Anne Tyson is the mother of three adult children, ranging in age from 28 to 20.  Her children have been the encouragers of continuing with running throughout the years. She is unsure if this is because it keeps her busy and out of their business, or if it is because they would like her to live a long healthy life. 

After working at Catholic Charities for several years as a psychotherapist, Anne then spent the next decade of her career working with terminally ill patients and their families as a clinical medical social worker for Harbor Hospice. Since this time, she has moved on to work for Corewell Health as a psychotherapist in their school based telehealth psychotherapy program and works with adults and adolescents in her own private practice. 

If she could spend her life doing anything she wanted, she would fish early in the morning – head out for a run – then go back to fishing.

1. How long have you been running?  Approximately 16 years ago, after two back surgeries and a solid recovery I decided to take up running.  Run Walk Run moved into wanting to find a way to run faster than my five year old son for a local 5 K race. The 5-year-old finished 5 minutes ahead of me, and I have been running ever since. 

2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?  In 2023, my best friend set up a half marathon course for Thanksgiving Day.  The two families ran this half marathon course at whatever time we wanted to in the morning and met afterward for a pancake breakfast with all of the fixing things.  Best half marathon time was achieved that day, and the best breakfast that could ever be imagined.
 
3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?  I would never be seen running in a costume. However, I have a friend who has a blow-up “leprechaun” costume, so if needed there is always the availability of one.
 
4. Only running shoes for me are...  After years of searching, I found that a wide toe box is a necessity.  I alternate between men's New Balance and Altra running shoes.
 
5. What is your worst running-related injury.  I would say the worst running related injury occurred when I was training for a marathon.  After an 18 mi run, and getting close to the end of training, I hit a wall.  I smiled and thought, “18 is really good.  I think I will just stick with that.”  Running related emotional injury, I would say.  I found it is really important to adjust expectations, enjoy the run, and be thankful for the mobility and activity that I have.
 
6. Hot or cold weather runner?  Hot weather running if the choice is between Hot or Cold. Warm weather running if I ruled the world.  Cold weather running if I had no choice, and treadmill running when it is freezing outside.
 
7. What is your motivation for running?  My motivation to run comes from finding a sense of equilibrium that occurs while thinking about a run, doing a run, or reflecting on a run.
 
8. I can't run without...  I found I require Trident peppermint gum while running. But in the event I forget my gum and there is a group run, I will gladly take whatever someone is willing to provide.
 
9. What's the farthest you have run at one time?  18 miles. 
 
10. What brought you to Run Muskegon and why have you stayed?  Looking at ways to connect with other runners who had a variety of different skill levels, a friend suggested Run Muskegon.  I’ve stayed because I feel Run Muskegon provides both social and emotional support, as well as education, entertainment, and civic minded endeavors. 
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Chris is a class of 1977 Fruitport graduate and has been inducted into the Fruitport Hall of Fame for being on the 1974-75 wrestling team. In high school Chris also ran cross-country and track. Chris served in the United States Marine Corps from 1977-1981 and ended at rank of E5, Sergeant. Chris is married to, as he put it, his beautiful wife Lisa, who is his rock and inspiration for life. They have two sons, Brandon & Drew. Brandon served in the Army doing two tours in Iraq and Drew is currently a Major in the Marines and served one tour in Iraq. Brandon is married to Charlene and has one son, Gabriel who loves hockey. Drew is married to Kelly and is currently stationed in Okinawa Japan. Chris currently works as a facilities manager for MasterTag in Montague.

1. How long have you been running?  
I have been running for about 50 years, but it wasn’t until my son Drew started running at the age of 7, did I start to enter races.
 
2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience? 
I’ve participated in many races over my 65 years.  I’ve raced in 3 Marathons.  The first was the Chicago marathon when I turned 40, my second was the Marine Corps marathon when I turned 50, and my third was my most memorable run, another Marine Corps marathon when I turned 60. In that marathon I was able to run with my Marine Corps son, Drew. The first 16 miles was a downpour of steady rain, followed by hot humidity for the rest of the race. I hit the Runners Wall at mile 20 and was ready to quit, but my Marine son, Drew, gave me a great motivational speech full of colorful language, and with that, got me moving again to finish the race. Even though my finish time was horrible, it was my best race, because I completed it with my son.
 
3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what? 
I never ran in a costume, but I’ve been passed in races by a cow and a Coors Light can. 😊
 
4. Only running shoes for me are...
HOKA Gaviota 5
 
5. What is your worst running-related injury? 
STFU at Sleepy Hollow State Park north of Lansing. It was a ½ trail marathon and I fell three times over tree roots and fractured three ribs but finished the race.
 
6. Hot or cold weather runner? 
Hot – I hate running in the cold, but I still do.
 
7. What is your motivation for running? 
Mental is a big part – running provides me with a healthy outlet for stress and an opportunity for self-reflection.
 
8. If I didn't run I....  I probably would not be still alive….
 
9. I can't run without... 
Ear pods – Music or a good book on digital.
 
10. What's the farthest you have run at one time? 
26.2 during the Marathons
 
11. What brought you to Run Muskegon and why have you stayed? 
​Being a club member at Pigeon Hill, I would see Pam Riley-Barbier every Wednesday and she would remind me about Run Muskegon, so I finally signed up. I’ve stayed because of the group and the people I’ve met.
Chris says running has been a transformative journey characterized by achievement and personal growth. From the initial days of racing against himself to the present goals of participating in larger events, running has shaped his character. Chris says running pushes his limits, and the lessons he learns emphasize the importance of resilience and determination. In looking ahead, running will always play a vital role in Chris’s life. “Through running, I have discovered my passion, learned valuable life lessons, and built connections that enrich my life every day.”