Born: November 4, 1955

Hometown: Southside, Al.

Marital Status: Single

What's in a name?

  In Greek mythology, Athena was known as the Goddess of War and Wisdom.  The Greek goddess Athena is usually portrayed as one of the most benevolent goddesses . . .strong, fair, and merciful.  In Greek mythology Athena was, in essence, the prototype of the contemporary "career woman"...   ...Although usually depicted holding a spear, her golden helmet pushed back to reveal her elegant beauty, the Greek goddess Athena was known more for her role as judge, diplomat, and mediator than for actually fighting in battle.  Her decisions were renowned for their fairness and compassion... ...Nike, the goddess who personified Winged Victory, often accompanied the goddess Athena.  Not surprising, since "Athena  Goddess of War" never lost a battle.

  Athena Naugher, a new member in our club, never loses a battle either!  New to the club, but not to the sport of running,  Athena joined our club after spending more than 10 years with the Gadsden Track club as an officer and a race director.  The GTC and the ARC have been working together for so many years, it seems as if she has been a member all along.  Athena started running about 15 years ago after watching her ex-husband complete a race.  Since that time, she has completed hundreds of events involving every type of distance and race situation.  In addition to running, she is an avid Triathlete, Duathlete, Cyclist, and swimmer.  Athena not only competes, but like the Greek Goddess Athena, she conquers! 

  Athena was born in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois to parents Billy J. and Frances Sadler.  She moved around a lot being the daughter of a military man. After moving around the country, this self-proclaimed "Army Brat" finally ended up in Alabama.  Athena is a retired school teacher who enjoys spending time with her family.  She is very proud of her son, Sloan Michael, and her daughter-in-law Kristin.  Athena has two grandchildren, Hayden and Libby, who call her Nana.

  If you want to know more about Athena, try a google search using her name.  Dozens of hits immediately pop up revealing her dedication to competition and sport.  Athena has set 5 state records in various age groups and is always looking to put another notch in her race belt.  She is a driven competitor and is always pushing herself harder.  Athena has achieved a level of athleticism some runners can only dream about.  Add to that a beautiful smile and a muscular physique, and you might just have yourself a modern day - daughter of Zeus!

Twenty questions

  Athena has spent a lifetime teaching children and in that time she has given her fair share of tests I am sure.  Let's turn the tables on her and see how she responds to a little pop quiz!

How long have you been running?

  When I was 36, I watched my husband run a race.  I thought... I could do that!

How/when did you learn of the Anniston Runners club?

  Anthony and Daley Speer are members and I run with them.

What was your first race?

  A cross country 5K.  I walked some of it and finished in 29 minutes.

What is your favorite race?

  The Mercedes Half Marathon.  I felt I ran this race better than any other.  I set a state record for age 46.  I ran a 1:33:11

Are there any races, records, or accomplishments that you are especially proud of?

  I have set 5 state records:

The 4 mile at age 42 in 27min. 22 sec.

The 8K at age 44 in 34 min. 04 sec.

A 15K at age 46 in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 49 sec.

A 15K at age 48 in 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 52 sec.

A half marathon at age 46 in 1 hour, 33 minutes and 11 sec.

In the year 2002, I won the Alabama State Master's Champion award at the Mountain Lakes Triathlon in Guntersville, Alabama

I also qualified for the World's long distance Duathlon competition but was unable to compete because of a broken collarbone.

It is obvious you like competition.  Here is a tough question:  Do you love to win or hate to lose?

Yes, I love doing my best.  I am not mad when someone beats me.  But, I do get mad when I feel I didn't do my best.

What are your PR's?

5K - 19:54

10K - 41:38

Half Marathon - 1:33:11

Marathon - I3:42

What is the longest distance you have ever run?

  A marathon.

How many marathons have you run?

  3

What other experiences have you had with road racing outside of running?

  I helped put on the Gadsden Spring run,  and I was the race director of Centre's Octoberfest 5K

What is your favorite running music?

  I love to talk while I run.

What is your favorite food?

  Salmon, Brown rice, salad

What is your favorite pre or post-race food?

  Pre-race - Pasta

  Post-race - Ribs

If you could turn back the years, is there anything that you would like to change or do again?

  I would start running at an earlier age.

Do you like to travel?

  Love to!

Do you have any hobbies other than running?

Yes.  Triathlons and Duathlon

What are some of your favorite running memories?

  Competing against Rudy Bates, Anthony Phillips, and Daley Speer.  We always were teasing each other.  They both were an inspiration to me.  I also loved training with Jerry Christian for Triathlons.  He was a fantastic training partner.

What tomorrow brings

We bid farewell to our February spotlight runner with two final questions:

What are your future running goals?

  I am looking to set a new state age group record in an upcoming 4 mile run in Huntsville.

Do you have any advice for beginning runners?

  Enjoy yourself.

written by John Moore