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 was his 6th marathon, and thought it may be his last. But now is signed up for Chicago and Vegas in 2010. Darn that peer pressure!

Sue "Goose" Siragusa
April 2007

Creator of the club's name and the populor "Gus O'Connor Run Rally", and "Run for the Beads", 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.

Kris is finally taking the plunge in 2010, signing up for her first marathon - Chicago!

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. Various foot problems caused 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. Sue is hoping to have more free time and less injuries this year and get back on the trail with us.

Jim Jones
December 2008

I began running in early 2008 through some inspiration from a couple of friends that enjoy the sport. The running helped me turn to a healthier lifestyle and I was able to quit smoking.

I trained and ran my first marathon in Detroit just 9 months after I started running. Since then I have completed 2 full marathons and many other race distances.

I officially became a member of YPOM in late 2008 and thoroughly enjoy running and training with everyone. I am temporarily working out of state and miss running with the group, but hope that I will be able to return and rejoin the group regularly again very soon.

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

I love to eat, so it's a good thing I run. Thanks to the amazing support of the group, I ran my first three half marathons in the fall of 2009 and completed my first marathon (Cincinnati Flying Pig 2010) exactly 4 months after my 40th birthday.

My favorite distance is the half marathon (I'm Half Fanatic #296). Training with YPOM is a joy even when I have to get up at 5:30am on summer Saturdays for long runs, and races are much more fun when you know there are YPOM friends at the finish line with cheers and beers. I hope to keep running for a long time, especially since I don't plan to give up eating anytime soon!

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.

In 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

Came across our club by accident while running on the Paint Creek Trail. Ran with us most of the summer, but has not been seen since the 2009 Freep Marathon.

Ravi Vangipuram
July 2009

Came across our club by accident while running on the Paint Creek Trail. Ran with us most of the summer, but then disappeared after the Freep Marathon. Finally ran with us again in July 2010, hopefully will be more regular now.

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!!

Update - Nora completed her first marathon - the difficult Flying Pig in May 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! :)

Update - Irina successfully completed that first marathon - the very challenging Big Sur!

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

Started runnning a week after my 40th birthday, after being shaken by the shoulders by Sue Siragusa, saying "You must run!!" Ran my first 5K just around a month later. Since then, have run a few 5K's, a couple 8K's, a couple of 10K's, a 15K, and 2 half marathons. Currently training for my first full in Chicago, 2010.

As my mom used to say when I was a kid..."Try it, you'll like it!"

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, at least 10 so far. She ran her first full marathon, Bay Shore in May 2010. (Actually it was her second, as she completed the Martian Marathon in April, but she considered that a "practice" run. Don't try to understand it.)

Sandy Bowlby
December 2009

Sandy joined the club late in 2009 and joined us for several Stony Creek runs before developing an injury and then getting pregnant. Planning to rejoin us in 2011 after the baby is born.

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 "Jo" Gondert
February 2010

I love to run. It is where I find joy and peace. I started running in 1995 as a newly single mom who couldn't afford a gym but I had a pair of track shoes from high school so I ran.

Thousands of miles later, with holes and duct tape on those shoes, I bought my first pair of "real" running shoes and ran my 1st event ever, the 2006 Detroit Free Press Marathon.

In 2010, I have rediscovered my love to run, registered for the Chicago marathon, found YPOM, and am looking forward to many many miles with this great group.

Brian Kelly
February 2010

I have always been an avid cyclist until I met my wife Kim. Although we ran shorter races over the last 15 years together, we began to look seriously at our health about 2 years ago and realized focused training was needed. We trained for a 10K and then moved up to a half marathon.

My bad knees haven't allowed me to exceed this distance but maybe some miracle surgery will get me to a full marathon in the future. Until then I enjoy doing adventure racing (canoeing, mtn biking and running) and riding one of my three bikes. I love getting out with my family and being active.

Kim Kelly
February 2010

I have been an on-again/off-again runner for 30 years. I started seriously training in 2008 when my boys were older with some shorter races and kept increasing my race distance. Within a year and a half, I finished my first marathon and now would like to run 2 to 3 marathons a year to keep in shape and ready myself for an ironman triathlon in the future (very distant future).

I love running at a pace that will keep me injury free and allow me to be a runner for the rest of my life. No Boston for me! My connection into this group was made through Joe T., an old friend from way back who kept telling Brian and I how wonderful you all were. So here we are ready to run and party with y'all!

Patty Schultz
February 2010

Allison Koenigbauer
February 2010

Organizer and leader of the East Side portion of the club, which unfortunately has been disbanded for now.

Patrick Cusmano
February 2010

Patrick started running with us early in 2010 at Stony Creek. While running faster than most of the club at the time, Patrick still met us even though he lives on the far East Side. Most suspect his serious man-crush on Joe may have been behind this.

