MEMBER: Stephanie Fulmer
Name: Stephanie Fulmer
Hometown: Pottstown, PA
High School: Saint Pious X -> which no longer exists!
College: Bucknell University
Occupation: Clinical Physiologist
Favorite Place to Run in Philly: Wissahickon Trail
Personal Bests
Mile: 4:59
3k: 9:53
5k: 17:30
10 mile: 1:02:31
Half Marathon: 1:22:19
Marathon: 2:59:13
Career Highlights
Winner of 2014 Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon
3rd American Female at GW Parkway Classic
7th Female at 2014 Marine Corp Marathon
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
By: Lauren Kelly (07/01/19)
Steph, thanks for taking time to speak with us. Could you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you end up in Philadelphia and running with PRTC?
Hey! Thanks for asking! I ended up back in the Philadelphia area about 2 years ago when I was matched in NJ for residency. After spending a year in Northeast Philly, walking distance to Whole Foods, Target, coffee shops/breweries, access to Kelly Drive and a soon to be new love—Thirsty Dice---drew me into the Fairmount area. J
I first heard about PRTC from Beth Clark who ran with the group intermittently before she stopped for a quick birth of their most adorable baby girl! Beth and I ran XC and high school track together. We were also part of the same 4x800m relay team that finished runner-up in the PA state meet! As I started to research running groups in the area, I saw many familiar names on the PRTC website including those I knew from college, high school and even middle school competitions(<Lauren Kelly!). Once I met up for a few runs, it was an easy decision to join, and I have met some of the most accomplished, down-to-earth people!
When did you first become a runner? Did a specific event compel you to take on the sport?
I first started running in the 4th grade. My very small Catholic grade school had two sports choices: track or basketball. I was an average height, scrawny, awkward white girl so that decision was kind of already made for me. J I ended up trying every single sport possible (i.e. softball, field hockey, tennis, horseback riding) before accepting my defined path.
Once you began running, how did your career develop? Take us through day one to today.
My first year of track (4th grade) no one was allowed to race more than a 400m. Being the competitive person I am, I decided to keep running extra laps after practice and finally convinced one of the officials to let me hop in. The rest was history! From there, I went on to run XC (beginning in 6th grade), ran through high school, college and post-collegiately (with some months/year or so off) during some heavy grad school studies.
What is a favorite running accomplishment or moment?
I would have to say my senior year of high school. I won the PIAA State Mile. It had been a long dream of mine to win a big title and that race was so cool because I went from ~100m behind to close with two seconds gap.
How about a not-so-great moment?
I would have to say my sophomore of college. I ended up being diagnosed with a tibia stress fracture that I refused to accept and made the poor decision to run through during the summer/fall XC season. I ended up prolonging the recovery process, made my first acquaintance with pool running, and had to learn ways to define myself outside of being a runner. At the time, it was the most grueling disappointment. However, what I gained (humility, accepting the body’s limitations, empathy) were beyond crucial to my development as both a runner and a human being.
Regarding your running future, what are your near and long-term goals?
I have quite a few! In the near future, I am hoping to build on my fitness from training with PRTC for the past year and go after another fall marathon (hopefully obtain a PR in the process). I am also looking forward to doing some fun summer races that I keep hearing about (i.e. Mayor’s Cup, Rock n Roll Philly half).
Long term, I haven’t quite decided the route I would like to go. I know that running will always be a part of it. However, I enjoy expanding running options and may look to mix in some trail running, relay team racing, or other unique opportunities such as Ultra’s or nighttime races!
Describe your dream wedding.
I may disappoint the founders of Disney with this response, but weddings have not been something I have put a ton of thought into. I think if I were to ever get married, I would really just want to have a space where everyone I loved could intermingle, learn about each other, have fun, dance, laugh, and of course play various party games (i.e. Giant Jenga/Cornhole etc.)
What is your favorite place in the world to run?
In the world? Phew…I’m not sure I’ve found it yet! However, I would have to say either Boulder, Colorado or anywhere with company. An 18-mile run can feel like a 5k if you are running alongside some pretty awesome people.
Can you share with us what you are up to professionally?
Sure! So I am a Clinical Psychologist. However, I specialize in working with adults who are involved in the legal system and suffer from serious mental health issues. My passion is for psychological assessment, which basically includes putting together puzzle pieces through background history; collateral information and psychological testing to best understand the predominant needs and course of best treatment. Another part of my job is providing competency restoration services, mental state of the time of the offense, and violence risk assessments so that patients can resolve their legal issues and be placed in the most appropriate setting.
Can you tell us about your psychic powers? What’s the future of PRTC?
Hahahaha. I wish my crystal ball could provide a more detailed response. However, I can say that I’m getting strong vibes of the club continuing to expand, more OTQ qualifiers, a plethora of Diadora swag, and some pretty impressive breakthroughs in the 2019 racing year. I also see a Bumble race in the future. Yet, the distance is unclear at the moment…
Do you have any words that you live by?
Yes! I actually am a big fan of quotes. I think that words read, said, or written can be extraordinarily impactful. Two long-term favorites are:
“Be curious, not judgmental.” - Walt Whitman
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle” - Plato
Besides your psychic abilities, any other non-related hobbies, hidden skills or talents we may enjoy hearing about?
A newfound hobby of mine is hiking. I discovered that I did not have a natural talent for the nuances of camping last summer when I decided to traverse the Appalachian Trail solo across the state of PA. However, I did carry a tent and an excess of unnecessary items that made running with gels much more tolerable. Other than that, I love board/party games and own way more than a single human should.