Melissa Urban

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2018

PRs: 

5k: 27:33, 8k: 46:24 10k: 1:01:07; Half Marathon: 2:20:16

Social Handles:

IG: melurban

Long-Term Running Goals:

I'd love to run a marathon one day but I'm injury prone so my main focus is long-term health and fitness.

Running Start:

I did not grow up a runner. I started running while working my first job after college as a way to stay in shape and de-stress from the day while I was living in Oklahoma. I had friends who also ran so it became a thing we all did (separately of course because we were all in different places). While I didn't love the act of running nor was I naturally talented, I loved the way it made me feel and the improvements I could see when I kept getting out there.

Fun Facts:

• My favorite travel activity is running - I love getting to know a new place on foot.

• I'm known at work for convincing my coworkers to run races.

• Favorite post-run beverages include but are not limited to chocolate milk, nuun, coffee, and beer.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Jessica Vogl

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in March 2017

PRs: 

8k: 35:04, 10k: 42:09, 25k: 1:59:11, Half Marathon: 1:39:46, Marathon: 3:49

Long-Term Running Goals:

Working towards a Boston qualifying time and being strong, healthy and consistent, and learning more along the way.

Most Memorable Run OR Race:

Chicago 2018: "Third time is the charm" I was able to race again and rewrite the story from a DNF to a fun race with a big PR.

Fun Facts:

• I am a "faux-PA" who loves to tell dad jokes. I write them up in my classroom for my students to roll their eyes at daily.

• I have donated 60 inches of hair to Locks of Love to be made into wigs for patients who have lost theirs due to treatments.

• I competed in rowing at Grand Valley State University. GVSU is a club team but also competes against NCAA Division schools. The boats I raced in have set a few course records.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Yuki Hirao

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2017

PRs: 

Half Marathon: 1:27:55, Marathon: 3:20:13

Most Memorable Race:

2019 Chicago - I ran it as a training and produced a PR!

Running Start:

Probably in 2002, my husband suggested I run to get more cardio exercise.

Fun Facts:

• Three food items I became to like in the past year or so are dark chocolate, beans, and dates.

• Since the new year in 2020, I haven't had beer for 6 months. Instead, I started drinking a lot of non-dairy milk.

• My favorite non-dairy milk is soy milk!

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Sascha Edge

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2016

PRs: 

Mile: 5:25, 5k: 17:55, 8k: 29:28, 10k: 38:23, 10M: 1:03:09, Half Marathon: 1:20:04, Marathon: 2:47:04

Social Handles:

IG: saschaedge, FB: Sascha Edge

Long-Term Running Goals:

• Place in Top 10 for AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Ranking

• Sub 2:45 in Marathon

• Place Top 3 in AG in marathon

Most Memorable Race:

2019 Chicago Marathon where 3 years of hard work and determination towards trying to break 2:50 all came to fruition with my best race ever. Secured a PR, 10th consecutive Chicago Marathon raced and 10th consecutive Chicago Marathon PR, finished Top 10 in AG, 3rd fastest U.S.A. runner in my AG and negative split the race!!! I’ve never managed a race better in my life and it felt fantastic crossing that finish line knowing I am capable of achieving great things!

And although 2019 Chicago Marathon was epic, 2021 Boston was its own highlight reel! Going in with no expectations other than running a sub-3 hr race with Dave Walters and Matt Flaherty, as it was my 3rd marathon in 6 weeks, I had one of the funnest races I’ve ever had. I ran my 3rd fastest time, negative split, got to witness Dave win his AG as we passed more runners in the last 7-ish miles than I ever have! Thanks for the memories Dave and Matt!

Fun Facts:

• Once ran 3 marathons (one of them a trail marathon) in 4 weeks

• Love to Salsa Dance

• Love to Travel

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Damon King

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2015

PRs: 

Mile: 4:26, 3k: 9:00, 5k: 15:01, 8k: 24:33, 10k: 32:02, 15k: 50:31, 10M: 52:11, Half Marathon: 1:08:17, Marathon: 2:22:07

Social Handles:

IG: king_damo

Long-Term Running Goals:

Qualify for Olympic Trials

Most Memorable Race:

Grandma's Marathon in 2018 race was great. Dan and I put together a great block, and great race plan. I ran each mile with more confidence and had the best 6.2 close so far in my running career.

