When did you join Team NRC?
January 2017

What made you want to join Team NRC?
I fell in love with the company's connection to the community. That is very important to me.

Where is your favorite place to run in the world, and in Naperville?
Rock Cut State Park--utterly beautiful during every season. The best road in Naperville has to be Elizabeth Ave.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting to run?
Have fun and enjoy it! Some days will be hard, but appreciating your surroundings and that fact you have the freedom to run is special.

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
I think not believing in myself sooner. Confidence is so important and it can be a game changer.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Put people first.

When I dance, I look like _____.
You know what a helicopter looks like? Now imagine a helicopter but instead of its rudders, those are my limbs. Then you turn on that helicopter and all the limbs are flailing everywhere.

Besides running, I love to _____.
Sit around a campfire with my friends and family.

When did you join Team NRC?
I first started back in 2010, then after a few years break from NRC, came back in January 2019

What made you want to join Team NRC?
I love the store, the people here, the customers, and the whole running community! It's great to be a part of it all

What are your favorite places to run in the world and Naperville?
My favorite place to run in the world had to be Hawaii because COME ON it's Hawaii! In Naperville I love running through McDowell

What is your advice for someone who is just starting to run?
I would say be patient! It's so easy to get carried away and push yourself harder than your body is ready for, and also frustrating when you don't see the results you want, but patience always pays off!

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Don't worry able what other people think

Besides running, I love to _____.
Walk my dog, play with my daughter, and watch my Real Housewives

When did you join Team NRC?
March 2020

What made you want to join Team NRC?
A majority of my milestone memories revolve around running and the Naperville Running community. What a better way to continue to create similar memories and to help others create similar experiences.

What "lesson from mom" do you still live by today?
Relationships are super important, listen more than talk.

What is your best running advice?
Find a partner or a group to train with, this makes getting out the door a no brainer. Also take it slow when increasing your mileage.

Favorite place to run?
I love to run on any trail, preferably through a wooded area. In Naperville, my favorite place is McDowell Forest Preserve, especially before it was redone.



Besides running, I love to _____.
I love to do yoga, cook and bake in the kitchen, read, be outside, hang out with my family, especially my amazing husband.

When did you join Team NRC?
March 2021

What made you want to join Team NRC?  
I have been working in a Running Specialty store for 13 years. I love being part of the local running community where I can share my knowledge and experiences to help others enjoy running, health and competition as much as I do.

Where is your favorite place to run in the world, and in Naperville?
Flatwoods Conservation Park (Tampa, FL) Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (Local)

What advice would you give someone who is just starting to run?
Have FUN!

 What is the biggest running mistake you have made? If you fixed it,how did you do it?
Inconsistent training. I have made running more of a priority and a consistent part of my daily routine. .

Besides running, I love to _
I love to spend time with my partner and two dogs. Spend time in my art studio painting and drawing, and I love to swim.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever).

 I’m a SOLID 3.6.

When did you join the NRC Team?
April 1st

High School Attended?
Mount Carmel High School

College Attended and Degree?
North Central College, Sports Management

Sisters/Brothers?
Two sisters and a twin brother. Meghan, Maura, and Kevin.

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Boulder, Colorado. From everything that I have heard the running atmosphere there is awesome! I spent a week this last summer in Montana, and just really enjoy the atmosphere of being a little more “West” than the Chicago area.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
“If you are going to do attempt to do anything in life, either give it your all or don’t try it at all.”

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance) or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
My favorite race so far has to be the CCIW conference championship in the steeple chase this last season. It was awesome because we went 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and just ran great as a team; I really felt the connection to the other guys that were running in that race with me.

What is your favorite book or movie?
Book: Once A Runner Move: Shooter

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Matt Damon

When I dance I look like_____?
Nothing anyone really wants to see.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Just have fun with it, make sure you are doing it because it is something that brings you enjoyment. Putting too much stress/pressure on yourself is only going to make things worse.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
2 Dogs. Murphy (Border Collie Mix) and Dot (Pug).

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
My freshman year I would just wear one pair of shoes all the time until it ran out of miles, which led to an overuse of some of those shoes. Now I make sure to rotate in a few different models and styles to keep it switched up.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Pizza

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Loving You Easy by Zac Brown Band

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Waterfall Glen overall. McDowell in Naperville.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Sky dive

Besides running, I love to _____?
Spend time with friends and just generally hang out.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
7.65

When did you join Team NRC?
I joined Team NRC May 2017!

