However, Brian Collins is someone I’d like to call out in particular. Every time I have doubted myself, he’s always been quick to hype me back up. He’s always honest with me and helped me to see my potential. He’s pushed me to be a better runner and helped me to reach goals. He’s helped me push to heights I didn’t know I could. When I see him out there crushing his goals, it makes me want to push myself even harder and do even bigger things, too. He is always looking for ways to improve, but he never stops thinking of others; he has the greatest and kindest heart.

Looking Ahead

• Current goals (races, adventures, or personal growth): I just recently beat my old half-marathon PR, and now I feel like I need to beat my marathon PR. But on the other hand, I am also working towards running a 100K and would also love to run a 100 miler.
• A dream race or challenge: I’d just like to spend a day or two running and stopping at fun places to eat or maybe drink coffee or something like that.
• What “success” in running looks like to you right now: Getting stronger and running farther. Enjoying more time on trails, making memories.
• Last but not least – A mantra, phrase, or mindset you lean on: Someone wishes they were where you are right now.

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