Though Lisbet Sunshine came to marathon running relatively late in life, she's now one of the most experienced athletes in the Olympic Trials field. The 44-year-old mother will be competing in her fourth Olympic Trials after qualifying with a 2:44:16 at the 2006 St. George Marathon.

Boston Athletic Association: How did you first become involved in the sport?

Lisbet Sunshine: I’m a relative latecomer to running. I took it up after college as a way to stay in shape and found over time that the longer I ran, the easier it felt! I remember the first time I ran from my house in San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean – three miles. I was so elated. And then I realized I had to run home! Once I joined the Impala Racing Team, I found a supportive group to train and race with and have loved every minute of it.

L.S.: No. My family was academic and well traveled, but not at all into sports.

B.A.A.: You attended Yale University – talk a little bit about that experience and did you run collegiately?

L.S.: I didn’t run in college. While I was at Yale, I managed to drift into sports where there was a lot of beer involved, like rugby and sailing.