Brittany Alvarez

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2023

PRs: 

Mile: 5:09, 5K: 17:28, 4M: 22:47, 8K: 28:27, 10k: 36:14, 10M 1:00:38, Half Marathon 1:16:21, Marathon 2:38:18

Social Handles:

IG: Bmatteson

Long-Term Running Goals:

Continue to make running a rewarding/enjoyable part of my life and to keep chipping away at those PR’s

Running Start:

I’ve always been a runner. I grew up playing soccer and ran cross-country in high school. It wasn’t until 2021 that I got back into competitive running. I joined a run club during Covid just for the social outlet, but was soon signed up for my first marathon (Chicago 2021). I’ve been hooked ever since.

Fun Facts:

• In junior high I participated in the high jump and long jump because I was intimidated by the running events

• I played collegiate soccer

• I have an adorable Australian Shepherd, Ripley!

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both!

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Ben Bocher

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2023

PRs: 

5k: 15:24, 4M: 20:53, 8k: 25:10, 10M: 55:22, Half Marathon: 1:08:36, Marathon: 2:27:38

Long-Term Running Goals:

• Write a book on the "Spiritual Exercises of Running" that suggests opportunities to race faster and, more importantly, enjoy the adventure!

• Race WITH others, encourage others ;)

Most Memorable Run(s):

Most touching: My first run with my first child – her head surrounded by a neck pillow and more blankets than she needed, the stroller complete with windshield keeping her toasty in the October air. Dipped the front wheel in Lake Michigan’s waters, as if to baptize her. She slept through it all 😊

Most stimulating: Rome - end of work trip, saw Coliseum and other ruins, St. Peters, the Pantheon, crossed the Tiber… many times

Most awe-inspiring: Bryce Canyon – up, down, orange spires that turned to yellow, green, and gray depending how many eons of time I descended or ascended…. And at 8000 ft, this was the first time I truly noticed elevation!

Fun Facts:

• My favorite races are those my wife and two daughters watch and cheer!

• I’ve run my fastest 5k, half marathon, and marathon as a master's runner.

• I am missing part of my left great toe (due to a bad day) - that was second time I was told I would never run again. This is fun because I am still running! ;)

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.

Kristin Dailey

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2023

PRs: 

5k: 16:55, 4M: 22:17, 8k: 27:47, 10M: 58:19, Half Marathon: 1:15:05, Marathon: 2:36:08

Social Handles:

IG: @just.kristind

Long-Term Running Goals:

To see how fast this 40+ year-old body can go while bringing awareness to Fragile X Syndrome.

Running Start:

Running has always been my fallback exercise for mental and physical health. It was the only form of exercise I was coordinated enough to do:)  I was inspired to run my first marathon three years ago by a kind stranger. I winged it, and I was hooked.  I'm now on a mission to prove you're never too old to chase big goals.

Fun Facts:

• I volunteer at a charity called Special Spaces where I design dream bedroom makeovers for children battling cancer.

• I love to cook, and I spend a lot of time creating in the kitchen.

• I ran my first marathon at 40.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Either - anytime is a good time for a run

Solo or With Friends?:

A balance of both

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Julia Ordzowialy

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2022

PRs: 

5k: 17:53, 8k: 28:38, 10M: 1:01:30, Half Marathon: 1:20:15, Marathon: 2:48:57

Social Handles:

IG: julia_ordzowialy

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub 2:50 marathon & place well in Masters Events

Running Start:

I started running in my 20s in medical school. I was previously a competitive figure skater for 18 years, through college, so when I moved to Chicago for medical school I needed some sort of activity to replace the figure skating. Running was the thing I could most easily fit around my schedule.

Fun Facts:

• I have 4 kids and have gotten faster after each one.

• Sushi and a glass of red wine is my favorite pre-race meal (the night before obviously).

• I often (most of the time) listen to classical music when I run.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both! I like my alone time but also like running with others.

