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?
July 2020

What made you want to join Team NRC?
NRC is one of the best running stores in the country. Working alongside a staff that cares about running and has fun doing were other reasons that attracted me to NRC.

What's your biggest inspiration?
Person-John Walker; First man to run a mile under 3:50 and has the second most sub 4 miles over a career (135) Book- The Odyssey; Following Odysseus trying to reunite with his family over the course of 20 years is nothing short of amazing and heartwarming. Goes to show what someone can do if they have a family they love and that loves them. Movie- Highlander; Because there can be only one. Animal- My Dog Argus; Isn’t it obvious?

What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I spent a few years working as a high school English teacher and woodworker.

Life goal?
Big-Either run a sub 4:10 mile or sub 9 minute two-mile. Small-Build a work bench for my woodworking projects.

Motto?
Do it right so you don’t have to do it again.

What to you bring on a run?
Sunglasses and bandana

When did you join Team NRC?
December 2018

What made you want to join Team NRC?
I wanted to be in a place where I could share running experiences with, and help others. As a customer since around 2000 I knew NRC was more than just a "shoe store." It was a place where a customer could learn about running and fitness, revel in their successes, and get support form a great team. I wanted to help others feel the same way I did when I first came in, and do, about running.

What are your favorite places to run in the world and Naperville?
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA; especially from the Dutch Mill on the Great Highway. Having been born not far from there makes it special. Naperville? Springbrook Prairie Trail. I like the prairie land and that there are some hills in there. Also its close to my favorite Wing place!!

What is your advice for someone who is just starting to run?
Start with good equipment; start short and easy; find a running group, or others to run with.
What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

When I dance I look like____.
I look like Linus in "A Charlie Brown Christmas:" minus the blanket.

When did you join the NRC Team?
1/28/11

High School Attended?
El Cerrito High School in California

College Attended and Degree?
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising- Sales and Marketing Degree

  Sisters/Brothers?
One brother 

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
On a African Safari.  

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
To go vote at the polls at each and every election. Never ever skip when it is for your city and school board.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races?
There are two. The weekend I ran 100 miles over three days for the Max Lacewell Foundation and how many people came out to join me. Finishing took my breath away from when I arrived to start and the support of families who came to run with me. The final run into the parking lot of the 95th street YMCA with friends to see so many other friends and their friends a picture I always have inside of me. Completing 3 marathons (Tahoe Triple Marathon) in three days and running the entire Tahoe Basin. When starting day three, I will never forget the feeling of my legs and the 4 a.m. ice baths wondering, can I honestly do this. Finishing that day, realizing I did with the vast beauty of the mountainsides surrounding the lake and knowing I ran it all... Left me speechless. 

What is your favorite book or movie?
Favorite movie The Fox and the Hound a Disney Classic. "Copper you're my very best friend." Lesson: Anyone can be a friend.

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Most likely an animated film, so probably Minnie Mouse because of her cheery disposition. But Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote would stand in for stunts. 

When I dance I look like_____.  
A Trail runner skipping over mud puddles (body memory affects my style). But actually, little known fact, I used to compete in tap dancing (just in case you need a partner for "So You Think You Can Dance.")

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Learn to enjoy running and make it a life time achievement sport. 

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
I have two Schnauzers Tucker is 13 years and Luther is 10 years old. I also have 3 Grand Girls ~ Autumn 3 years, Elliot her sister 1 year and Jordan 2 years. .

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it?
Not eating, as I was afraid that I would have bathroom issues when I started running distances. Fixed it realizing that what you eat daily is race day fuel. It is a journey and nutrition is 70% of your success. 

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Anything Green that grows up from the earth. 

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

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Hard to pick, because I have been blessed to run in a lot of great places ... to choose one,Tahoe. In Naperville, all the subdivisions. I enjoy seeing people! 

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Deliver shoes boxes with Operation Christmas Child. 

Besides running, I love to_____.  
Teach Sunday School grades first & third grade (favorite ages) and watch their Faith develop and grow. 

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

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 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?
December 2018

What made you want to join Team NRC?
The familiar faces and the overall chemistry of the people working there and the customers that come in.

What are your favorite places to run in the world and Naperville?
Northern Minnesota. Knoch Knolls.

What is your advice for someone who is just starting to run?
Do your own thing. Ease into running instead of diving head first and not being prepared. Running is a time commitment and you must ease into it mentally and physically. What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Everything happens for a reason.

When I dance I look like____.
I don't know what i'm doing.

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.