Fun Facts:

• I began running in college and grew up playing lacrosse

• I’m an avid run-commuter to and from work

• I balance a running problem with video game problem

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Michael Gordon

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2019

PRs: 

Mile: 5:48, 5k: 18:40, 4M: 24:00, 10M: 1:04:21, Half Marathon: 1:24:55, Marathon: 2:57:52, 50k: 4:10:06

Social Handles:

IG: runmichael262

Most Memorable Race(s):

Being the third male finisher in both the 2018 Antarctica Marathon and the 2019 Patagonia Marathon.

Running Start:

On April 14, 2008, I ran my first race--the Lakefront 10 Miler. I was in my early 40s and had not trained or done much running prior to that. I was so excited about my performance that after the race I went home and registered for the Chicago Marathon six months later.

Fun Facts:

• Completed the 6 World Marathon Majors twice in a 9 month period

• Have an 11 year streak for both the Boston and Chicago Marathons

• Took me 12 years of running to join a team, work with a coach and follow a program

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Dave Alvarez

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in April 2018

PRs: 

Mile: 5:00, 5k: 18:20, 8k: 30:20, 10k: 38:24, Half Marathon: 1:22:54, Marathon: 2:51:57

Social Handles:

IG: DBAlvarez

Long-Term Running Goals:

Well I ran all the major marathons! I’d like to break 3 hours in the majors so I will have to do Tokyo, New York, and Berlin again. I guess Sydney too when that becomes a major. I’d also like to break 2:40 in the marathon someday which is “out there” but I think it’s possible if I really apply myself.

Most Memorable Race:

Boston 2022. It was my first Boston. I never thought I’d every run a sub 3 hour marathon let alone qualify for Boston. When I started running with DWRunning, I got faster and realized it was possible, and I eventually qualified and got in. Boston is overrun with professional and amateur marathoners, but there is this strong feeling of accomplishment simply being in Boston as part of the weekend of celebration. It’s a TOUGH race, but with how hard it was to qualify for, run it, and the history behind it, I was overwhelmed when I ran down Boylston and crossed the finish.

Fun Facts:

• I met my fiancé in a half marathon.

• I hated cross country in high school and instead played football and water polo.

Track or Trails?:

I have more fun on the track these days

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Joanne Molinaro

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2017

PRs: 

10k: 52:57, Half Marathon: 1:57:41, Marathon: 4:15:22

Social Handles:

IG: the.korean.vegan

Long-Term Running Goals:

To run the marathon as fast as I possibly can.

Most Memorable Run:

https://thekoreanvegan.com/running-lsd/

Fun Facts:

• Obama was a professor when I was in law school.

• I slow danced with Donny Osmond Jr. in high school.

• I I can name all 50 states and their capitals in alphabetical order.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Rich Calvario

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2017

PRs: 

Mile: 4:17 (Indoor), 5k: 16:46, 8k (XC): 26:00, 10M: 58:02, Half Marathon: 1:17:05, Marathon: 2:41:19

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run a sub-3 marathon each year for as long as I can.

Most Memorable Race:

Boston Marathon 2014 because the city and runners came together the year after the bombing, family and friends cheered me on throughout the course, Meb won, and I set my lifetime PR!

Fun Facts:

• I made a cameo in the running documentary "BOSTON" and it's spectacular.

• I was at Wrigley Field for Game 5 of the 2016 World Series.

• In high school, I worked at Gap, where I perfected my folding skills.

Track or Trails?:

Roads

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Jessica Sokolowski

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2018

PRs: 

5k: 19:33, 8k: 32:21, 10k: 41:51, 10M: 1:10:42, Half Marathon: 1:28:06, Marathon: 3:10:10  

Most Memorable Race:

My first Boston Marathon my parents went and my dad had cancer and I hugged him at Boston college and he gave me a rose. Thank God he is alive!

Running Role Model:

Yuki - he is an everyday runner like us and crushes it! Meg Sullivan, the first person who told me I could do it and Brian Murphy for the constant support.

Fun Facts:

• I am an artist

• I love comedy and used to do improv.