Summer or Winter?:

Fall and early winter. I hate hot weather.

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Alvaro Montoya

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2022

PRs: 

5k: 16:35, 8k: 27:44, 10M: 55:27, Half Marathon: 1:14:09, Marathon: 2:32:03

Social Handles:

IG: montoyamora

Long-Term Running Goals:

Trying to get faster as I'm getting older. Sub 2:30 in the mid-term and have the health to run for many more years while being competitive in the long term.

Most Memorable Race:

My first run ultra above 50 miles at the Honk Kong 100K ultra marathon. It change my perspective of the meaning of long distance running, I didn't know I could run for 13 hours straight. After that race, long runs in a marathon cycle didn't seem that long.

Fun Facts:

• I just crossed the Grand Canyon "rim-to-rim-to-rim" with a bunch of crazy friends just for fun, and without much training. I don't know if calling that fun or just stupidly epic.

• Due to work I have the chance to travel quite a bit and been lucky to run in a lot of cities and different countries. Running helps to discover a place very quickly and can be a good way to find balance when you travel often.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Mornings, but not super early...typically that ends up being an afternoon run most of the days.

Solo or With Friends?:

Both. Depending on the day and the goal for that day.

Summer or Winter?:

More than the summer, I like days with longer natural light hours.

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Aaron King

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in September 2022

PRs: 

800M: 1:49.1, Mile: 4:22, 5k: 15:13, 4M: 20:15, 8k: 25:27, 10k: 33:06, Half Marathon: 1:14:00

Most Memorable Race:

2022 Glen Ellyn Freedom 4 mile. I really enjoyed training and competing at a higher level for the first time since college. The most fun part was my family (especially our kids 4, 6 and 8) and friends support throughout the race.

Running Role Model:

My wife (Jessica) is my running role model. She pushes me to be a better athlete and person.

Fun Facts:

• I might love downhill skiing more than running.

• I'm in an e-bike gang.

• There's rarely a bad time for coffee or wine.

Track or Trails?:

Track

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.

Landis Huffman

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2022

PRs: 

Mile: 4:38, 10k: 36:19, Marathon: 2:54

Social Handles:

Twitter: Lanz17

Long-Term Running Goals:

I want to PR in the marathon. I want to PR in everything.

Most Memorable Race:

Running anchor leg of the 26x1mi club relay in Boston in 2015. It's a great event where all the local clubs participate. I got the baton in 1st place, neck-and-neck with 2nd. And then I got smoked on my last lap to bring in team silver. But I killed myself for the win. A race that long, with that many people to be that close: it's about as exciting as running gets. That crowd was on it's FEET for me! And also for the guy who won...

Fun Facts:

• I've listed to the Mortal Kombat theme song before every race I've ever run.

• I've mentioned that fact on every running profile I've ever written.

• I've never seen the Mortal Kombat movie.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

AM in summer, PM in winter

Solo or With Friends?:

With friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Brianna Wynne

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in July 2022

PRs: 

Mile: 5:46, 5k: 19:16, 4M: 25:42, 8k: 31:34, 10k: 40:24, 10M: 1:11:49, Half Marathon 1:26:51, Marathon: 3:01:53

Social Handles:

IG: briannnawynne

Most Memorable Race:

The 2023 Boston Marathon- this was one of my first marathon cycles with the team. I had run several spring marathons in the past, but was never consistent with strength work, training on hills, speed workouts, or running outdoors in the winter. On race day, I was surprised by how great I felt going into the second half and ended up running a 4 minute negative split. This race got me very excited to see what I am capable of as a runner with amazing coaches and teammates by my side! 

Running Start:

During my Freshman year of high school, one of my rowing teammates and I would race the warm-up run everyday. Eventually, after exhausting ourselves before a really challenging practice, we decided to warm up together. We became close friends and eventually started doing long runs on the weekend. We set a goal to run a marathon by the end of high school. Senior year we both completed our first marathon. Since then, I have been hooked!

