Michael Gordon

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2019

PRs: 

Mile: 5:48, 5k: 18:40, 4M: 24:00, 10M: 1:04:21, Half Marathon: 1:24:55, Marathon: 2:57:52, 50k: 4:10:06

Social Handles:

IG: runmichael262

Most Memorable Race(s):

Being the third male finisher in both the 2018 Antarctica Marathon and the 2019 Patagonia Marathon.

Running Start:

On April 14, 2008, I ran my first race--the Lakefront 10 Miler. I was in my early 40s and had not trained or done much running prior to that. I was so excited about my performance that after the race I went home and registered for the Chicago Marathon six months later.

Fun Facts:

• Completed the 6 World Marathon Majors twice in a 9 month period

• Have an 11 year streak for both the Boston and Chicago Marathons

• Took me 12 years of running to join a team, work with a coach and follow a program

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.

Dave Alvarez

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in April 2018

PRs: 

Mile: 5:00, 5k: 18:20, 8k: 30:20, 10k: 38:24, Half Marathon: 1:22:54, Marathon: 2:51:57

Social Handles:

IG: DBAlvarez

Long-Term Running Goals:

Well I ran all the major marathons! I’d like to break 3 hours in the majors so I will have to do Tokyo, New York, and Berlin again. I guess Sydney too when that becomes a major. I’d also like to break 2:40 in the marathon someday which is “out there” but I think it’s possible if I really apply myself.

Most Memorable Race:

Boston 2022. It was my first Boston. I never thought I’d every run a sub 3 hour marathon let alone qualify for Boston. When I started running with DWRunning, I got faster and realized it was possible, and I eventually qualified and got in. Boston is overrun with professional and amateur marathoners, but there is this strong feeling of accomplishment simply being in Boston as part of the weekend of celebration. It’s a TOUGH race, but with how hard it was to qualify for, run it, and the history behind it, I was overwhelmed when I ran down Boylston and crossed the finish.

Fun Facts:

• I met my fiancé in a half marathon.

• I hated cross country in high school and instead played football and water polo.

Track or Trails?:

I have more fun on the track these days

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.

Joanne Molinaro

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2017

PRs: 

10k: 52:57, Half Marathon: 1:57:41, Marathon: 4:15:22

Social Handles:

IG: the.korean.vegan

Long-Term Running Goals:

To run the marathon as fast as I possibly can.

Most Memorable Run:

https://thekoreanvegan.com/running-lsd/

Fun Facts:

• Obama was a professor when I was in law school.

• I slow danced with Donny Osmond Jr. in high school.

• I I can name all 50 states and their capitals in alphabetical order.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Rich Calvario

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2017

PRs: 

Mile: 4:17 (Indoor), 5k: 16:46, 8k (XC): 26:00, 10M: 58:02, Half Marathon: 1:17:05, Marathon: 2:41:19

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run a sub-3 marathon each year for as long as I can.

Most Memorable Race:

Boston Marathon 2014 because the city and runners came together the year after the bombing, family and friends cheered me on throughout the course, Meb won, and I set my lifetime PR!

Fun Facts:

• I made a cameo in the running documentary "BOSTON" and it's spectacular.

• I was at Wrigley Field for Game 5 of the 2016 World Series.

• In high school, I worked at Gap, where I perfected my folding skills.

Track or Trails?:

Roads

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.

Jessica Sokolowski

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2018

PRs: 

5k: 19:33, 8k: 32:21, 10k: 41:51, 10M: 1:10:42, Half Marathon: 1:28:06, Marathon: 3:10:10  

Most Memorable Race:

My first Boston Marathon my parents went and my dad had cancer and I hugged him at Boston college and he gave me a rose. Thank God he is alive!

Running Role Model:

Yuki - he is an everyday runner like us and crushes it! Meg Sullivan, the first person who told me I could do it and Brian Murphy for the constant support.

Fun Facts:

• I am an artist

• I love comedy and used to do improv.

• I coach Special Olympics

Track or Trails?:

Both

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

It depends on the day.

Summer or Winter?:

Both have their charms

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Dave Gomel

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2020

PRs: 

5k: 18:39, 10k: 37:57, Half Marathon: 1:26:47, Marathon: 2:57:08

Social Handles:

IG: dgomel

Long-Term Running Goals:

1) Get out of the injury cycle I found myself in pre-DWR and be in a position to set PRs for years to come; 2) See how fast I can get!

Most Memorable Race:

When someone asks me how to pronounce my last name, I usually respond: "As if you were cheering on a guy named Mel. Go Mel!" I paced my brother for his first marathon (NYC 2019) and it occurred to me that I might be able to get the crowds cheering for both of us if I wore a "Mel" name tag. With a hot pink singlet and a bushy mustache, I got a lot of attention from the crowds and we had hundreds of people shouting our name the entire race. NYC was an incredible experience, and my alter-ego Mel made it all the more fun. The mustache was short lived however... negotiations for its return for future marathons are ongoing with my wife.

