Runner Spotlight - November 2022

Nick Gereaux

Meet Nick Gereaux! Nick has been a member of Run Muskegon since 2019. He is currently a student at the University of Toledo College of Law (at the ripe age of 35) and couldn’t do that without the support of his amazing wife MaryAnn (and the emotional support of their three dogs—Oscar, Archie, and Ringo). He is currently employed as a Litigation Intern at Gravis Law, PLLC and you can find him behind the bar at the Pigeon Hill Brewer’s Lounge on the weekends!
 
As a part of our Runner Spotlight, we also asked Nick to answer a few fun questions:
1. How long have you been running?
I would run an occasional 5k with friends during undergrad, but I didn’t run routinely until 2019.
2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?
I do! But the only “race” I compete in is against myself. Because of that, I’m always trying to push myself a little farther and be a little faster. My most memorable race was the 2019 Holland Haven Marathon because it was (at the time) a distance I never thought I’d be able to complete before joining Run Muskegon.
3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?
My body is a costume. At 6’2” and 240-270lbs depending on the season (I’m basically a bear when it comes to eating habits) I’m not what usually comes to mind when someone thinks of a “runner.” I hope that inspires anybody that’s hesitant about getting into the sport to try it out.
4. Only running shoes for me are... 
HOKA!
5. What is your worst running-related injury?
In 2019, I started running and was obsessed. I was increasing mileage WAY too fast and injured some tendons that connected around my heel. That set me back about a month.
6. Hot or cold weather runner? 
I don’t mind either as long as it’s not raining.
7. What is your motivation for running?
Physical and mental health, the sense of community, and personal accomplishment.
8. If I didn't run I.... 
would hike, bike, or ski!
9. I can't run without...
my watch. Not because I’m obsessed with my time or am always pushing for a PR on every run, but I’m a bit of a data nerd and like to see the stats.
10. What's the farthest you have run at one time? 
43.5 miles at the 2019 Ultra Bird 12-Hour Endurance Run. It was an ultimate Michigan day in terms of weather (sun, rain, snow, and wind) and I raised over $1,100 for the Muskegon YMCA Livestrong program thanks to the support of Run Muskegon members and our local community.

---