Fun Facts:

• I have eaten waffles for breakfast everyday for nearly 6 years and they never get old.

• I collect the ice cream hats from baseball stadiums. My goal is to get them all!

• I rowed on the lightweight rowing team at UW-Madison for 4 years.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Marie Billen

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2022

PRs: 

Mile: 5:45, 5k: 19:22, 8k: 31:34, 10k: 40:44, 10M: 1:09:35, Half Marathon: 1:28:02, Marathon 3:04:44

Long-Term Running Goals:

Negative Split a Marathon, Break 40' in the 10k, Be Consistent/Feel Strong, Compete well against other Masters Runners :-)

Most Memorable Race:

Negative splitting a Half Marathon in the heat/humidity, and passing so many runners over the last few miles! .. and cherry on the cake, being first place female :)

Fun Facts:

• I was a recipe tester for Shalane Flanagan's cookbook 'Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow'! My name is listed in the 'acknowledgments' at the end of the book.. right next to Olympian gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen's. :-)

• I'm originally from Belgium but left my country 20+ years ago (lived in the UK for 5+ years, Michigan for 10 years, and now Illinois since the end of 2018). Became American (dual citizenship US/BE) in 2018.

• Lucky enough to have been the main Belgian Flag Bearer at the Parade of Nations of the 2018 NYC Marathon!

Track or Trails?:

Roads, especially those with pretty views!

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Spring and Fall :-)

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Guillermo Muñoz Küster

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in March 2022

PRs: 

Mile: 4:49, 5K: 16:12, 8K : 27:16, 10M: 57:01, Half Marathon: 1:16:08, Marathon: 2:43:33

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run the World Marathon Majors (and beyond!) and continue making running an important and rewarding part of my life for as long as possible.

Most Memorable Race:

During a high school track meet, I was drafted to run a leg in the 4x800 relay — a distance that wasn't (and still isn't) my forte. Right as I was being passed the baton, a runner from the opposing team yelled from the stands "now it's the fat boy's turn to run." (I was about 15-20 lbs. heavier then, but by no means "fat"!) At the end of the meet, I ran the 2 mile and got 1st place. I didn't see the guy afterward, but I hope he ate his words!

Running Role model:

The countless fellow lovers of the sport that I’ve met over the years have inspired me to continuously seek growth and improvement as both an athlete and a person on my athletic and life journey.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

I enjoy both!

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Alex Forte

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2022

PRs: 

Mile: 4:27, 5k: 15:16, 8k: 25:23, 10M: 54:37, Half Marathon: 1:09:06, Marathon: 2:23:42, 50k: 3:23:02, 100k: 8:39:32

Social Handles:

Strava: Alex Forte

Long-Term Running Goals:

#1: Run until I'm old then keep going. #2: Make the Marathon Olympic Trials. #3: Be content with any of my race times. #4: Bonk in a marathon or long run just to experience it.

Most Memorable Run:

I went on vacation to Germany with my parents when I was sixteen, and we stayed in a small walled city called Nördlingen for a few days. On the morning we were leaving, I got up at around 5:30 for a long run so we could catch an early train. It was foggy, a little chilly, and there were no cars on the road. I would alternate between looking at houses and enjoying solitude as tiny villages, just clumps of a few homes, were scattered every couple miles with nothing in between. I've gotten that magical feeling many times while running, but I don't know if I'll ever top that experience.

Fun Facts:

• I'm an only child but have thirty first cousins.

• I've driven from Seattle to Los Angeles and from Seattle to Chicago.

• I've loved watches since I was fourteen, and I just moved close to Mag Mile, so I'm pretty much living the dream now.

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.

Andrew Gazdziak

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2022

PRs: 

5k (track): 15:35, 8k: 28:40, 10k: 33:59, Half Marathon: 1:15:45, Marathon: 2:49:00

Social Handles:

IG: agazdziak

Most Memorable Race:

2019 Chicago Marathon - perfect weather, first time running the course (2nd marathon overall), executed race plan perfectly, negative split, felt great at the finish, ran with a bunch of friends, and ran my PR!