Fun Facts:

• Fully recovered Canadian. Except when it comes to hockey (Go Habs!) and maple syrup. And bagels.

• Incidentally, Montreal bagels make the best pre-race meal. Took up baking them when my supply ran low. Inquire within for the authentic recipe!

• Have a habit of trying lots of new things on race day - new shoes, new gels, new clothes, etc. Hasn't backfired yet, but stay tuned for the inevitable spectacular blow up.

Track or Trails?:

Road

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.

Curt Hansman

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2015

PRs: 

>65 PRs: 10M: 1:24:30, Marathon: 4:02:39

Social Handles:

IG: AChinaTiger

Long-Term Running Goals:

To continue running and competing and improving with joy and to support especially young women runners through Road Scholars, Girls on the Run, Back on My Feet.

Most Memorable Race:

Boston Marathon 2018 - will never forget the challenging weather, the course lined with supporters (despite the weather), the turn at Hereford carpeted with rain slickers, and the feeling of finishing the same race won by Des Linden.

Fun Facts:

• I’ve watched many track meets at the storied Hayward Field

• I’ve climbed highest peak in South-east Asia (Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia)

• I’ve climbed the Five Sacred Peaks in China

Track or Trails?:

Roads and Paths

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.

Steve Spangler

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2018

PRs: 

Mile: 5:05, 5k: 16:56, 8k: 29:05, 10k: 37:02, 10M: 1:03:46, Half Marathon: 1:19:14, Marathon: 2:47:10 

Social Handles:

Strava

Long-Term Running Goals:

Become a World Marathon Majors 6-star finisher and run a sub-2:45 marathon. Would also appreciate having a Strava segment named after me.

Running Start:

My first race was the Chicago Marathon in 2014. Wasn't a runner before that, but I think I am now.

Fun Facts:

• I have a 15 year old cat named Nefer who still enjoys my company

• My pre-race meal is peanut butter & banana overnight oats

• I met Kelly Clarkson in a Barnes & Noble

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.

Cassidy McPherson

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2019

PRs: 

800m: 2:16, 1500m: 4:39, 3k Steeplechase: 10:56, 3M XC: 17:38, 6k XC: 21:58, 8k: 31:36, 10k: 41:23, 10M: 1:09:53, Half Marathon: 1:33:38

Social Handles:

IG: djcass317

Most Memorable Race:

My final track race in college -- I had only run the steeplechase a few times prior, and the week before had a DNF (nearly passed out a mile in due to some unforeseen circumstances), so I was unsure how this race would go. I kept a positive attitude throughout and came away with an 18 second PR, narrowly missing qualifying for the national meet but ending my collegiate career on a high note nonetheless.

Running Role Model:

My parents are my biggest running role models and motivators. My dad hasn't missed a day of running in over 20 years... though this is arguably crazy, I can't help but be inspired by his constant dedication and persistence.

Fun Facts:

• I've been running competitively since I was 11

• Onions are my favorite food

• I studied in Barcelona during college

Track or Trails?:

Depends on the day!

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.

Maggie Graham

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in April 2016

PRs: 

5k: 17:09, 4M: 22:46, 8k: 27:32, 10k: 36:27, 10M: 1:00:07, Half Marathon: 1:16:45, Marathon: 2:45:44

Social Handles:

IG: maggiegruns

Most Memorable Race:

Any Disney race. They are magical in every sense of the word!

Running Start:

I played soccer my whole life through college (Go 'Cats!). Fitness was always my favorite part of practice. Seriously - the beep test was my favorite. The transition post-college just made sense!

Fun Facts:

• I was featured in Runner's World on their list of ugliest runner's feet

• My favorite place to run is Bend, Oregon

• My pre-race breakfast is untoasted sourdough bread with Kerrygold butter and black tea

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Rene Duquesnoy

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2015

PRs: 

5k: 22:26, 4M: 31:05, 8k: 38:04, 5M: 39:44, 10k: 48:03, 10M: 1:22:17, Half Marathon: 1:47:02, Marathon: 3:58:30

Social Handles:

IG: rduquesnoy

Long-Term Running Goals:

Get back into shape for long runs. I had a big thyroid issue that has completely destroyed my fitness. I also want to run a half in all 50 states.

Most Memorable Race:

Kentucky Derby Half in Louisville. I ran with my running bestie, Jessica Bird. She pulled me through to a PR, and we were able to explore the city. Vacation races are the best, unless you blow out an Achilles (looking at you Grandmas 2018!)

