YPOM Members

Members of the Your Pace or Mine Running Club

"Johnny Lightning" Hodgson
December 2006

Co-founder of the club.

John is the heart of the running club, and a phenomenal runner as well. Has completed numerous marathons and has been a pace group leader for several. Anyone that has run in his group is sure to have an enjoyable experience.

John is capable of some fast marathon times, and in fact nearly qualified to represent the U.S. at the 2008 Olympics. However, when he was just 1/4 mile from winning the Team Trials, he stopped to stare at some shiny beads on the ground. Before he could regain focus 5 runners had passed him. Better luck in 2012!

Jen Keuten
December 2006

Co-founder of the club.

"Curro, Ergo Sum = I run, therefore I am." But, I couldn't run without my club friends! Running is not only enjoyable with the club, but it helps me enjoy so many other aspects in my life - kids, husband, friends, family, eating, drinking and sleeping! With 6 marathons under my belt, I continue to chase the dream of qualifying for Boston, if I could only stop having babies and getting injured! Looking forward to seeing you on the road...

Argenta "Sargenta" Lucas
December 2006

One of the original members of the running club, ran her first half marathon just to go to Disney World. After finishing, she vowed that she would never run a marathon, but wanted to run Goofy. So in Jan of 2007 she completed her first marathon and in 2008 completed the Goofy challange. Her biggest accomplishment was convincing 8 of the best runners in the world to join her for a Goofy time in 2010.

Joe Terranova
December 2006

One of the original members of the running club. Used as a landmark by others to find the group at crowded events. "I've run more races in the past 2 years than I would have for the rest of my life if not for this club. Can be talked into almost anything (case in point: Goofy Challenge 2010). But I've made some of the greatest friends you will find anywhere. Who would believe running could be so fun?"

Goofy will be his 6th marathon, and last?

Sue "Goose" Siragusa
April 2007

Creator of the club's name and the "Gus O'Connor Run Rally", Sue's goal is to run 50 marathons in 50 states. Her words to live by:

Run for the Shirt

Run for the Beer

Run with Sue

Or stay and cheer!

Slow is the new fast

That fast we can do

just look cute

And run with Sue

Sarah "Duct Tape" Schmidt
August 2007

One of the earliest members of this club, Sarah enjoys eating, drinking and having lots of fun which motivates her to run. She has completed two full marathons (Freep 2008 and Chicago 2009).

(Editor's note: Sarah's nickname comes from her unusual method of preventing blisters.)

Sunil Ramakrishnapa
October 2007

After having grown up in a warm climate, showed up for his first run in gloves, hat and long pants despite a temperature of 50 degrees. Ran his first marathon in 2008 and now requires less layers of clothing (although getting him out in the winter is still a challenge).

Kris Mooney
October 2007

Lucky Kris lives closest to Joe of anyone in the club. Has been spotted running down the street back and forth in front of Joe's house, but swears it is just a coincidental part of her normal training runs.

Stephanie "Sleepy" Osterland
November 2007

Destined to never live down sleeping through the 2008 Brooksie Way Half Marathon. After joining the group was coaxed into running her first (and last?) marathon in 2008.

Chris "The Professor" Herman
April 2008

While I have always played soccer, I never ran recreationally until February of 2008. After joining YPOM a couple of months later, I completed the 2008 Crim and Detroit Half Marathon. More recently, I completed the 2009 Crim, Brooksie Way Half Marathon, and the Chicago Marathon in October 2009, which was my first full marathon. I currently live in Royal Oak and enjoy running with YPOM to stay motivated!

Mike "Forrest Gump" Fitzgerald
May 2008

After recovering from eye surgery in Spring '07, I hit the treadmill to get back in shape. By April '08, I had run my first half-marathon in Nashville, TN. I started running with YPOM and trained to run '08 Detroit and '09 Chicago marathons, in addition to some halfs. There is no better group of folks that I could have spent that many hours and miles with!

Mark Anthony Torres
July 2008

I met the group about two years ago on the Paint Creek Trail and I've been running with them ever since. This great group has helped me complete two marathons and several other races in between. My mission in life is to run a sub 4 hour marathon. In order to juggle my family and demanding career, I like to run early in the morning. I live by the Chinese proverb “No one who can rise before dawn 360 days a year fails to make his family rich." Or in this case, fails to complete a marathon.

Neil Hayner
August 2008

Introduced to the club through Sarah Schmidt, who he used to service regularly at her old job.

Neil qualified for the Boston Marathon at the 2009 Free Press Marathon.

John Siragusa
August 2008

The only reason he is allowed in the club is due to his marriage to Sue. Famous for his half marathon virtual training method that allowed him to complete the Martian while running approximately 5 physical miles during training. Generally has no idea what runs or races he's doing until he sees his schedule posted by others on the forum.

Lisa "The Shuffler" Mausolf
December 2008

Not an original member, but certainly an original - no one else can claim to be Argenta's project!

