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I started running in high school after someone told me that I couldn’t and haven’t stopped since. I have done races in several distances between 800m and 25k. My favorite distance race is a 10k. I have also done several sprint triathlons despite being a terrible swimmer.
I joined Run Muskegon with my husband last year after watching runners take off from Pigeon Hill for a few weeks. After the first run (and social hour), I knew we found our kind of people. Wednesday nights have easily become my favorite night of the week. I love the support and camaraderie that comes with being part of Run Muskegon! |
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I did not begin running until my late 20’s after years of negative self-talk around my lack of athletic abilities. I began with running to a driveway, walking to a driveway, and back and forth until I was finally able to run my first 5K without walking when I was 27; a year later I ran my first half marathon!
After a few long breaks to have my babies, I was back in the saddle (or running shoes). In 2017 a friend finally convinced me to run my first Ragnar Michigan, which is how I found Run Muskegon. It took a bit to start making Wednesday night runs a regular occurrence when I didn’t have a buddy since I have a bit of social anxiety, but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and am so glad I did! With the camaraderie, encouragement, love, and support of my Run MKG family, I have gone from run a driveway-walk a driveway, to countless races, including three marathons and counting. It has also become a safe space and community for my kids and me to embrace our new normal when I became a single mama and still wanted to run with the club even on my nights with kids. I am excited to give back to the club that kind of held me together! |
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Growing up in the Grand Rapids area, I always admired the River Bank Run, eagerly scanning the Sunday GR Press for finishing times. In 2012, I finally participated in my first 10K during the event, and the rush of crossing the finish line sparked a desire for more. Witnessing friends complete the challenging 25K race inspired me to set my sights on longer distances, paving the way for my journey toward marathons.
Upon relocating to Muskegon in 2016, I discovered Run Muskegon, a vibrant running community. Since joining, I've found joy in volunteering at our 5K events and contributing to the club's growth through various committees. However, my true passion lies in pacing, where I have the privilege of guiding others toward their goals throughout the year. As I look ahead, I'm eagerly anticipating a fall marathon and have my sights set on applying for the New York City Marathon in 2025. It's incredible how one race experience can ignite a lifelong love for running and community involvement. |
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A week before I started the 5th grade my mom informed me that I would be joining the cross-country team. She dropped me off at practice and I never looked back. After years of 2-mile and 3-mile races I graduated high school and ran my first half marathon at the end of my freshman year at the University of Illinois. I kept running, mostly on my own, but was excited to find a group to run with again when I moved to Muskegon. Since joining Run Muskegon my training has become more serious and I’ve now done a few marathons and an Ironman. I love that there is space for everyone at Run Muskegon and I always look forward to Wednesday night runs!
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It was my wife Becki who first ventured into the domain of Run Muskegon. For me, running was a solitary sport and afterall, I was too __________ (everyone has their own excuse to fill in the blank) to be a participant or member of an organized run club. I finally attended my first Newbie Night...nearly 10 years ago now!
Along with so many other aspects of life, Covid had an impact on running, races and the run club. With a group of like minded people, we put time and effort into rebuilding the foundation of the club. Committees have become an important part of distributing the responsibilities with small armies of people organized for communication, outreach, race, gift giving, membership and scholarship. The real asset of the club is the people. I describe to everyone who asks that we are a social run club. We train for races, we follow training programs and we put in the miles. But we also share the wealth of information that we have accumulated and support one another in all aspects of our running lives. It has been a pleasure to be at the helm of such a great organization! |
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I have been a Member of Run Muskegon 2016, which started my running career. My first impression of Run Muskegon was that it was a group of elite runners. I couldn’t even run a mile. My friend Colin Eden encouraged me to join his group on Wednesday night. In my first few weeks, I would hide at Top shelf, listen to the group getting ready in the hallway, and then take off for their run. After a few weeks and getting busted by Colin for hiding at Top Shelf, I was welcomed by warm smiles into the group. I guess you can say I drank the Kool-Aid.
One of my favorite parts about being a Run Muskegon member is the group's support and encouragement. I can say that Run Muskegon played a huge role in becoming an ultra runner and triathlete. I have served on the Run Muskegon Board for three years as an at-large. |
