KNOW YOUR BANDIT : MEG ROLFZEN
Age: 32
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Day Job: Anesthesiologist (mainly adult cardiothoracic)
1. When and why did you move to this area?
UMich seemed to be the perfect fit for my first “real” job, at the confluence of medicine and research. My husband and I of 6 years, have no dependents, and decided it’s a fine time to try something new.
2. How did you hear about Bandit Racing Team? When did you start running with this group?
Incidentally, I started buying Bandit running gear the summer before moving to Ann Arbor (a Brooklyn-based running company). When looking for groups to join on Strava I thought both Bandit entities were related. Much to my chagrin, that’s not the case, but I have found a great group of friends in the interim, and am still aspirationally hoping for Bandit group sponsorship.
3. What do you like about running and how has your relationship to the sport changed over the years?
I played midfield (soccer) from 3yo through college. Averaging 7 miles/game in fits and bursts was my conception of “running”. This long form endurance stuff while conversing is a new development, but I’ve been loving it. Also, it affords deeper relationships than simply going to a workout class in which talking is not only not feasible but not particularly appreciated by the coach.
4. What is the wildest thing to happen to you while running?
Spontaneously breaking out in song with Sweeney and Kyle while considering that most barns are painted red (hint: hemogoblins). Incidentally, we were all thinking about Celine Dion at the same time.
5. In a dystopian future, running is outlawed. You are granted “one last run.” Please describe in detail how you are making the most of your final run
I will fly overseas to Marathon, Greece, and run the original marathon route, finishing in Athens. How apropos, because the Battle of Marathon was fought in the name of democracy. Presumably, I would live to tell the tale, unlike the original messenger who made this trek.
6. What is your most memorable race experience?
Not many exist (n = 4), but the Woodstock half-marathon was scenic, novel (to me), and a great way to meet people. I’m looking forward to creating race mems in the future, potentially GLR at some point too.
7. What are your short and long term running goals?
Short term goal is to train for the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon next summer. Long term goals revolve around consistency. Continually logging miles, unencumbered by goal times or distances, is part of maintaining the habit/healthy lifestyle.
8. Who is in your dream blunt rotation / dinner party? (choose any three people, they must be alive)
These two gems and Mia Hamm. It might have already happened, sadly, without Mia Hamm. Better luck next time.
9. What does your ideal Friday night look like?
Sharing drinks with friends over a fun board game. Wingspan is my current obsession. Card game (Skyjo) pictured.
10. Tell us one thing that most Bandits would be surprised to find out.
I’d start a part cafe, part used book store in a heartbeat if I had the time, financial expertise, and business prowess. I would call it Inklings - harkening back to the Tolkien/C.S. Lewis informal literary group.