I love being a member of YPOM! Whether we are getting ready to run a 5K, or getting ready to "shuffle" down the trail, I know that there is always someone there to provide support and friendship - no runner left behind! I am looking forward to running many more miles together!

Sue Ingermann
December 2008

Sue joined us in 2008 for the New Year's Eve Resolution run, and then the Martian half marathon the following spring, but has had a string of bad luck with injuries recently. Foot problems cause by improper shoes and by busting bones while kickboxing have taken her off the road. Besides teaching karate, she also is a lifeguard at the YMCA. She is hoping to have more free time and less injuries this year and get back on the trail with us.

Jim Jones
December 2008

Dave "Nifer" Figurski
April 2009

I have been running steady for 20 years. Mostly for the exercise and stress relief. I recently have been running more with others to make it more fun and to give/get encouragement. This group has been great welcoming me!

(Editor's note: Earned his nickname while running the Crim in Jen's place. Fearful of being arrested for impersonating a female runner, was only able to tape over the first 3 letters of "Jennifer" on his race bib.)

Anna Shih
June 2009

Anna loves to eat, which is why she runs. Her favorite distance is the half marathon, and her goal is to run half marathons in half the states. She has learned that meeting friends for a run is a great motivator to get up at 5:30 a.m. on a Saturday.

Neil Dunn
July 2009

I always had it in the back of my mind to start running consistently and even work my way up to a marathon. But I never really stuck with it. I knew that I needed to find a good group to run/train with or I would never continue on with it.

Thankfully, I found the coolest running group there is in YPOM. Without their motivation, spirit, and that beer during the marathon, I would have never finished it. I look forward to continuing on with the group and actually running throughout the marathon without having to walk as much as I did.

Jim Crombez
July 2009

I started running in December 2007, just two months before turning 45. I'd never run any distances in my life. I had little endurance and was not able to run a mile without stopping.

n May 2008 I finished my FIRST race. I couldn't believe I finished much less enjoyed it so much. I was soon looking for other races to participate in and I began making new friends along the way.

The people in YPOM are very supportive, motivating, and the greatest people to celebrate with after a great race or training run. I had never thought running could have been so much fun, and it has put me in touch with some of the finest people I know.

Shaun Hegarty
July 2009

Shaun has refused to write his own profile, so here goes. Shaun joined this club in the summer of 2009, pretty much by accident. He came across our club on the Paint Creek Trail, and joined on the spot. One of the fastest runners in the club, both on the trail and in the bar.

KT Kim
July 2009

Ravi Vangipuram
July 2009

"Rachel #5" Oleksy
September 2009

The only running Rachel does is chasing after her little girl. But she is an honorary member of the YPOM as she is our official Gus O'Connor's waitress. She got her nickname when she was the 5th Rachel to hire in to Gus's.

Nora Bikos
October 2009

I used to run for leisure during weekends. I have spent the last two summers pushing a heavy stroller with my son Nathan on PCT. In Spring 2009, I decided to spend more time training for a specific goal or race, and have since completed a variety of 5 and 10K's, and my first half marathon in October 2009 (Brooksie '09).

It's not easy to find the time to get that running workout while juggling work and family, yet, many people pull this off every day. Running has been a great way to keep me active and stress free. My target is to finish my first full marathon in 2010!!

Irina "tcup" Novikova
October 2009

I'm here and I'm running! I tried and failed to become a serious runner all through college, but with a little persistance and a whole lot of encouragement I finally found my own pace. I ran my first half (by far my longest run) at Brooksie last October and now training for my first full marathon in April 2010. Support and enthusiasm of this group are outstanding and with these guys I know I can do anything! :)

Sarah Roberts
October 2009

I began running shortly after my son Shawn was born in April of 2006. I did my first 5K on New Year's Day in 2007 and have been going ever since. I completed my first half-marathon in Mackinac Island in October of 2008, and have since completed a variety of 5 and 10K's, two other halfs and my first full marathon in Detroit in October, 2009. Running has been a great way to keep me grounded (no pun intended) and appreciate all that life has to offer. I look forward to many more miles with new friends!

John Roberts
October 2009

I started running because my wife signed me up for a 5K on New Year's Day! I enjoyed it so much, I signed us up for a half-marathon. We had a nice weekend get away on top of accomplishing a big goal. I have been running, training, and racing ever since and most recently completed the Detroit Free Press Marathon. I plan to continue adding up the miles this season to train for my next big run...whatever that may be.

Deb Bennethum
October 2009

I met the group through Lisa and Jen. I have been running consistently (that is when not injured) for about 10 years. I am currently training for the Boston and Big Sur Marathons in April 2010. I hope to add some multisport events this year as well...I only swim if my life depends on it so I have some work to do! Thanks for the great runs - you guys are great.

Lori K.
October 2009

Connor Crombez
October 2009

I began running in August of 2008, but only began running seriously to train for the middle school track season in March 2009. Now running occasionally with the group, (when I can find time between homework) I have now run multiple 5K races and am training for my first 10K.

