The Monster Runner Award

The Monster Runner Award is designed to celebrate the runners in our community who excel in race finishes, overcome personal challenges, run personal bests, contribute to a better life for those around them, and go far beyond their comfort zone to find something special within.

When it comes to determination, this month’s Monster Runner defines the term. Nancy Bruce-Ceccanese, at 47 years of age, is one of those individuals who refuses to back away from achieving her goals in the face of adversity. In 2005, Nancy had back surgery – her spinal cord was about to snap, and two fused vertebrate later, she’s running strong. And oh yeah, she’s had knee surgeries as well.

Last fall, Nancy decided to start running races, with her family (husband Tony, daughter Izzi and son Wally) in tow much of the time, she hasn’t looked back. Recently, Nancy conquered the REI Peak Challenge 5K, which ran up and down Skinner Butte, crossing the finish line in 40 minutes and 57 seconds. Nancy ran two marathons before having children and has a goal of running another one in the future (her biggest goal, “post-surgeries”). Her current marathon PR of 5:28, accomplished her goal of finishing before the race officials took down the finish line clock at the 5:30 mark – determination at work.

Nancy was born in New Jersey, grew up in Indiana and moved to Oregon in 1985. She majored in criminal justice at Indiana, and has a fond memory of being a true Hoosier in Bloomington when Indiana won a National Basketball Championship in the early 1980s. While she truly enjoyed her time in the Midwest, she says she and her family are here to stay.

Our Monster Runner this month wasn’t always an athlete – when she and her husband, Tony (who she met in college), got a tandem bike and started exercising, she was hooked. In the early 80s, she convinced Tony to run the Columbus Marathon with her and the rest is history. While her goal is a future marathon, she really enjoys the 5K events, since her family can participate, they’re enjoyable and never seem like a “death march,” like some of the longer events.

When not running, Nancy and her family enjoy camping, hiking and mountain biking. Through the physical struggles, Nancy offers one piece of advice: “Keep on truckin’ - you may need to tweak how you’re doing things, but it can still be enjoyable.” And the mantra that keeps her going, as her husband reminds her: “The only easy day, was yesterday,”