Lydia Nader

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2020

PRs: 

Mile: 5:55, 10M: 1:09:54, Half Marathon: 1:29:38, Marathon: 3:12:10

Social Handles:

IG: fuelwithnader

Long-Term Running Goals:

Break 3 hours in the marathon

Running Start:

I started running because of Girls on the Run when I was at a new school and that organization helped me discover my passion for running and helped me make lifelong friends. I continued to run after going through the GOTR program and it made me into the person and runner I am today.

Fun Facts:

• I was homeschooled until 4th grade

• I used to ride horses at a young age

• I love running with dogs! Keeps me honest on my easy runs :)

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Chris Robertson

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2018

PRs: 

1M: 4:13, Beer Mile: 4:37, 3k: 8:33, 5k: 14:38, 8k: 24:16, 10k: 30:49, 10M: 51:38, Half Marathon: 1:07:47; Marathon: 2:24:30

Social Handles:

IG & Strava: chrisrobertson10

Long-Term Running Goals:

Win some races, set personal bests at every distance, run a marathon OTQ, and eventually get into trail racing

Most Memorable Run & Race:

Every destination race is memorable in its own way, especially when traveling with friends. The ones that really stand out are the international trips for beer mile world championships to London, Vancouver, and Berlin because of the new friends met from around the world and exploring new places I otherwise might not have traveled to myself.

The most memorable run for me is rim-to-rim-to-rim of the Grand Canyon I did with a few friends in May 2019. Running for almost 12 hours in 100 degree heat was the toughest thing I've done physically, but it was a blast the entire way because of the scenery and good company. I also ended up sleeping in the Grand Canyon that night just 4 miles from the finish because a friend was suffering from extreme hydration and couldn't quite make it without a break. That meant getting to experience the sunset and vivid stars from within the canyon and made for a great story after.

Fun Facts:

• Beer Mile American Record Holder and former Beer Mile World Champion

• Ran Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim of the Grand Canyon (45 miles) in 2019

• Completed a century week (100 miles, 100 beers) while working full time

Track or Trails?:

Why not a little of both? Sometimes you want an adventure, sometimes you want a PR

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Emma Grimes

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in July 2019

PRs: 

Mile: 4:59.02, 5k: 17:24, 8k: 28:42, 10k: 36:38, Half Marathon: 1:19:05, Marathon: 2:48:37

Social Handles:

IG: shmemmashmimes

Most Memorable Race:

When I finally broke 5 in the mile. It was my first post-collegiate track "season" and I had just failed the week before in a more competitve race running 5:10. I was back at U of I for Club Relays and it was my last chance to go for it. I ran solo for the whole thing and about halfway through the Armory crowd realized what was happening and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. Crossing the line and seeing the big clock stop at 4:59 was so satisfying - just one of the best race memories I have. Lots of congrats from everyone after, too.

Running Start:

My friend from middle school begged me to join high school cross country the day before it started. I knew I wanted to do track in the spring so I gave in. Thanks Casey!

Fun Facts:

• I was a sprinter in high school, 3x all-state in the 4x400!

• I lived in Galway, Ireland for a year and a half.

• I have a cat named Midge @miraclemidge.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Allison Koch

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in May 2015

PRs: 

5k: 18:45, 8k: 30:37, 10k: 40:02, Half Marathon: 1:27:25, Marathon: 2:59:59

Social Handles:

IG, Facebook, & Twitter: allisonkochrdn

Long-Term Running Goals:

Get back to sub 3 marathon shape. Run an ultra and/or trail race. Continue to find joy in running and stay injury free!

Most Memorable Race:

2015 Boston marathon. Despite a crappy forecast, everything just clicked that day and felt effortless. I set out with a goal of 3:02 and when I learned I actually broke the 3-hour mark - something I never thought I could achieve - I couldn't believe it.

Fun Facts:

• I grew up playing ice and field hockey. I hated running when I started so I picked the position that required it the least: goalie.

• I've never been able to do a kart wheel.

• When I was a kid I wanted to be a rock star or hairdresser when I grew up.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Kim Weiss

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in March 2017

PRs: 

Pre-Kids: Half Marathon: 1:20, Marathon: 2:49

Post-Kids: Half Marathon: 1:25, Marathon: 2:58

Most Memorable Race:

Boston marathon 2019 - I had been wanting to run Boston for over 15 years, but the timing never quite aligned with life and family plans. I finally got to see what all the hype was about, and it did not disappoint!

