Finalist Marissa Lindemann
On Runner’s Feet
When I think about what makes Lincoln special, my mind goes to the vibrant running community that has seen more of Lincoln than anyone else on the 100s of miles of trails and roads. Ann Ringlein, 66, has spent most of her life in Lincoln, Nebraska, contributing to that running community. Her love for running has had a profound effect on the community.
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Ann Ringlein, 66, stocks shoes at Lincoln Running Company in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 23, 2024. The store is preparing for its annual sale celebrating almost 50 years of serving Lincoln’s Running Community. Photo by Marissa Lindemann / Sophomore / Broadcasting
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Ann Ringlein helps Scott Stuckey, 73, try a new pair of running shoes on February 23, 2024. After 40 years working at the Lincoln Running Company, Ringlein has built a rapport with many customers. Stuckey, an active volunteer in the Lincoln community, has been visiting Ann at Lincoln Running Company for the past 20 years to get his shoes. “She puts shoes on my feet,” Stuckey said with a laugh. Photo by Marissa Lindemann / Sophomore / Broadcasting -
Ann Ringlein laces up a shoe for a customer at Lincoln Running Company in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 23, 2024. Ringlein says that running is for everyone and that she, like many runners, can’t help sharing her passion for running with almost everyone she encounters. Running has health benefits, is fairly inexpensive, and gives people the chance to be in nature, according to Ringlein. Photo by Marissa Lindemann / Sophomore / Broadcasting -
There are over 8000 shoes in stock at Lincoln Running Company in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 23, 2024. Ann Ringlein says that the running community in Lincoln is incredibly supportive and in years past people have lined up outside the store before it opens to buy shoes. “People like to support their local stores and it makes them feel good,” Ringlein said. Photo by Marissa Lindemann / Sophomore / Broadcasting -
Ann Ringlein returns from her morning run near Mo Java Cafe in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 24, 2024. Every morning, she wakes up at 4am to go for a 5am run with her friends and today she ran 10 miles. At the age of 66, she understands she doesn’t run as fast as she used to, but it’s still an essential part of her life. It’s like brushing your teeth, it’s like drinking water,” Ringlein said. Photo by Marissa Lindemann / Sophomore / Broadcasting -
Ann Ringlein warms up with her class before they run outside Mo Java in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 24, 2024. She teaches the Lincoln Running Company and Movement Academy Marathon Class which helps prepare her 75 students to run the Lincoln Marathon. After her run at 5am, she’ll often join her class and run three to five more miles. Photo by Marissa Lindemann / Sophomore / Broadcasting -
Ann Ringlein pours water for students in her marathon class at the halfway mark. Ringlein reminds her students that consistency matters a lot more than speed or distance. Photo by Marissa Lindemann / Sophomore / Broadcasting -
Ann Ringlein speaks with her friend and student Carrie Grant, 45, as she returns from running 30 miles outside Mo Java in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 24, 2024. Ringlein used to coach cross country and track at Nebraska Wesleyan. Photo by Marissa Lindemann / Sophomore / Broadcasting -
Ann Ringlein takes a picture of students who’ve returned from their run to get breakfast at Mo Java Cafe in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 24, 2024. Ringlein says the social aspect of running is what truly brings people together and keeps them in the sport. Even as students leave her class or her running friends change, new people are brought in to keep running. Photo by Marissa Lindemann / Sophomore / Broadcasting