Yuriy Kvartsyanyy

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in September 2023

PRs: 

5k: 18:52, 8k: 31:14, 10k: 39:03, 10M: 1:06:51, Half Marathon: 1:23:17, Marathon: 3:03:38

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub 3-hour marathon, complete all 6 marathon majors

Running Role Model:

Scott Jurek - for his unique approach to running beautiful places and lifestyle.

David Goggins - for his dedication and inspiration to go beyond and above.

Fun Facts:

• The marathon is my favorite distance

• I’ve watched every Formula 1 race since 1994

• I enjoy good coffee, ice cream, and running new places

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.

Andres Herrera

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 4:54, 5k: 16:27, 4M: 22:41, 8k: 27:36, 10M: 57:40, Half Marathon: 1:14:37, Marathon: 2:36:07

Most Memorable Run:

At the beginning of every college cross country season my entire team would drive out to this massive forest preserve in the middle of Ohio. We would run in packs through winding trails, hills, and rocky terrain. It was a pretty brutal long run. At the end of the run was this watchtower we could climb to get an amazing view of the forest. I always looked forward to it because it was one of the first runs of the year where the entire team would be together.

Running Start:

I always wanted to join a sport growing up that I had a decent chance of competing in, but I never had an idea of what sport since I wasn't the most athletic kid. A friend of mine on our high school's cross country team convinced me to join and I never looked back.

Fun Facts:

• I can't whistle

• There is a 6 year age gap between myself and each of my three sisters (I'm the second oldest)

• I bought a lot of house plants at the beginning of the pandemic

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.

Zack Sweet

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2023

PRs: 

5k: 16:38, 4M: 22:14, 8k: 27:54, Half Marathon: 1:17:46, Marathon: 2:40:03, 50k: 4:00:08

Social Handles:

IG: @zacharysweet_

Long-Term Running Goals:

Qualify for all of the world majors, break 2:30 in the marathon, and stay healthy and fit enough to run and race into my 70s and 80s.

Running Start:

I started running in 6th grade when my mom signed me up for a 5 mile race. I was on swim team at the time and she kept signing me up for 5k and 5 mile races until I joined cross country in 8th grade. My grandma was another reason why I started running and why I run. She started running in the late 1970s and continued running marathons into her 60s. Seeing her passion for running really motivated me to want to run.

Fun Facts:

• I speak German.

• My first marathon was the 2008 Frankfurt Marathon when I was 17. I had no idea how to train and my longest run in training was 11 miles. I ended up running a 3:02 and could barely walk for 3 weeks after the race! It scared me away from marathoning until I ran my first 50k in spring 2022.

• I've been to 41 national parks, with the goal of visiting all 63. When I'm not running, hiking is my next favorite hobby.

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.

Sean Lopez

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in September 2023

PRs: 

5k: 18:22, 4M: 24:56, 8k: 32:36, 10M: 1:04:09, Half Marathon: 1:24:04, Marathon: 2:56:25

Social Handles:

IG: @seanlope

Long-Term Running Goals:

To negative split a marathon. Beat my Uncle's best marathon time of 2:54:11.

Running Start:

I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2013 to get in shape after law school. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Fun Facts:

• In addition to running, I've completed five Ironman triathlons and one Belgian Waffle Ride.

• I have a dog named Charlie who enjoys recovery runs.

• I’m a Wisconsin Badger

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.

Katherine Wuestenfeld

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in July 2023

PRs: 

Mile: 5:33, 5k: 19:32, 4M: 26:20, 8k: 32:20, 10k: 41:00, 10M: 1:08:54, Half Marathon: 1:27:48, Marathon: 3:07:40

Social Handles:

IG: @katherun26.2

Long-Term Running Goals:

My number one goal with my training is to enjoy the process and I really want to focus on keeping running fun as I try to push the limits of what I'm capable of. My big, scary goal is to one day run a sub-3 hour marathon.

Most Memorable Race:

My first Boston Marathon (2019) was my most memorable race because it took me 6 years to qualify for the race and meant so much to me just to be able to line up for it. It was one of those amazing days where everything just comes together and although everyone told me it's really difficult to PR at Boston, I ran with so much joy after a great buildup and ended up setting a big PR that day which was just icing on the cake!

Fun Facts:

• I'm a really big running nerd and love following the pro side of our sport

• I'm a full-time running coach & personal trainer

• Home with my husband and our rescue dog, Lola, is my favorite place to be.

Track or Trails?:

I really love running on all surfaces and appreciate how accessible our sport is no matter where we are!

Morning or Afternoon?:

Late morning? Lol

Solo or With Friends?:

Both!

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Jenny Aguilar

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in May 2023

PRs: 

Mile: 5:42, 5k: 19:29, 4M: 25:54, 8k: 30:55, 10k: 41:39, Half Marathon: 1:29:12, Marathon: 3:13:14 50k: 4:05:48

Social Handles:

IG: @littleoljenny

Long-Term Running Goals:

My #1 long-term running goal is to break 3 at the marathon and to break (5:30) in the mile.

Most Memorable Race:

Most memorable race would have to be Chicago 2022 because I trained and documented the entire journey to qualify for the Boston Marathon 2022. The race conditions were not ideal but I still PR'd my marathon time by 5 minutes and qualified for Boston!

Fun Facts:

• I've rated over 200+ craft beers

• I’m half Guatemalan & half Mexican

• I ran my first marathon at the age of 16

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.

Zack Fishman

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2023

PRs: 

800m: 1:59, 1M: 4:48, 3M: 15:41

Social Handles:

Strava: ZeeFish, Twitter: ZBFishman

Long-Term Running Goals:

To surpass my high-school peak and knock off some years-old PRs, especially in the mile and 800m.

Most Memorable Run OR Race:

On my birthday in 2018, I ran an indoor race as the second leg in our 4x400m relay for my college club team. I received the baton just barely in first place and stayed there, although another runner was on my tail the whole time. As we rounded the final bend and he got too close while trying to pass, our legs got tangled and I crashed to the ground — drawing a loud collective gasp from the crowd. Disoriented from my first-ever fall in a track race, I slowly peeled myself off the ground and picked up the baton, before scrambling to hand it off.

My teammate got sympathetic claps on his first lap — and then surprised cheers in the second as he entered third place! My speedy mid-distance coach took it from there and somehow was the first to cross the finish line! Despite my scraped-up legs, it was a wild and exhilarating birthday meet to share with my teammates.

Fun Facts:

• I'm a lifelong Illinois resident: I grew up in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, attended college in Champaign-Urbana and Chicago, and reside in the Windy City to this day. It's a great state filled with great people!

• I can play 7 instruments — my top three are drums, clarinet, and guitar.

• I'm a proud owner of a sassy black lop bunny named Spruce.

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.

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.

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.

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: 16:46, 6k (XC): 21:21, 4M: 22:57, 8k: 27:35, 10k: 36:25, 10M: 1:00:16, Half Marathon: 1:16:33, Marathon: 2:42:23

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.