Running Start:

I started running as a freshman in high school school, because it was the only sport in the fall that didn’t make cuts. I finished 2nd in my first race and was hooked!

Fun Facts:

• I am a NICU dietitian- I grow premies!

• I ran for Western Michigan University.

• I have 3 crazy kids.

Track or Trails?:

A nice bike path makes me very happy!

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Sierra Scanlan

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2019

PRs: 

5k: 19:20, 10k: 40:17, Half Marathon: 1:32:50, Marathon: 3:06:48

Social Handles:

IG: scanlansierra, Twitter: sierra__lynnnn

Long-Term Running Goals:

I want to continue to enjoy running while being happy and healthy and I also want to break 3 hours in the marathon.

Most Memorable Race:

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon 2019 because I cut 18 minutes off of my marathon time.

Fun Facts:

• I was in a pageant as a child and got a trophy in the speech category.

• I’m skilled in winning contests.

• I’m afraid of clowns.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Kelly Thielbar

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in March 2020

PRs: 

Mile: 5:48, 5k: 19:10, 4M: 26:07, 8k: 31:21, 10k: 40:06, Half Marathon: 1:28:41, Marathon: 3:11:33

Social Handles:

IG: koneill328

Long-Term Running Goals:

To first and foremost, to keep the love of running going. Also, it’d be great to get another marathon PR if life allows.

Running Start:

I would run with my mom around the neighborhood when I was pretty young. She ran track (800m) in high school, and I went on to do the same. Running is always been something my mom and I have shared.

I loved running from the beginning, evidenced by some of my earliest race experiences, in which I convinced my parents to let me run a 5k at 8(ish) years old. Then, I took it upon myself to ‘train’ for the 1 mile run fitness test in gym class by running lots of teeny tiny laps around my backyard. My love of running continued for many (many) years until today.

Fun Facts:

• I always brush my teeth before races

• I studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa

• I love trashy reality TV

Track or Trails?:

I cannot possibly make this decision. I have a special place in my heart for both

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

In order to be a happy camper/runner, I need a bit of both

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Tim Waldeck

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2019

PRs: 

5k: 18:41, 8k: 31:19, 10M: 1:05:00, Half Marathon 1:24:04, Marathon: 2:54:54

Social Handles:

IG: timmywaldeck

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub 3 hour marathon

Running Role Model:

My grandfather who's always supported me and loved racing in Chicago. He ran every Shamrock Shuffle until he was 90

Fun Facts:

• I'm related to Edmund Fitzgerald (as in The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald)

• I found out I am afraid of heights when my wife booked several cathedral rooftop tours on our honeymoon

• I didn't buy my first car until I was 33 years old

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Dan Stanton

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2019

PRs: 

5k: 15:59, 8k: 26:14, 10k: 33:58, 10M: 57:59, Half Marathon: 1:14:46, Marathon: 2:39:11

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run a 2:28 Marathon and break all my PRs again before I’m 40

Running Start:

I was bet $100 I Couldn’t run a sub 1:35 half. 7 days later I ran 1:34.

Fun Facts:

• I was All-American in wrestling

• I have 2 kids

• I am fluent in Spanish

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Trent Fifield

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in May 2020

PRs: 

Mile: 4:53, 5k: 16:34, 4M: 22:25, 8k: 27:28, 10M: 57:59, Half Marathon: 1:16:25, Marathon: 2:37:56

Social Handles:

IG: trentrfifield

Long-Term Running Goals:

Looking forward to a lifetime of running! Complete 6 majors, 7 Continents, Sub 3 marathon

Most Memorable Race:

2018 Boston Marathon - I learned if I can finish that race I can finish anything

Fun Facts:

• I run because I tend to accidentally hit horses with the ball instead of the green when golfing.

• I speak Hungarian.

• I am the proud father of three children (one a recent college graduate, another an IL State Special Olympic swimmer and the youngest a baseball fanatic.)

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Spring & Fall

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Loren Newman

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in May 2014

PRs: 

Mile: 4:35, Marathon: 2:35:27, 50M: 7:09:52, 100M: 18:37:10

Social Handles:

IG: LDNewman

Long-Term Running Goals:

Top 10 at Western States or UTMB!

