WEEKEND WARRIOR
JANNA HACKER, 40 BIRTHPLACE: Atlanta, GA JOB: Speech-Language Pathologist and Owner of Janna Hacker & Associates SPORT: Running FAMILY: My husband Dennis, two children, and our dog Teddy who also works as a “therapup” at my office everyday. FIT CLUB: Member of MRTC and participant in its fall Road Race Series and winter Off-Road Series. BRAGGING RIGHTS: Germantown Municipal School District 5K Stampede: 4th place in age group, Opening Eyes to Autism 5K, St. Jude Half Marathon, Dogwood Dash I ❤ RUNNING: Running helps me to clear my mind, spend time outdoors, stay in shape, and see friends when training and at races. I enjoy setting a personal goal for my time and achieving it.
“I enjoy setting a personal goal for my (running) time and achieving it.” INSPIRATION: I am inspired by all of the clients I work with. I see children working hard each day to learn new skills, no matter how challenging the task is for them. Their positive attitude and willingness to persevere is very inspiring, and it motivates me when I tire out when running (especially up hill). PRE-RACE RITUALS: Listening to dance music to get energized before the race. IN TRAINING FOR: The MRTC Road Race Series. WW MUST-HAVE’S: Brooks running shoes, fuel belt (if I don’t carry water, I regret it!), and dance music mix. POWER SONG: The most recent one added to my playlist is “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. BEST EATS: Babalu Tacos & Tapas—the guacamole is delicious! IF YOU COULD COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL WHAT WOULD YOU BE: A cheetah so I could run even faster. PET PEEVE: Negativity, because I prefer to work in a positive, upbeat environment surrounded by children. DREAM COME TRUE: I recently expanded my practice, opening a new pediatric and adult speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy clinic in Germantown. It even includes a sensory gym. It’s what I have been working toward since I was 18 years old! QUOTE: “Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.” —Les Brown
ARE YOU A WEEKEND WARRIOR? CONTACT US AT HAILEY@MEMPHISHEALTHANDFITNESS.COM FOR YOUR CHANCE TO BE IN THE NEXT ISSUE! 24
Interview by Hailey Thomas. Photo by Sarah McAlexander.