Running Start:

I started running in middle school (I tried all other sports and this is what stuck).

Fun Facts:

• I lived in San Diego for the past 8 years and just moved to Chicago.

• One goal is to visit all of the national parks in the US.

• I've hiked the tallest peak in the lower 48 (Mt Whitney, 14,505')

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.

Kevin Kysiak

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2021

PRs: 

8k: 28:23, 10M: 1:02:55, Half Marathon: 1:19:26, Marathon: 2:47:22

Long-Term Running Goals:

2:40 by my 40th and 1x family fun race in the next 5 years.

Running Role Model:

Prefontaine. No one was able to outwork him, and his race strategy matched his intensity. He knew how to win, and his training matched the plan.

Fun Facts:

• My wife and I met in Kindergarten.

• I will run no matter how cold it is, although I may need to wear 3 jackets.

• After 10 years, I am still searching for a high quality California burrito within 500 miles of my house.

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.

Tony Gao

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 4:36, 5k: 16:52, 8k: 27:45, 10k: 35:56, 10M: 56:59, Half Marathon: 1:16:24, Marathon: 2:40:55

Most Memorable Race:

The 2015 Illinois Marathon! I had only really been running for a couple years at that point, but was determined to hit a Boston Qualifier my first attempt. It was by far one of the most humbling experiences ever. The second half of the race was basically in a torrential downpour and the marathon was cancelled about 15 minutes after I crossed the finish line due to thunder! I ultimately missed the BQ qualifying time by 38 seconds which was a heartbreaker, but I'd like to think this was the moment I really started getting into running!

Running Start:

I first started running the summer leading into my junior year of high school. I was mostly convinced to join the cross country summer training so I could hangout with a girl I had a huge crush on at the time. She ultimately ended up not joining the cross country team, but I figured I already spent a good chunk of the money I made that summer on my running shoes so I might as well stick it out. Also, I really needed to do something besides swimming.

Fun Facts:

• During the start of the pandemic and recovering from an overuse injury, I got really into cycling. So far this year I've done three centuries and one double-century (200mi in a single day)!

• Right before joining this team, I spent six weeks working remotely from Colorado (originally was working out of DC post-college). 10/10 experience, would definitely recommend tackling a 14er or two if you're there!

• I love rock climbing! Hit me up if you ever want a boulder/top-rope buddy. You'll probably catch me at First Ascent a couple times during the week!

Track or Trails?:

Track

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.

Lisa Cole

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2021

PRs: 

5k: 17:58, 4M: 25:31, 8k: 29:45, Half Marathon: 1:25:37, Marathon: 2:58:05

Social Handles:

IG: lisa14e

Long-Term Running Goals:

1. Sub 3 hour marathon.

2. Run a marathon abroad.

3. Never stop running and competing - so staying healthy, fit, and in love with running.

Running Start:

My older sister joined the cross country and track teams when we were in middle school and I had to do everything she did. We ended up spending 3 years on the same team throughout school and I learned to love the sport with her by my side....I did end up finally beating her high school 800m record my senior year! But even before I could join a school team, I remember being competitive about running at a very young age and would aggressively race the gym class mile, trying to beat everyone in my class - and I usually did since no one else tried! Racing has always been a fun outlet for me.

Fun Facts:

• I'm always up for a roadtrip! - Longest one so far was from Upstate NY to Anchorage, AK.

• I love soft serve ice cream - a twist with chocolate sprinkles.

• I’ve been skydiving.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both! There is something special about a great solo run.

Summer or Winter?:

For running, definitely winter! For anything else, summer.