Most Memorable Race:

Running through the field and into the top 3 at the 2019 Ultra Trail Mt. Fuji, one of those runs where everything goes right.

Fun Facts:

• I once roundhouse kicked Chuck Norris over the phone.

• I beat Dan Walters in a push-up contest on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

• I was once told to "get going" by Gordy Ainsleigh.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Julie Bruns

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in April 2017

PRs: 

1500: 5:34, 1 Mile: 5:56, 3k: 12:26, 5k: 19:40, 8k: 32:17, 10k: 40:45, 10M: 1:08:00, Half Marathon: 1:32:51

Social Handles:

IG: julieruns, Facebook: Julie Wlodarski Bruns, Strava: Julie Bruns, Garmin Connect: Julie Bruns (most of these are very original!)

Long-Term Running Goals:

My number 1 long term running goal is to be able to continue to run and remain competitive not only as a masters runner but in general.

Running Start:

I started running in 7th grade and thought I was a sprinter running the 100 and 200 meters. I eventually graduated to the 400 and then the 800 in high school but never ran longer than the 1500 through college (except for cross country) thus I've always really considered myself a middle distance runner (after that initial stint as a sprinter!).

Fun Facts:

• As a masters runner, I've had the opportunity to run the Penn Relays and in Malaga Spain.

• I've worked in the same job at the Elmhurst Park District for almost 22 years.

• There's a park named after my parents in Orland Park.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

For running? 50 degrees. For life? 70 degrees.

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Brett Joseph

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2014

PRs: 

5k: 20:28, 8k: 37:14, 10k: 46:13, 15k: 1:12:54, Half Marathon: 1:41:10, Marathon: 4:04:58

Social Handles:

IG/Twitter: bjoseph23

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub-20:00 5K, Sub-45:00 10K, Sub-1:35:00 Half Marathon

Most Memorable Race:

2019 Burgers and Beer 5K - I was able to knock out a PR and take 3rd in my age group just 2 hours after finishing the LSAT thanks to some pacing help from Allie!

Fun Facts:

• I co-host a basketball podcast

• I have been to over 650 concerts (and have the spreadsheet to prove it!)

• I am starting law school at Loyola in Fall 2020

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Cam Rieger

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2019

PRs: 

3k: 8:31, 5k: 14:37, Half Marathon: 1:10:01, Marathon: 2:27:33

Social Handles:

IG: killacam219

Long-Term Running Goals:

Qualify for US Olympic Marathon Trials

Most Memorable Race:

My 14:37 5K. It was memorable because it was a 45 second PR, I ran it coming off of a 3K/5K double, and it was accomplished after not PR'ing for 2.5 years. Took a lot of hard work and it finally all paid off!

Fun Facts:

• I have 2 Tattoos

• I once drove on an expired license for an entire year (out of pure laziness -- also, never got pulled over)

• I am an subpar beer miler (6:30 PR) but I am an EXCELLENT chocolate milk miler (5:15 PR)

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Dan DeRosa

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in July 2019

PRs: 

Mile: 5:15, 5k: 17:43, 10k: 37:16, Half Marathon: 1:21:03, Marathon: 2:55:22

Social Handles:

What’s a social handle?

Long-Term Running Goals:

I want to keep running for as long as possible, keep having fun, and to conquer new goals I set for myself.

Running Start:

I started running because I wanted to see if I could do it too. I felt like I was on top of the world after finishing my very first race, the 2010 Hot Chocolate 15k. Here I am, 21 marathons later and still running.

Fun Facts:

• I used to get in trouble when I was a kid for talking too much.

• If I wasn’t running with DWR I’d probably be playing baseball for the White Sox.

• I have a very strong dislike for getting out of bed early in the morning.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Michaela Spannaus

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2019

PRs: 

8k: 30:05, 10k: 36:02, Half Marathon, 1:20:04, Marathon: 2:49:59

Social Handles:

IG: __Kales

Most Memorable Race:

Boston Marathon 2018. YIKES!

