Carrie chats with Gabi Rooker! They discuss her new career as a marathoner, how she joined the sub-2:30 club (in only her third marathon!), how she transitioned from a stellar gymnastics career, her husband and coach, heart rate training, her dogs, and so much more!
Recorded December 27, 2022
Photo by Amy Roberts
Show Sponsors
Caffeine and sugar highs don’t last a full workout. When you’re training, you need something that won’t spike your blood sugar and cause a crash. UCAN delivers steady, long-lasting energy without sugar and it’s easy on the stomach. Try the products that fuel Carrie and top U.S. distance runners Sara Hall, Emily Sisson and Emma Bates! Save 20% with code CARRIEUCAN by visiting UCAN.co!
Gabi Rooker
Personal:
Gabi grew up in New Brighton, MN with her parents (Kate and Simon) and three siblings (Lucy, Sara, Jack). She attended Totino-Grace High School, The University of Wisconsin La Crosse for undergraduate, and Augsburg University for graduate school.
Gabi lives in Minneapolis, MN with her husband and coach, Alex, and their two whippet dogs, Naota (now-ta) and Felix. Fun fact, Gabi and Alex got Felix just after Allyson Felix retired. He is named after her because whippets are crazy fast. They can run up to 35 mph!
Athletics:
Gabi started as a competitive gymnast at Roseville Gymnastics in Roseville, MN. She competed collegiately at The University of Wisconsin La Crosse. She transitioned to running in her 20s. She started running seriously in 2018 and her husband, Alex, started coaching her at that time. Gabi joined Mill City Running in Minneapolis in 2019. Mill City has been instrumental in her development as a runner and helped her find her running community.
Gymnastics accomplishments:
Division III Gymnastics National Champion Team (2008, 2009, 2010), Vault (2007, 2008), Floor (2010)
Seven-time National Collegiate Gymnastics Association All-American Vault (1st place 2007 and 2008, 2nd place 2009), Floor (2nd place 2007, 5th place 2009, 1st place 2010), Beam (2nd place 2008)
Six-time Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference Champion Vault (2007, 2009, 2010), Floor (2007, 2010), Beam (2008)
Running accomplishments:
Personal best, marathon: 2:29:44
2022 Grandma’s Marathon 10th place finish and Olympic Trials Qualifier (2:34:57)
2022 California International Marathon and USATF Marathon Championships 8th place finish (2:29:44)
Professional:
Gabi works as a physician assistant at M Health Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis in the department of internal medicine. She has been with M Health Fairview since 2016
Leave a Reply