What made you want to join Team NRC?
Coming to NRC for all of my shoe and nutrition needs during my time as a collegiate runner, I knew how much NRC cared about me and wanted me to succeed. I guess I finally decided that I wanted to be on the other side of that, to be the one looking out for others and offering advice based on experience from my time as an athlete.

Where is your favorite place to run in the world, and in Naperville?
From the places I’ve run so far, I love running anywhere in Oregon (no humidity!) In Naperville, I’d have to say Waterfall Glen and Herrick have some great paths to run/walk!

What advice would you give someone who is just starting to run?
My advice would be to stick with it while listening to your body! No matter your level of determination, it truly does take time to build muscle and fitness. So make sure to follow a realistic timeline that allows you to build into running and racing. Also make sure to refuel and rest in between runs, and, above all, keep it FUN!

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
My biggest mistake in running been pushing through injuries while not taking all of the proper preventative steps to fix it. For a while I just hoped things would get better while continuing to do the same things I had been doing. Maybe this was an attempt to deny injury, I’m not completely sure—but what I am sure of is that it doesn’t work. I eventually fixed this by becoming more in tune with my body and modifying runs to what I needed. I also now continue to perform strengthening exercises in my routine, and have had significantly less injuries as a result. Moral of the story—listen to your body, modify workouts to what you need, and don’t be scared to add in a strengthening program! If you’re commonly injured, preventative strengthening works wonders in reducing injuries!

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Put your all into whatever you decide to do.

When I dance, I look like _____.
I’m having a great time!

Besides running, I love to _____.
Hike, read, and hang out with friends!

When did you join the NRC Team?
April 2013

High School Attended?
Naperville Central; Go Redskins!

College Attended and Degree?
Augustana Colllege, Business Administration: Marketing and Management

Sisters/Brothers?
One sister, a talented artist.

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Say thank you.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?  
Chicago Marathon 2012 - the first time I qualified for the Boston Marathon.

What is your favorite book or movie? 
The Proposal with Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock.

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Got me. In college I was told I looked like Courtney Thorne Smith.

When I dance I look like_____? 
I'm having fun!

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run? 
Good shoes, good socks and a foam roller .

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
A cat named Noelle

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Over-training. A stress fracture sidelined me just weeks prior to my first marathon.

What is one food you would not want to give up?  
Dessert

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be? 
Take me out to the ballgame, 'cause no one sounds bad singing that. ;)

Where is your most favorite place to run ever?
Waterfall Glen

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?  
raise three happy and successful kids

Besides running, I love to_____?  
ride my Peloton bike, hike, bake On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
11; lol. seriously, I'm probably a 7.

When did you join the NRC Team?
09/17/13

High School Attended?
Waubonsie Valley High School

College Attended and Degree?
Illinois State University - B.S. Education; University of Colorado - M.A. Curriculum and Instruction

Sisters/Brothers?
Matt - age 37

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A national park exploring with my family..

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Half marathon - just challenging enough

What is your favorite book or movie?
The Hobbit

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Sandra Bullock

When I dance I look like_____.
I'm having a great time.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
It doesn't matter how slow you run, you'll still be lapping those on the couch.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
Sunnie - dog; Frankie - gecko; Jupiter- dog

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Not training for a half marathon. Holy IT Band issues! Rolling, hip strengthening and yoga.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Coffee

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Don't Worry, Be Happy

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
DuPage River Trail

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Earn a doctorate degree in education

Besides running, I love to _____.
Read, cook, explore outdoors and meet interesting people.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever).
Currently, my kids think I'm a 9 1/2.

When did you join the NRC Team?
Fall of 2014

High School Attending?
Naperville North High School

Sisters/Brothers?
One brother named Paul

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Treat others the way you want to be treated

What is your favorite race ever (include distance, or maybe two favorite races?
The Fling Mile because it’s short and I run it with my dad.

What is your favorite book or movie?
Book - Tuesdays with Morrie, Movie - Safe Haven

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Jennifer Anniston

When I dance I look like_____.
A professional dancer.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Keep running! It gets better!!!