Melissa "Mel" Bruno
November 2009

Started running in September 2009. A guidance counselor, married with two young boys, has run her first three races, the Brooksie Way 5K, the Hidden Forest 4K, and the Big Bird 10K.

Jason Bruno
November 2009

Sharon Koenig
November 2009

My motto is "Start slowly then taper off."

I ran my first marathon in 2006 to celebrate a milestone birthday. I have run several half marathons since then, and another full one in 2009. My main motivations for running are eating dessert and collecting medals.

I wish I had found YPOM sooner. It is so much more fun to train with others who share similar goals! I am looking forward to running many miles with the group in the future.

Richard Koenig
November 2009

I run so I can eat ice cream. And pizza. And anything else I want. I joined YPOM so I would feel guilty about not dragging myself out of bed Saturday morning. My body is not made for running long distances but I do it anyway. Because even if I'm the slowest person on the run, I'm faster than everyone who is home on their couch.

Anne Crombez
November 2009

Hanging with the club originally as a gustatory participant at the pub, I am finally more than just a "runner in my head!" I began running in the beginning of November as a project of Sue Siragusa. I am running my first 5K at the Dickens 2009. Don't know where I am going with this, but having fun so far!!

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" - Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner

Veronica "Super Freak" Voakes
November 2009

I started running September 20, 2009. I became instantly addicted. I met Joe after the Detroit Free Press 5K and because of his stalking me on Facebook, I now get to run with the best of the best! I'm grateful to the members of YPOM for taking me under their wing and setting me straight when needed. :)

My first official half marathon will be March 20th in Washington DC and my first marathon will be May 29th in Traverse City. I'm looking forward to a great year of running with YPOM!

Andrea Bloomfield
November 2009

Andrea introduced Sarah Schmidt to road racing four years ago. She is from the Flint area and travels far to join the YPOM fun. Andrea has the most Crim 10m runs of anyone in the group, she is going on her 10+ year. She is training for her first full marathon, Bay Shore in May 2010.

Sandy Bowlby
December 2009

Jeff Stuart
January 2010

I started running 30 years ago in high school, with a 7-8 year break after college (got lazy.....and fat!). Since picking it up again in 1996, I've run numerous 5 and 10K's and in 2009, finished my first half marathon in Detroit. My goal this year is to run the full marathon. Hopefully the long training runs this year will be much more enjoyable with YPOM (at least as enjoyable as a 20 miler can be)!

Brenda Firestine
January 2010

I started running about 10 years ago when I realized the extra baby weight that I gained with my pregnancy was not going to just fall off of me. I just kind of got hooked. I ran a couple of half marathons then signed up with Team in Training to run the full at the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse city in 2005. It was a great experience.

Since then I have been running but have not made it to the start line of another full marathon yet. I need people to run with!!! Hoping to run a full at the Freep in 2010. I have a pizza habit that I just can not shake so regardless if I am running a marathon or not I am still going to be running long. :)

Jen McPherson
January 2010

I starting running in 2004 when I did my first full marathon in Alaska, with Team in Training. I was 80 pounds overweight and it took everything I had to finish. But I did finish and since then I've lost 80 pounds and run 2 more races.

I completed the 2008 and 2009 FreePress 1/2 Marathon with the EXACT same time....2 hrs and 17 minutes. I am hoping to beat my time by a minute or more...by joining and meeting up with this group.

Mandy Hetfield
February 2010

I started running in August of 2006. I ran my first half in Vegas that December and have been addicted ever since.

I teach elementary PE and love to get my kids out and running. In 2009 I had 52 students running in one of the Detroit Turkey Trot races. Look for our group at the Mini Martian Marathon - we always represent there too!

In addition to running, I am also a Triathlon junkie. In 2009 I completed my first 1/2 Ironman in Tawas. It was great and I can't wait to do it again!

Holger "Ze" Hornisch
February 2010

I moved from Germany in October of '96 and I've been living in MI since. I picked up running almost 2 years ago, the race that really got me going was the Detroit Marathon Relay. Since then I ran my first Half Marathon in Reno, and then Brooksie Way in October '09, which I PR'd at 1:37:31.

Currently I am trying to recover from injuries while training for my FIRST EVER FULL MARATHON in Berlin this year, which I am VERY excited about!! One of my dream goals is to have ran in all 5 major marathons ;).

Did I mention that I manage Trader Joe's in Rochester? Shameless plug, but that is why I can't always participate in the runs and races.

Annette Wolford
February 2010

Korin ?
February 2010

Michele Sechler
February 2010

Joanne Gondert
February 2010

Brian Kelly
February 2010

Kim Kelly
February 2010

Patty Schultz
February 2010

Allison Koenigbauer
February 2010

Organizer and leader of the east side portion of the club...

Patrick Cusmano
February 2010

Jeff #2
March 2010