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Julie Wiemerslage

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in May 2021

PRs: 

1500: 4:43, Mile: 4:59, 3k: 9:57, 5k: 17:01, 6k (XC): 21:21, 4M: 22:57, 8k: 27:35, 10k: 36:25, 10M: 1:00:16, Half Marathon: 1:16:33, Marathon: 2:47:23

Social Handles:

IG: thegingerscientist

Long-Term Running Goals:

I would like to run an Olympic Trials Qualifier for the marathon and run at Western States. I also have unfinished business in the 5k and want to break 17 minutes.

Running Role Model:

I would probably have to say Kara Goucher because she has used her voice to bring positive change to the sport. For instance, bringing attention to the abuses of coaches and sponsors, especially involving female athletes becoming mothers, and her involvement in the CleanSport Collective.

Fun Facts:

• My longest race to date was 50 miles!

• Black coffee>all other coffee.

• I had 3 baby teeth pulled at the prime age of 27.

Track or Trails?:

Can I say both?

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.

Darren Barlow

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in April 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 4:04, 3k: 8:04, 5k (road): 14:33, 8k: 24:01, 10k: 30:36, 10M: 50:48, Half Marathon: 1:07:34, Marathon: 2:26:38

Social Handles:

IG: d.baby726

Long-Term Running Goals:

Marathon OTQ & run PRs in all distances

Running Start:

My first introduction into running was watching my parents run in the nTelos 8k in Richmond, VA. We would always stay to watch the first marathon finishers and even as a little kid it amazed and inspired me just seeing how fast they were running after 25 miles. Eventually my parents let me sign up to race with them in the 8k when I was 10. After that race I was hooked and continued to sign up for different local races each year.

Fun Facts:

• Qualified for junior nationals in the 100 backstroke.

• I like dachshunds and frequently receive dachshund themed gifts.

• I spent two days in Charlotte's airport and got a 30 minute run through the terminals.

Track or Trails?:

Track

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.

Laura Julien

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2018

PRs: 

5k: 19:04, 10k: 40:29, 8k: 32:56, 10M: 1:07:57, Half Marathon: 1:28:28, Marathon: 3:10:07

Most Memorable Race:

Winning a local 10k pushing my (then) 1 year old in a stroller. (Don't worry - I had the race director's blessing!) 

Running Start:

My draw to running started when I was at cheerleading practice in 6th grade. The high school cross country team was doing a hill workout along the same field we were practicing. They looked miserable, but something about their sheer grit and determination intrigued me. I remember going home and asking what "sport" that was, because I wanted in.

Fun Facts:

• I am obsessed with collecting running gadgets and tech but don't take any of them too seriously (I just like data). I am also a running shoe hoarder.

• I am proficient at running uphill, backwards.

• My high school colors were navy and white - I still feel most ready to race when I wear that color combo. 

Track or Trails?:

Depends on the mood

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.

Jonathan O'Connell

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 5:59, 5k: 20:22, 8k: 34:55, 10M: 1:11:32, Half Marathon: 1:33:39, Marathon: 3:21:48

Most Memorable Race:

Kettle Moraine 100M... The laughs with strangers I met along the course... DNF'd at 85M

Running Start:

Part of my crew team training in High School in Ireland in 1990

Fun Facts:

• Immigrated to the USA in 1999.

• Only running injuries sustained playing soccer.

• Was on crew teams for years but cannot swim.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Depends on the day :)

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Ben Gabrek

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 4:50, 5k: 16:48, 8k: 27:51, Half Marathon: 1:18:17, Marathon: 2:43:08

Social Handles:

IG: bpgabrek

Most Memorable Race:

2020 RLT Marathon (unofficial race) - Got to run a race in 2020 and bonked hard the last 2 miles. Learned more from failing hard than any successful runs.

Running Start:

I joined the track team in high school as a way to stay in shape for soccer - mostly running 400m - 1600m races.

Fun Facts:

• My birthday is Christmas Eve - I've never gone to school or worked on my birthday

• I have two goldendoodles

• Burritos are my favorite food

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.