Patrick ran his first marathon at Bayshore in 2010 running a stellar 3:39. He followed that up with an all afternoon/night party celebration that would put even the hardiest YPOMer to shame.

Patrick is trying to revive the East Side runs this fall.

Jane Evans
February 2010

I am married with 2 children, Kendall, 8 and Colin, 6. I live in Rochester Hills. I am a Realtor for RealEstate One. I have been running for a long time but never more than 3-4 miles until I did my first half marathon in Detroit in October, 2008. I did it thorugh the Leukemia and Lymphona Society.

I am now training for the Toronto Womens Half Marathon May 30. My goal is to do a half marathon at least every 6 months so I can keep it up.

Jeff Ropponen
March 2010

I first started running with Cross Country during High School. I did not run at all over the next 10 years, but finally returned to running in 2008 to improve my health and get back in shape. During my first year back, I lost 50 lbs., dramatically improved my health and fitness, and managed to fall in love with running and racing again.

I have run several 5 and 10k’s and have completed my first half-marathon, the Brooksie Way, in Oct. of 2009. I currently have no big races scheduled, but still plan on running several races this year and will be working towards building a strong base for a possible marathon in 2011. I joined YPOM looking for a good group of people to share some long runs with and keep me motivated.

Rob Kolks
March 2010

I started running about two months ago. I was going through a tough time in my life. I had broken up with the girl I was planning on marrying and I wasn't sure if I was happy with my career choice. I found myself doing a lot of aimless driving and thinking about my situation, then I saw someone running and thought, "I can do that". I fell in love about 10 steps into my first run.

I work as an EMT at Universal Ambulance and am taking my paramedic test in a month or so. I've already done my fire academy and plan on doing the police academy next and working as a public safety officer. I usually run by myself and am looking for a group of people to enjoy this sport with, I think I found the perfect place.

Bill Barsuhn
March 2010

About a year ago I started walking, but that soon got boring so I started to do some light jogging after not running for over 25 years. I was running 2 or 3 miles a couple times a week last year when a friend asked if I wanted to run for his boss in the Brooksie Way. I only had 10 days to prepare for the race but I finished the race and I am looking to significantly improve on last year's time this year.

I started running with YPOM to get motivate me to run farther and faster, it is also much more fun running with someone instead of going it alone.

Chris Brower
March 2010

I have been running on and off for years. Really started getting into seriously the last few. Just finished the Flying Pig in Cincy, my first full, and what an experience. Just started walking right today (4 days after the race) and already ready to do another.

Found out about the group through Joe and Sue at the Y. Just started talking to them one day and away we went. Don't get to run all that often with them because I live on the other side of town but know that it is getting nice out hopefully can be a regular at the Wed/Thur night run. Look forward to meeting more members in the near future.

Lana Rahme
March 2010

Lana kind of watched and stalked YPOM for quite a while starting late in 2009. After running into Sue and Joe at Stony she got the courage to join us. Once she showed up for one run, she was hooked!

Lana had been training for the 2010 Freep Marathon, but thinking about how far off it was she decided to sign up for Bayshore. The fact that Joe was running Bayshore too just sealed the deal. She missed breaking 4 hours by less than 2 minutes in her first organized race of any kind since high school.

Lana always goes to Joe for running and life advice, and on several occasions has mentioned that if he ever left she would be devastated. Her running idol is Joe and she even has a picture of him receiving his Goofy medal on her nightstand.

Cheryl Kengerski
April 2010

My first meeting with YPOM was this year on St. Patrick's Day at none other than Gus O'Connor's. I met Sue and some other members partying like rock stars and I was pretty much hooked right then and there. Seriously though, what an awesome group of people. I knew that I wanted to be part of the group even though I am really not a runner.

They have taken me under their wing and now I hope to be the official walker of the bunch only to run to the finish line when I see them waiting for me. Because of back issues, I really can not run that much, but I hope on my good days that I can do the walk and run thing a bit. You never know though anything can happen!

Paul Ranke
April 2010

Michael Walker
April 2010

I started running because I wanted to get into shape. I started in college with the help of my sister. Out of college I continued to level up in my running abilities (http://xkcd.com/189/, I'm a geek, I know) for a little while, getting really serious in 2006.

I ran my first race in 2009, with my sister (the first Annual Boston pre-Marathon 5K). After that I did another 5K (21:38), the Crim (as part of my company's running team) and then the Brooksie Way ½ Marathon. I will be running my first full marathon this October, which will be Detroit, and I will be running, yet again, with my sister.

Jaye Quadrozzi
May 2010

I have been distance running for a bit over ten years. I run because I can. I run because I must. I run because every time I get up, lace up my shoes and head out the door I win a small victory. Okay - and I also run so I can eat more. I found YPOM in May 2010 when I needed some like-minded runners and motivation.