• I coach Special Olympics

Track or Trails?:

Both

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

It depends on the day.

Summer or Winter?:

Both have their charms

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Dave Gomel

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2020

PRs: 

5k: 18:39, 10k: 37:57, Half Marathon: 1:26:47, Marathon: 2:57:08

Social Handles:

IG: dgomel

Long-Term Running Goals:

1) Get out of the injury cycle I found myself in pre-DWR and be in a position to set PRs for years to come; 2) See how fast I can get!

Most Memorable Race:

When someone asks me how to pronounce my last name, I usually respond: "As if you were cheering on a guy named Mel. Go Mel!" I paced my brother for his first marathon (NYC 2019) and it occurred to me that I might be able to get the crowds cheering for both of us if I wore a "Mel" name tag. With a hot pink singlet and a bushy mustache, I got a lot of attention from the crowds and we had hundreds of people shouting our name the entire race. NYC was an incredible experience, and my alter-ego Mel made it all the more fun. The mustache was short lived however... negotiations for its return for future marathons are ongoing with my wife.

Fun Facts:

• Fully recovered Canadian. Except when it comes to hockey (Go Habs!) and maple syrup. And bagels.

• Incidentally, Montreal bagels make the best pre-race meal. Took up baking them when my supply ran low. Inquire within for the authentic recipe!

• Have a habit of trying lots of new things on race day - new shoes, new gels, new clothes, etc. Hasn't backfired yet, but stay tuned for the inevitable spectacular blow up.

Track or Trails?:

Road

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Curt Hansman

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2015

PRs: 

>65 PRs: 10M: 1:24:30, Marathon: 4:02:39

Social Handles:

IG: AChinaTiger

Long-Term Running Goals:

To continue running and competing and improving with joy and to support especially young women runners through Road Scholars, Girls on the Run, Back on My Feet.

Most Memorable Race:

Boston Marathon 2018 - will never forget the challenging weather, the course lined with supporters (despite the weather), the turn at Hereford carpeted with rain slickers, and the feeling of finishing the same race won by Des Linden.

Fun Facts:

• I’ve watched many track meets at the storied Hayward Field

• I’ve climbed highest peak in South-east Asia (Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia)

• I’ve climbed the Five Sacred Peaks in China

Track or Trails?:

Roads and Paths

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Steve Spangler

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2018

PRs: 

Mile: 5:05, 5k: 16:56, 8k: 29:05, 10k: 37:02, 10M: 1:03:46, Half Marathon: 1:19:14, Marathon: 2:47:10 

Social Handles:

Strava

Long-Term Running Goals:

Become a World Marathon Majors 6-star finisher and run a sub-2:45 marathon. Would also appreciate having a Strava segment named after me.

Running Start:

My first race was the Chicago Marathon in 2014. Wasn't a runner before that, but I think I am now.

Fun Facts:

• I have a 15 year old cat named Nefer who still enjoys my company

• My pre-race meal is peanut butter & banana overnight oats

• I met Kelly Clarkson in a Barnes & Noble

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Pete Jaros

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in May 2019

PRs: 

5k: 15:56, 4M: 22:00, Marathon: 2:42:52

Social Handles:

IG: pete.jaros

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub 15:30 5k, Sub 2:30 marathon

Running Start:

I ran a fast 800m in gym class. PE teacher (and track coach) convinced me to run track.

Fun Facts:

• I’m a Physical Therapist in the Chicago south suburbs

• I’m a Star Wars and Harry Potter nerd

• I’m a Plant Dad

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Erica van Heerden

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in May 2017

PRs: 

Mile: 5:38, 8k: 29:51, 10k: 38:30, 10M: 1:02:38, Half Marathon: 1:22:43, Marathon: 2:57:40

Social Handles:

IG: ericaruns365

Long-Term Running Goals:

My main goal is to run & to be a strong athlete for life; and a PR would be nice :)

Running Role Model:

Deena Kastor, specifically because of her attitude towards running and life overall, which is beautifully summarized in her book. She captures what running is all about and the joy it brought and still brings to her life.