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
A Shih Tzu named Bebe

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Eating too close to the start of the race. I ignored it.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Waffles

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Chasing Pavements by Adele

Where is your most favorite place to run ever?
My treadmill

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Sky Diving

Besides running, I love to _____.
Play tennis

On a scale from 1 -10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
12

When did you join the NRC Team?
02/01/00

High School Attended?
Armstrong High School, Plymouth, MN

College Attended and Degree?
St. Olaf College, BA Biology, BA Exercise Science; St. Cloud State University, MS Biomechanics

Sisters/Brothers?
Brothers: Kevin (who has four boys) and Adam (who has four girls).

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Wherever the Summer Olympics are.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Work your ass off every day. (I try, but I'm not as good as her!)

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
My senior year in high school. Two person 5 mile relay. You alternate quarter miles. On a cinder track. On a cold and windy day in October. My best friend Carson and I were going for the school record, but coach announced there would be no records set that day because the weather was so bad. Although we both had to run our fastest lap of that day on the last lap we set the record. And it stills stands today.

What is your favorite book or movie?
"Unbroken" and "Once A Runner" (sorry so predictable!)

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Daniel Craig

When I dance I look like______________?
Pee Wee Herman

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Besides buying shoes from NRC? Always have a goal.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
Bebe Von Gizmo Hartner

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Getting hurt and not resting it right away. Still trying to fix the problem almost three years later.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Chorizo and egg burritos

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Lose Yourself, Eminem

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Country road in Ireland with my son. Late at night, mid-winter, no wind, heavy snow coming down, heading east on Jefferson coming down the hill into beautifully lit downtown Naperville.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Watch the entire Tour de France in person.

Besides running, I love to_______________?
Bike

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
6.8

When did you join the NRC Team?
03/16/07

High School Attended?
Wheaton Warrenville South High School

College Attended and Degree?
North Central College with a degree in Physical Education

Sisters/Brothers?
1 brother Casey, he's 22

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii on the beach

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Be the best you can be in whatever you do.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Shamrock Shuffle 8k, very fun with all the people/crowds and running through downtown.

What is your favorite book or movie?
Harry Potter (yeah I'm that guy)

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Christian Bale because he's awesome.

When I dance I look like_____?
I don't know how to dance.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Keep everything in perspective and focus on the process rather than the end result.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
A black lab/boxer named Bailey or Bae, she's the best

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Not resting while injured. I have not yet fixed this problem.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Pizza/Beer

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Morton Arboretum on the trails, McDowell Woods

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Go to all 50 states (I'm missing Alaska, North Dakota, and Vermont)

Besides running, I love to_____?
Watch the Bears, Bulls, White Sox.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
Probably a 2, I'm not very cool.

When did you join the NRC Team?
August 16, 2016

High School Attended?
Tapton House Grammar school, Chesterfield, UKl

College Attended and Degree?
South Warwickshire School of Nursing. Registered Nurse.

Sisters/Brothers?
One younger sister.

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
New Zealand

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Always be honest and learn from your mistakes.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Two marathons that were well executed races: 1) Houston '06 and ran a personal best. 2) Madison '08. I was third overall female, first master.

What is your favorite book or movie?
I rarely read, prefer history over fiction & enjoy movies like Elizabeth, Lincoln, etc.

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Keira Nightly

When I dance I look like_____?
Look awkward & stiff!

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Be consistent and patient with training and progress. Accept the troughs along with the peaks!

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
Three-year-old puggle (dog), Zoe.

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Ignoring injury and continuing to train. Eventually I had to take rest as I couldn't run! But probably ended up having to take two months instead of two weeks off training!

What is one food you would not want to give up?
I could easily give up any food but could not live without hot tea!

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
It would not be aired!! I cannot sing, definitely not in public!

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
If possible, trails or by a lakefront. In Naperville, the bike path along the river or Springbrook.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Run the London marathon

Besides running, I love to_____?
Bake and travel

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)?
Maybe a 4.5!!

When did you join the NRC Team?
4/16/12

High School Attended?
Neuqua Valley High School

College Attended and Degree?
Elmhurst College - Early Childhood Education

Sisters/Brothers?
One older brother - Vince

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
On a warm sunny beach with my family and a fruity drink.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Don't run in a cotton sweatshirt. It's really not warm.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Indy Monumental Marathon - ran my personal best and qualified for the Olympic Trials The Olympic Trials was also pretty much the most incredible running experience I’ve ever had.

What is your favorite book or movie?
Book: Harry Potter (I can’t wait to read these with my little guy!) Movie: Walk the Line

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Reese Witherspoon

When I dance I look like_____.
An idiot, but I don’t let that stop me!