Running Start:

As a three-sport athlete growing up, I was always thrown into a midfield position because my coaches realized I was pretty much the only person who actually enjoyed the running aspect of soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse. Once my time playing field sports ended, I would run to stay in shape. One day I was running next to woman on a treadmill who asked me if I wanted to run a marathon. I told her I'd never run more than 6 miles. She told me that's ok, we'll train together. 30 days later I ran my first marathon in Portland, Maine in 3:18, watchless and had an absolute blast.

Fun Facts:

• I ran my first 5k in 2020

• I have a Boston Terrier named Harlow

• I have a phobia of maple syrup

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall!

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Joon Park

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2016

PRs: 

5k: 19:43, 8k: 32:36, 10k: 42:57, 10M: 1:10:35, Half Marathon: 1:31:29, Marathon: 3:14:48

Social Handles:

IG: joonkyupark, Strava: Joon Park

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run all the Marathon Majors

Most Memorable Race:

The marathon leg of my first Ironman in Australia

Fun Facts:

• I have 3 kids

• I was a political cartoonist in college

• My favorite job was being a Karaoke host

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Sam Greenwood

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2018

PRs: 

Mile: 5:19, 5k: 18:47, 8k: 29:11, 10k: 38:25, 10M: 1:03:52, Half Marathon: 1:25:16, Marathon: 2:58:22

Social Handles:

IG: @smgree918

Long-Term Running Goals:

• A strong and smart post-baby come back!

• Sub 3 hour marathon

Most Memorable Race:

2019 Grandma's Marathon --- It was the race day you dream of --- I shared the course with many DWR teammates and spectators -- and finished with a 9 minute PR!

Fun Facts:

• In college I competed as an NCAA Division I diver!

• As a former barista --- I'm ALWAYS up for a post-run trip to Starbucks.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Caleb Kadera

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2010

PRs: 

Mile: 4:54, 5k: 16:48, 8k: 28:22, 10k: 34:23, 10M: 58:43, Half Marathon: 1:16:06, Marathon: 2:47:22

Most Memorable Run OR Race:

I'd chased the sub 1:20 half marathon barrier for the better part of 2yrs. I came very close three separate times 1:20:2X, 1:20:06, 1:20:04 but couldn't seem to get there. I finally forgot about the numbers and committed to working harder and smarter than before. Finally at the 2018 IL half marathon I was able to run 1:17 and a finish line blissfulness I'd been seeking for awhile. Out on the interwebs there's a picture of a sincerely happy Caleb from that day, I'm sure if google a bit you can find 'em.

Running Start:

After college I got drafted into corporate America. Knowing the long term health affects of being a skillful mouse-potato, I searched for a way to stay in shape. Knowing the cost of entry was low and bang-for-my-buck was high with running, I put on my Vans slip-ons and started a habit. Realizing I had some potential and alpha-fly like gains in ditching the vans for a real pair of shoes, I reached out to my college friend / co-worker, Mr. Dan Walters to seek some guidance as I aimed to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After seeing my recent hung-over results at the Chicago Half Marathon he conceded there was indeed a potential for success. Over the next 9 months Dan invested way more time and energy than I ever expected which I in turn had to match. We got the BQ on try #1 and snuck into the race. 10yrs later we're still at it and I'm on my 3rd consecutive (and counting) last year of running.

Fun Facts:

• I’m 1 of 10 kids and was home schooled until my sophomore year of HS .

• I'm that wine snob nobody likes but with coffee.

• I hope you accept my apologies, I sweat more than you do.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Alex Nordin

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2014

PRs: 

5k: 17:08, 10k: 36:50, Half Marathon: 1:20:37, Marathon: 2:59:49

Most Memorable Race:

My most memorable race was a 5k on my birthday. My running partner and a bunch of my non-running friends all registered and ran this race with me. The weather was perfect and the crowd support was amazing. I was patient at the beginning of the race and then really tightened the screws at the halfway mark. At that point, there was only one person in front of me. I slowly caught up to him, passed him and won the race. Now I have a hilarious first-place-winner's coffee mug to drink out of!

Running Start:

I started to competitively run after college. During college, I ran a couple of 5k's, and, after the second, vowed to never run that far again in my life. So much for that.

Fun Facts:

• I have biked from Chicago to Milwaukee in one day and back the next day, three different times.

• I have officiated two weddings.

• I hiked the Salcantay and Inca Trails to Machu Picchu.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.