Fun Facts:

• My first marathon was Amsterdam

• I lived in Shanghai, China for 2 years

• I’ve traveled to all continents except Antarctica

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both

Summer or Winter?:

Both

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Ruth Swedler

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2020

PRs: 

10k: 42:23, Half Marathon: 1:26:37, Marathon 3:04:19

Social Handles:

IG: rswedler

Most Memorable Run:

Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (across the Grand Canyon and back) I especially will never forget seeing the sunrise while running down into the Grand Canyon. One of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.

Running Start:

Despite wanting to play volleyball, my parents made me do cross country in 5th grade since my older brothers ran. My competitiveness kept me intrigued, and eventually I fell in love with it.

Fun Facts:

• It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, but now I am pediatric surgery PA and I love it!

• My bestie's name is George and he just so happens to be my dog, too.

• I first met Dan Walters on the Illini XC/Track team and we spent about a million hours studying engineering together over the next 4.5 years.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Cassidy McPherson

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2019

PRs: 

800m: 2:16, 1500m: 4:39, 3k Steeplechase: 10:56, 3M XC: 17:38, 6k XC: 21:58, 8k: 31:36, 10k: 41:23, 10M: 1:09:53, Half Marathon: 1:33:38

Social Handles:

IG: djcass317

Most Memorable Race:

My final track race in college -- I had only run the steeplechase a few times prior, and the week before had a DNF (nearly passed out a mile in due to some unforeseen circumstances), so I was unsure how this race would go. I kept a positive attitude throughout and came away with an 18 second PR, narrowly missing qualifying for the national meet but ending my collegiate career on a high note nonetheless.

Running Role Model:

My parents are my biggest running role models and motivators. My dad hasn't missed a day of running in over 20 years... though this is arguably crazy, I can't help but be inspired by his constant dedication and persistence.

Fun Facts:

• I've been running competitively since I was 11

• Onions are my favorite food

• I studied in Barcelona during college

Track or Trails?:

Depends on the day!

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Maggie Graham

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in April 2016

PRs: 

5k: 17:10, 8k: 28:20, 10k: 36:27, 10M: 1:00:07, Half Marathon: 1:19:36, Marathon: 3:00:38

Social Handles:

IG: maggiegruns

Most Memorable Race:

Any Disney race. They are magical in every sense of the word!

Running Start:

I played soccer my whole life through college (Go 'Cats!). Fitness was always my favorite part of practice. Seriously - the beep test was my favorite. The transition post-college just made sense!

Fun Facts:

• I was featured in Runner's World on their list of ugliest runner's feet

• My favorite place to run is Bend, Oregon

• My pre-race breakfast is untoasted sourdough bread with Kerrygold butter and black tea

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Rene Duquesnoy

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2015

PRs: 

5k: 22:26, 4M: 31:05, 8k: 38:04, 5M: 39:44, 10k: 48:03, 10M: 1:22:17, Half Marathon: 1:47:02, Marathon: 3:58:30

Social Handles:

IG: rduquesnoy

Long-Term Running Goals:

Get back into shape for long runs. I had a big thyroid issue that has completely destroyed my fitness. I also want to run a half in all 50 states.

Most Memorable Race:

Kentucky Derby Half in Louisville. I ran with my running bestie, Jessica Bird. She pulled me through to a PR, and we were able to explore the city. Vacation races are the best, unless you blow out an Achilles (looking at you Grandmas 2018!)

Fun Facts:

• I love playing board games

• I teach improv at Second City

• I will choose pie over any other dessert.

• I’m a 3-time Melting Clown Face Champion

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Evening

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Winter

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Valere Guertin-Ohms

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2016

PRs: 

Mile: 5:58, 5k: 19:06, 8k: 30:40, 10k: 39:10, 10M: 1:05:00, Half Marathon: 1:26:39, Marathon: 2:58:30

Most Memorable Race:

Boston Marathon 2015. First race back after 2 months off for any injury. Ran it on 6 weeks of training. Weather was just as bad as 2018 and I got severe hypothermia. Fun times.

Running Role Model:

Deena Kastor. Her mental game is on point. Her mental toughness, resiliency, positivity, and spirit of gratitude are inspiring. 

Fun Facts:

• I’ve lived in 3 different states in a year and a half

• I always tie my left shoe first. ALWAYS

• Butterflies freak me out

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Autumn

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.