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run
Believe in your own training. Don't change or doubt what you're doing because someone else is doing it differently. If you believe in your training, it will work. If you are struggling (mentally or physically) or need a plan, consult someone who knows what they're talking about. Surround yourself with positive people.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
No pets, but I do have a toddler named Jack!

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Not staying hydrated. Still working on it! Putting too much pressure on myself and not believing in myself. It took a very long time but it took having a great coach/husband, having the best training partners, having a baby and running with a stroller five days a week to finally get it all to click! .

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Candy

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
What’s Going On by 4 Non Blondes

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Along the beach in Kauai Dupage River Trail l

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Run marathons in really cool places - Hawaii, Venice, Jamaica, South Africa, London

Besides running, I love to_____.
Go on adventures with my husband and little one.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
A solid 6.

When did you join the NRC Team?
1/21/11

High School Attended?
Zion Benton Township High School

College Attended and Degree?
School of Hard Knocks, a semester at CLC. My degree would have eventually been architectural engineering.

Sisters/Brothers?
One brother, one sister. If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
New Zealand

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
“If you get in trouble, don’t call me, I’ll call you!”

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Any half-marathon

What is your favorite book or movie?
Lord of the Rings Trilogy

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Selma Hyek or Penelope Cruz

When I dance I look like_____?
I know I know how to dance.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
STOP! TURN AROUND! No really - keep at it, go at your own pace.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
Three cats, Smoky, Gloria, and Kyokyo

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Taking a break that turned into a really long break. The only way to fix it is to start up again. The conditioning when starting again is the worst thing.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Rice. Not just any rice but Forbidden Rice.

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
The Look - an old hymn by John Newton, music by Bob Kauflin

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Anywhere away from home. Especially when visiting family in Colorado. In Naperville, Knoch Knolls.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Visit my mother's homeland - the Phillipines

Besides running, I love to_____?
Sleep, read, or work on typography.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
My kids say 9 (average of 4 of them). No really, I'm serious. Yes, i have teenagers...oh my goodness I have teenagers!!

When did you join Team NRC?
January 2021

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Take your time and enjoy the feeling. Try to set up a routine where you run on a schedule which best fits you. But, keep at it!

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii because I never have been there!

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Don't be late!

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Twin Cities Marathon. It was my first ever Marathon. I took running classes and they really helped me do my best. .

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Since I do a little acting, I think I could nail the part of acting like me!

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever).

You decide.

When did you join the NRC Team?
03/25/04

High School Attended?
Westmont High School

College Attended and Degree?
University of Illinois at Chicago, Marketing

Sisters/Brothers?
One older brother, one older sister and one younger sister

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Bora Bora

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Keep your house clean. You never know who will stop by.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
My favorite race ever was the hardest one ever. A trail marathon in Florianopolis, Brazil. It was brutal and beautiful!!!!

What is your favorite book or movie?
Book – Pillars of the Earth and Atlas Shrugged. Movie – Remember the Titans.

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Catherine Zeta Jones

When I dance I look like_____?
I’m in pain

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Do it for yourself. Make every step your own.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
no

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Completely ignored it! Plantar Fasciitis!!!! Most painful thing ever. Kept running and running! Ouch!

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Wine, good cheese and a crusty baguette

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Blame It On the Boogie

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Ever -- Lake Shore Drive. Naperville -- Riverwalk with the Marathon Training Group.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Meet the Pope (this Pope – Francis) and the Dalai Lama

Besides running, I love to_____?
Cook, entertain, go out to dinner, laugh, spend time with my family and friends, teach my classes at the gym, chat, organize, get a massage, read, sleep, repeat!!!!

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)?
A true 6

When did you join the NRC Team?
01/01/06

High School Attended?
Alleman High School

College Attended and Degree?
North Central College, degree in Accounting

Sisters/Brothers?
1 Sister, 4 Brothers

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
California Redwood Forests

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Bix 7 Miler. It's always been my favorite race due to being back in my hometown area. It's a huge race, great crowd support, and a fun, challenging course.

What is your favorite book or movie?
Man on Fire

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Brad Pitt

When I dance I look like______________?
An idiot, usually, or maybe like I'm just out of place.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Be patient and enjoy what you are doing. Consistency is the key but you won't stay consistent if you don't enjoy what you are doing.

