Dr. Terie

January 2024

Dr. Terie Smith-Phillips wants to show people that runners come in all shapes and sizes, and that you can run at any age. Why does she run? “Because I can,” she says, and then adds, “And also to stay halfway healthy."

A retired educator, Dr. Terie still lives on the farm in Bowdon, Georgia where she was raised by her grandparents. She retired from Carroll County Schools in 2016 after closing out her career as Principal at Providence Elementary School. She also worked for Carrollton City for seven years as a Student Support Coordinator. 

Dr. Terie’s running journey began in 2012 when she signed up for a “Run for God” class that she thought was a Bible study class. That class showed her that anything is possible and that you can start a new hobby at any age. Since her accidental foray into running, Dr. Terie has completed more than 50 5ks and 10ks, and 46 half marathons all across the United States, including half marathons in Honolulu, Hawaii and Anchorage, Alaska. Her goal is to complete a half marathon in all 50 states. (She only has six states left!) She also wants to run a race in another country. Which race has been her favorite? “My favorite race was the Missoula Half Marathon in Montana. I had the pleasure of meeting the race director and listening to his “why” about the race. I must have made an impression on him because two weeks later I received a goodie package from him. The course was picturesque and the volunteers were some of the best that I had seen at races.” Her least favorite race, she says, was the Hatfield McCoy Blackberry Half. “It took place in the middle of nowhere and you ran along with traffic right beside you. It had never ending hills.”

When she’s not racing across the US, you can find her logging miles on her favorite local routes. “My favorite route is from CVS to downtown Carrollton. I also love running on the Carrollton Greenbelt, especially the part near Castle Playground,” she says.

Dr. Terie currently serves as President of West Georgia Track Club. She says that she became a member of the club so that she could be part of a running group in her area, to learn more about running, and to meet friends from different backgrounds. She says that WGTC has helped her build relationships with all types of runners.

KADWIN EDWARDS

June 2023

Kadwin (pronounced “kade-win”) has accomplished huge personal goals in the last year and a half. At the age of 21, he wanted to make some positive changes to his health, so he took up running. His first race on this running journey was the 2022 Step at a Time 5K in Carrollton. The following year, he completed the Carrollton Half Marathon, the Atlanta Track Club Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, and in Spring 2023, he and his parents ran the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. Running is now something he looks forward to after a long day inside, serving as a good mental and physical outlet, as well as providing some much needed “me time."

So where does Kadwin like to rack up all these miles? Some of his favorite running areas are Mulberry Park in Dallas (especially in the fall!) and Hobbs Farm in Carrollton. Kadwin’s training on the Carrollton Half Marathon course with his family last summer really helped him accomplish his goal of running his first half marathon. We’re looking forward to seeing him log more miles on the course this summer as he prepares for his second pass at this challenging race.

Kadwin’s running goals for the next year are to complete a marathon. He has his eyes on the Kentucky Derby Festival next April.

Congratulations to Kadwin for accomplishing his goals and finding a new passion!