Fun Facts:

• I love playing board games

• I teach improv at Second City

• I will choose pie over any other dessert.

• I’m a 3-time Melting Clown Face Champion

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Evening

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Valere Guertin-Ohms

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2016

PRs: 

Mile: 5:58, 5k: 19:06, 8k: 30:40, 10k: 39:10, 10M: 1:05:00, Half Marathon: 1:26:39, Marathon: 2:58:30

Most Memorable Race:

Boston Marathon 2015. First race back after 2 months off for any injury. Ran it on 6 weeks of training. Weather was just as bad as 2018 and I got severe hypothermia. Fun times.

Running Role Model:

Deena Kastor. Her mental game is on point. Her mental toughness, resiliency, positivity, and spirit of gratitude are inspiring. 

Fun Facts:

• I’ve lived in 3 different states in a year and a half

• I always tie my left shoe first. ALWAYS

• Butterflies freak me out

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Autumn

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Karl Roskamp

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in July 2020

PRs: 

5k: 16:00, 8k: 26:22, 10k: 34:04, 10M: 56:15, Half Marathon: 1:12:39, Marathon: 2:34:45, Beer Mile: 5:50

Social Handles:

YouTube: Run 30

Most Memorable Run:

I snuck into the Grand Canyon National Park for an 18 mile run.

Running Start:

I started running as a freshman in high school after I realized I wasn't going to make it in any other sport

Fun Facts:

• I've tried more than 2,900 different beers

• I once saw Donald Glover cut in line for pizza

• I have four siblings and they all play lacrosse

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.

Dan Kapinus

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2019

PRs: 

Mile: 5:50, 5k: 20:22, 10k: 41:35, 10M: 1:18:53, Half Marathon: 1:31:03, Marathon: 3:20:23

Long-Term Running Goals:

Just to be able to stay healthy and continue to run is my main goal, but I would also like to complete all 6 of the World Majors.  I have London & Tokyo left to achieve this.

Most Memorable Race:

Every race has something memorable, good, or bad.  But running my first Boston Marathon in 2022 was such a great experience.  I ran it with a large contingent from my team and had great weather that day.  After working so hard to qualify and then actually getting to run this course was an experience I won’t forget.

Fun Facts:

• I have run the Hill Striders Half Marathon the last 2 years and had the exact same pace of 7:13. I also ran 2 other half marathons in the same time period with a 7:13 and 7:14 pace.  At least I am consistent.

• When I fold my laundry all my shirts must be folded the same way, and the same size.  My shirts that are hung must align as well, with equal distance between hangers and the sleeves all lined up.  (Almost 30 years post Marine Corps, and I can’t let it go!)

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

It depends when you ask the question.  If you ask in Winter I will say Summer, and if you ask in Summer, I will say Winter. 

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Ken Sprague

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2019

PRs: 

Mile: 4:33, 5k: 15:23, 8k: 25:12, 10k: 32:45, Marathon: 2:27:22, 50k: 3:17:30

Social Handles:

IG: spragoo262

Long-Term Running Goals:

2024 Marathon Olympic Trials. Explore ultras afterwards and see how that goes.

Most Memorable Race:

2015 Boston Marathon. Was my first year at Boston and second marathon in general. The rain, wind, and low temperature made it exhilarating but a 12 minute PR made it even better.

Fun Facts:

• Ran my first marathon before I had my first beer.

• I earned a full ride scholarship for being a golf caddie.

• I studied abroad in Sydney for a semester.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Brett Miller

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2019

PRs: 

5k: 18:05, 8k: 31:09, 10k: 38:22, Half Marathon: 1:24:11, Marathon: 2:57:54

Social Handles:

IG: btmill87

Running Start:

My Mom had always been pushing me to give it a try, but I started in high school after I realized I wasn't going to be any good at football like all my friends were - plus football wasn't well suited for someone that weighed 130 lbs. I took off about 13 years after high school, but eventually signed up for the Chicago lottery, got in, and ran the Chicago Marathon in 2018, which rekindled my passion for the sport.

Running Role Model:

So many of them - I listen to Mario Fraioli's podcast pretty regularly, so there's a lot of them that stick out. Pretty much the entire NAZ Elite crew, Steph Bruce, Aliphine, Shalane, Kara Goucher, and Meb come to mind for doing the sport the way it should be done and not worrying about what other people think of them. My high school cross country coach for showing me how to have fun at the sport while still being competitive.

Fun Facts:

• I've lost 50 pounds since running my first marathon in 2018.