Andrew Willows
May 2010

Having run for 15 years, I decided that running with a group would be more fun and keep me motivated. One day I ran into YPOM...not on the trail...but in Gus O'Conner's! This is a wonderful and diverse group of people that includes runners of all abilities and who certainly know how to have fun! I have people to run with who have helped me increase my distance and improve my pace by almost a minute per mile.

My first official race was the 10 mile Solstice in June 2010 where, having only run with the group for 6 weeks, I achieved a time beyond anything I could have imagined. I plan on running my first half marathon this year with a goal of running my first full in 2011!

Stavros Bezas
May 2010

I'm 29, married and have a wicked awesome 2 year old son. I work in downtown Detroit at DTE Energy doing MBA-Strategy geekery . I have never have been very athletic before starting to run last year and put two 5K's under my belt over the Winter. I recently got bold and decided I am going to run a marathon. I plan to follow the Non-runner's Guide to Running a Marathon which lays out a really solid 4 month plan that has a real impressive success rate. The hard part is on my end!

I am planning a few races over the summer, including the hilariously over-the-top Warrior Dash in Chicago. If the plan works out I will do the North Country Run up in Manistee for my first Marathon!

Jennifer Lynn Warstler
June 2010

I have been a runner for eight years and have finally realized that this has little to do with the races that I train for, this has everything to do with the person I am becoming. I joke that I do triathlons because I am crazy and run to become sane again. Each mile that I am out there swimming, biking, or running is an additional memory and experience in this journey of life.

My favorite quote has been my mantra for years now - "The run is yours. Embrace each step."

Eric Gramlich
June 2010

Started running in April 2010 after dropping about 40 lbs with a variety of lifestyle changes, increased activity and weightlifting. Soon became bored running around in little circles at the YMCA and got hooked into outdoor running. After a quick Internet search I found the YPOM site and thought it sounded fun.

Six months ago I never would have even thought of running more than 3 miles, and now I am looking at 15K, 10 mile and even half marathon races! YPOM really helped me to push myself - though mostly straight to the Pub after the trail, but hey motivation is great no matter the reason.

First race was the Oak Apple (2 mile), followed by the 10 mile Solstice only 3 weeks later. Planning on running a variety of races over the summer and I am looking to run my first half marathon late this summer or fall. Would like to try for a marathon in 2011.

Tom Cameron
June 2010

Tiffany McNally
June 2010

December 18, 2009 I decided I needed a new challenge to keep me motivated. I went out and bought new shoes the next day and printed off a 12 week beginner running program. When I started my first 1 minute run, I thought I was going to die. I kept with the program and on March 20, 2010 I ran my very first 5K ever.

I am thoroughly addicted to running, and I have run at least one race per month. I have now completed two 10Ks and am thinking of tackling a half marathon in the spring. Never in a million years did I think I could run, but I am proud of what I have accomplished and am excited about running.

Running has given me more than physical benefits, it has given me my "me" time which makes me a better wife, mom, and teacher!

Michelle Alamo
July 2010

Cathy Schmantowsky
July 2010

I started running in the summer of 2008, because I wanted a way to improve my fitness after losing 100 pounds. I ran my first race, a 5K, in September '08 and I was hooked. I run lots of races because it scares me into training so I don't get lazy. The half marathon is probably my favorite distance, though I ran my first full marathon in October 2009 just to prove to myself that I could do it.

Now I'm training for two more marathons to take place in Fall 2010 and am looking forward to many runs with YPOM members in the future.

Adam Stewart
July 2010

I am married with 4 kids. I am running to get back into shape and general fitness. Training gives me something to shoot for so I’m focused on the Brooksie ½ for 2010. Ran the Brooksie 5k last year (first race) and was really impressed with the supportive atmosphere – not a competitive as I thought it would be.

I look forward to training with the group to help me achieve my personal goals and to be a good example for my family.

Nicole "Nicky" Thiele
August 2010

Ran some track in HS, and some 5K’s post until shredding my knee in a ski accident. Damn those snow boarders! For many years after, sidelined and resumed running in 2006. Joined TNT to do my first half in San Francisco, running in the 2008 Nike Women’s Marathon. After gracefully tripping in a pothole, a humbling, full-out face plant in mile 1.5, jumped up and finished the race, and in fact remains my half PR.

Again, repaired the knees, and later in 2009 ran in the Labor Day 30K, Brooksie Way Half, Crim 10 mile, Capitol City River Run Half (Lansing) and completed first full - returning to SF for NWM. In 2010, completed Capital City Half (Columbus), training now to return to Brooksie Way, and heading to Vegas soon. Also play women’s soccer, and a mother of 4 kids. Friends call me Nicky, Grace, Gimp…but live by the mottos- “Go hard or go home!” and “Pain is temporary, pride is forever!”