Staff Bios

Click any staff member's photo to learn more about them.

Alli

Amy

Amy N

Bill

Bob

Chris

Dan

Dan

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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

Emily

Emily

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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!

Erin

Jacob

Jenny W.

Juan

Julian

Kate

Kelly

Kris

Kyle

Liz

Logan

Marisa

Mary-Rose

Mike

Monica

Monica

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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

Nick Hird

Nick Hird

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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

Nick L

Nick L

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When did you join Team NRC?
August 2020

What made you want to join Team NRC?
I joined NRC for its positive culture, values and impact/ connection with the community

What are your favorite places to run in the world and Naperville?
My Favorite places to run in the world are the rocky mountains, rock cut state park when its raining, and in Naperville NCC's track

What is your advice for someone who is just starting to run?
For someone starting running, I would say take it slow, be patient, and just have fun with it. The hardest part is getting out the door .

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
n/a

When I dance I look like ____.
When I dance I look like a car accident because everyone just stops and stares

Nolan

Nolan

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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

Payton

Payton

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When did you join Team NRC?
January 2018

What made you want to join Team NRC?
The community atmosphere is super awesome!

What are your favorite places to run in the world and Naperville?
Rock Cut State Park and the Old Faithful loop we run in practice

What is your advice for someone who is just starting to run?
Stay persistent! The first month is always the worst but if you stick with it it'll be worth it!

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Stay true to yourself regardless of what others do around you.

What do you like to do besides running?
Paint and Draw

Ralph

Ralph

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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!

Steve

Steve

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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

Zach H

Zach H

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When did you join Team NRC?
I’d like to think I joined Team NRC long ago when I started hanging around the store with my brothers Nick and Kyle Brady, but officially, I did not start until June 2017.

What made you want to join Team NRC?
I wanted to join Team NRC because it is the best TEAM in the nation. Everyone is super supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate about running, and that is something I want to be a part of. Also, the strong values and high-reaching goals held both individually and collectively by the Team and its members align with those I hold dear to my heart.

Where is your favorite place to run in the world, and in Naperville?
My favorite place to run in the world is Blackhawk State Park, although I’d enjoy running through any forest preserve with good trails. In Naperville, my favorite place to train is McDowell grass path.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting to run?
My advice to someone who is just starting to run is to have fun with it and stick with it! It’s hard at first, but you will enjoy it so much when you start to see personal growth as a result of your efforts.”

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
The biggest running mistake I have made is working harder instead of smarter—basically running too much and too fast without the proper recovery and little things to accompany it. I have gotten away from my injuries by integrating a solid strength routine and cross-training to supplement my running as well as by putting a greater emphasis on recovery.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
There are many, most stemming from the dinner table, but the most prominent one is, "Always be polite. Always say please and thank you.”

When I dance, I look like _____.
a big goof, but I guarantee I'm also having a great time

Besides running, I love to _____.
Play a variety of sports and eat a lot of food.

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