Do you have a pet?
No

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Probably too many big mistakes to only put one down. If I needed to narrow it down to one, I would say ever since my first major injury, I have struggled to build up as slowly or patiently as I did the first time I started running a lot. I have tried to fix that after my last foot surgery to not push back so quickly and have been doing pretty well so far but it's a constant battle of falling back into old habits.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Pizza

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Regulate

Where is your most favorite place to run ever?  Most favorite in Naperville?
Favorite place to run are the country roads and mountain roads in Wyoming and Montana, especially dirt roads with non-stop hills. Favorite place to run in Naperville is McDowell Forest Preserve.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Bike some of the mountains over in the Alps.

Besides running, I love to_______________?
Coach

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever).
5

When did you join Team NRC?
February 2021

What made you want to join Team NRC?  
I wanted to join team NRC because there is an amazing sense ofcommunity no matter what level you run or exercise at, NRC is ready to help and I want to help others achieve their goals.

Where is your favorite place to run in the world, and in Naperville?
One of my favorite places in the world to run is up in the UP of michigan. I love exploring in the woods and being around nature although I do need to watch out for bears! In Naperville I love running on the river trail I like the calmness that the river has to it.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting to run?
Consistency is key! go out and do a little bit every day and you will fall in love with it. Start slowly and don't do too much too soon.

 What is the biggest running mistake you have made? If you fixed it,how did you do it?
Comparing myself to others. Naturally as a competitive person it is easy for me to look at others and try to beat everyone. This backfired majorly and I ended up running worse and worse. I fixed it by not worrying about what other people did and focused on myself. There are always going to be people who are better than you are, so control what you can control and focus on doing what is the best for you. .

Besides running, I love to _
Watch Movies 

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever).

To me I am a 10 because I could care less what other people think and I like the person that I am, but most people probably see me as a 5 or 6 haha

What is Your Work or Education Background?
I have been working in the automotive industry for almost 40 years. I started as a parts driver in the 70s with a local store and later with a Chrysler dealer as a parts advisor. I have been with Chrysler most of my career, working all aspects of the dealership parts department, including management, retail, wholesale, collision and restoration. I'm currently working as a advisor at a local dealership. I'm really excited to be taking a new path and working for NRC!

What is Your Running Background?
I started running in 2005 when my wife talked me into running the Last Fling mile. I had never really run, except a few times on a treadmill. I realized how out shape I was and really needed to get moving. Since than I have run 24 marathons, a 50-mile ultra and a 100-mile ultra. I'm also the 10-minute pace leader for the NRC Chicago Marathon training group and have paced local marathons. The greatest was when I qualified for the Boston Marathon. It took a lot of hard work and many attempts, but I finally made it. It was the best.

What is Your Favorite Thing About Running?
My favorite thing about running is the community. When I started to run, I ran by myself. I trained for my first marathon alone and struggled with most of the runs, especially the long ones. When I decided to run a second marathon, I joined a running group. What a huge difference! I would look forward all week to Saturday and my long run. The support and dedication from my fellow runners was amazing. I could always count on my fellow runners. I've made many great friends over the years and we're still running together.

What Do You Enjoy About Working for NRC?
I enjoy being part of this team. NRC and the staff have done so much for me. The knowledge, advice and support I received from everyone every since I began running has been amazing. I'm thrilled to be able to give back and be part of this crew!

When did you join the NRC Team?
12/16/11

High School Attended?
St. Procopius Academy

College Attended and Degree?
Quincy University, BA - 1971

Sisters/Brothers?
5 sista’s, 2 bro’s

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Rocky Mountains Family Reunion

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
“Give ‘em a little extra”--From my Dad

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
1st Ironman – IM Canada in 07 – Fastest time and didn’t crash on bike.

What is your favorite book or movie? 
Wizard of Oz

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Elvis

When I dance I look like_____?
Fred Astaire with alcohol. Fred Flintstone without alcohol.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run? 
Cross Train

Do you have a pet?
Not a pet guy.

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Forgot to double knot in a race. It only happened once. I double knot my dress shoes now.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Chocolate

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
San Francisco Bay Blues with Eric Clapton

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Washington DC and Waterfall Glen

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Return trip to Italy.

Besides running, I love to_____.
Laugh with my family and friends.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
Wanna be a 9…too modest to go to 10….reality 4