• I enjoy a high calorie brunch after my races (preferably a Denver omelet)

• I am somewhat known for wearing a backwards hat while I run to keep the sweat from dripping down my face.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning if I can get out of bed, otherwise afternoon by process of elimination

Solo or With Friends?:

Long runs/speedwork with friends, easy runs solo to gather my thoughts

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Katie Dudek

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in July 2017

PRs: 

5k: 19:27, 8k: 34:30, 10k: 41:54, 10M: 1:11:35, Half Marathon: 1:32:28, Marathon: 3:18:42

Long-Term Running Goals:

I run as a lifelong form of self-love and self-care. My long term goal is to be able to run throughout my lifetime in a safe and sustainable way.

Running Start:

Between my freshman and sophomore year of high school, I had an emergency appendectomy. I wasn't able to try out for the volleyball team that year, so I joined the cross country team when I recovered instead. I've been running ever since!

Fun Facts:

• I am 5'4" with size 11 feet (still can't decide if this helps my running or causes most of my falls...or a little bit of both)

• I love emotional television or what my husband calls "recreational sadness" (e.g. This is Us, Parenthood, From Scratch)

• My voicemail is usually full because I hate deleting the voices and memories of my favorite people. However, by doing so I am also making it harder to acquire more keepsakes. Rough pumpkins.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Depends on the day. Sometimes I need a solo run...sometimes I need a run with friends.

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

David Murphy

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2019

PRs: 

Mile: 6:11, 5k: 21:12, 4M: 30:30, 8k: 34:33, 10k: 45:53, 10M: 1:14:31, Half Marathon: 1:37:42, Marathon: 3:28:35

Social Handles:

IG, Strava, & Twitter: whatsnextdave

Long-Term Running Goals:

Keep running without injury (while still hitting PRs through my 40s). Maybe age into a BQ.

Most Memorable Race:

While true in many aspects of life, the saying "the journey is the destination" is central to my running experience. While love a good race, I also enjoy getting to see and explore places so differently while running. Between work travel and vacations, I have been lucky to lace 'em up in some amazing places.

To that end, I think my favorite runs are the Big Sur Marathon up the Central California coast and running between lighthouses, wild horses, and wheat fields along the White Cliffs of Dover. Both because of the views and the in-the-moment experiences.

Fun Facts:

• I am a dad of 3 (girls 8 and 6, and boy 2).

• I was a boxer in college.

• As a new suburbanite (just moved from Chicago), I am working my gardening and lawn game.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

Love running with friends when the parenting schedule allows!

Summer or Winter?:

Fall (and how is that not the only option?)

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Eric Cale

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2018

PRs: 

Half Marathon: 1:17:01, Marathon: 2:41:51

Social Handles:

IG: itscales

Most Memorable Race:

Boston Marathon 2014. I had proudly run Boston the past several consecutive years already, but 2014 was special for obvious reasons. In the end, it was not my best race. But, I appreciate it because race day was a contrast between being a day of great healing and unification, and yet so many racers were super locked in and intense. And to top it all off, Meb won the race on the long break. Gives me chills every time I watch it.

Running Start:

I got a late start in endurance sport. It was after college and in triathlon. I had done a couple of IMs and decided I needed to drastically improve my marathon in order to progress in the sport. As it turns out, I never went back!

Fun Facts:

• Go Lions

• Go Hoosiers

• Go Maples

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both!

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Brendan McDonnell

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in July 2019

PRs: 

5k (track): 14:45, 10k (track): 30:16, 10k (road): 30:51, 10M: 52:01, Half Marathon: 68:13, Marathon: 2:28:33

Social Handles:

IG: brmcdonnell

Most Memorable Run:

While running at Swallow Cliff in HS with a friend, we stopped for water near a parking lot and a police officer called us over. He made small talk with us and then offered politely to take us to where we were parked, which was a nearby parking lot. We agreed, since we were almost done with our run anyways. While in the back of the car, he told us that two teenagers, one wearing blue shorts and one wearing black shorts, were seen running into the woods after robbing a nearby house. Then he pointed to the helicopter flying above the woods attempting to locate the culprits. After meeting a group of cook county police in another parking lot, we were questioned about what we were doing and why we were there. The officers had us switch cars and drive to a new parking lot. We were lined up, shirtless and sweaty, for an eyewitness in the back of an unmarked police SUV to identify if we were the culprits. They radioed in that we were indeed not the robbers, and then they dropped us back off at our car to drive home.

Running Role Model:

Buddy Edelen: In a time where American running was far behind the rest of the world, there was a fat kid from St. Louis Park who moved to England after college. He wanted to train and race against the best. He worked full time as a teacher, ran hard, high mileage, and loved his pint of Guinness each evening. He eventually crushed some big XC races and ended up setting the WR for the Marathon in 1963. I highly recommend "A Clear Cold Day", which details Buddy's training.

Fun Facts:

• I drink a lot of tea (and no coffee).

• I make a mean crawfish étouffée.

• My favorite sport to watch is hurling. Pull hard!

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.