Alex Forte

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2022

PRs: 

Mile: 4:30, 5k: 15:16, 8k: 25:23, 10M: 54:37, Half Marathon: 1:09:06, Marathon: 2:27:32, 50k: 3:26:52

Social Handles:

Strava: Alex Forte

Long-Term Running Goals:

#1: Run until I'm old then keep going. #2: Make the Marathon Olympic Trials. #3: Be content with any of my race times. #4: Bonk in a marathon or long run just to experience it.

Most Memorable Run:

I went on vacation to Germany with my parents when I was sixteen, and we stayed in a small walled city called Nördlingen for a few days. On the morning we were leaving, I got up at around 5:30 for a long run so we could catch an early train. It was foggy, a little chilly, and there were no cars on the road. I would alternate between looking at houses and enjoying solitude as tiny villages, just clumps of a few homes, were scattered every couple miles with nothing in between. I've gotten that magical feeling many times while running, but I don't know if I'll ever top that experience.

Fun Facts:

• I'm an only child but have thirty first cousins.

• I've driven from Seattle to Los Angeles and from Seattle to Chicago.

• I've loved watches since I was fourteen, and I just moved close to Mag Mile, so I'm pretty much living the dream now.

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.

Andrew Gazdziak

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2022

PRs: 

5k (track): 15:35, 8k: 28:40, 10k: 33:59, Half Marathon: 1:15:45, Marathon: 2:49:00

Social Handles:

IG: agazdziak

Most Memorable Race:

2019 Chicago Marathon - perfect weather, first time running the course (2nd marathon overall), executed race plan perfectly, negative split, felt great at the finish, ran with a bunch of friends, and ran my PR!

Running Start:

I started running in middle school (I tried all other sports and this is what stuck).

Fun Facts:

• I lived in San Diego for the past 8 years and just moved to Chicago.

• One goal is to visit all of the national parks in the US.

• I've hiked the tallest peak in the lower 48 (Mt Whitney, 14,505')

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.

Kevin Kysiak

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2021

PRs: 

8k: 29:09, 10M: 1:02:55, Half Marathon: 1:19:26, Marathon: 2:53:36

Long-Term Running Goals:

2:40 by my 40th and 1x family fun race in the next 5 years.

Running Role Model:

Prefontaine. No one was able to outwork him, and his race strategy matched his intensity. He knew how to win, and his training matched the plan.

Fun Facts:

• My wife and I met in Kindergarten.

• I will run no matter how cold it is, although I may need to wear 3 jackets.

• After 10 years, I am still searching for a high quality California burrito within 500 miles of my house.

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.

Anna Buckstaff

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2021

PRs: 

1500m: 4:50, Mile: 5:11, 3000m: 10:44, 5000m: 18:46, 6k (XC): 23:54, 8k: 32:13, Half Marathon: 1:33:38

Social Handles:

IG: buckstaff99, Strava: Anna Buckstaff

Long-Term Running Goals:

Keep having fun :)

Running Role Model:

Lauren Fleshman! I love how she advocates for women and health in sports plus the bonus writing she shares.

Fun Facts:

• I'm in the top 1% of Taylor Swift listeners on Spotify.

• I'm a Packers fan even though I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs; my freshman year at Marquette, I had to remind myself I was in Wisconsin every time I saw a hint of green and gold.

• My favorite food is Mac and Cheese, there is no such thing as too much cheese.

Track or Trails?:

Track meet, but it’s raining!

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.

Stu Newstat

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2021

PRs: 

5k (track): 15:25, 8k (road): 25:29, Half Marathon: 1:09:35, Marathon: 2:39:07

Social Handles:

IG: snewstat

Long-Term Running Goals:

I have 3 main goals:

1. My outcome goal is to break 2:30 in the marathon..

2. My racing goal is to run all 6 World Majors.

3. My long term running goal is to follow in my dad's footsteps and continue running well beyond my peak years.

Running Start:

My parents were key in getting me to run. They would do a lot of local road races and would bring me with them. My first race was a kids 400m dash. I chugged 3 Gatorade cups beforehand and got a side stitch with 100m left.

Fun Facts:

• I have a dog named Remy.

• I host a podcast about D3 Running (shameless plug).

• I haven't run a PR in super shoes (yet).

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall - Shorts and long sleeve is the best running weather.

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Tony Gao

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in August 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 4:36, 5k: 16:52, 8k: 28:02, 10k: 35:56, 10M: 56:59, Half Marathon: 1:16:24, Marathon: 2:40:55

Most Memorable Race:

The 2015 Illinois Marathon! I had only really been running for a couple years at that point, but was determined to hit a Boston Qualifier my first attempt. It was by far one of the most humbling experiences ever. The second half of the race was basically in a torrential downpour and the marathon was cancelled about 15 minutes after I crossed the finish line due to thunder! I ultimately missed the BQ qualifying time by 38 seconds which was a heartbreaker, but I'd like to think this was the moment I really started getting into running!

Running Start:

I first started running the summer leading into my junior year of high school. I was mostly convinced to join the cross country summer training so I could hangout with a girl I had a huge crush on at the time. She ultimately ended up not joining the cross country team, but I figured I already spent a good chunk of the money I made that summer on my running shoes so I might as well stick it out. Also, I really needed to do something besides swimming.

Fun Facts:

• During the start of the pandemic and recovering from an overuse injury, I got really into cycling. So far this year I've done three centuries and one double-century (200mi in a single day)!

• Right before joining this team, I spent six weeks working remotely from Colorado (originally was working out of DC post-college). 10/10 experience, would definitely recommend tackling a 14er or two if you're there!

• I love rock climbing! Hit me up if you ever want a boulder/top-rope buddy. You'll probably catch me at First Ascent a couple times during the week!

Track or Trails?:

Track

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.

Lisa Cole

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2021

PRs: 

5k: 17:58, 8k: 29:45, Half Marathon: 1:25:37, Marathon: 3:01:43

Social Handles:

IG: lisa14e

Long-Term Running Goals:

1. Sub 3 hour marathon.

2. Run a marathon abroad.

3. Never stop running and competing - so staying healthy, fit, and in love with running.

Running Start:

My older sister joined the cross country and track teams when we were in middle school and I had to do everything she did. We ended up spending 3 years on the same team throughout school and I learned to love the sport with her by my side....I did end up finally beating her high school 800m record my senior year! But even before I could join a school team, I remember being competitive about running at a very young age and would aggressively race the gym class mile, trying to beat everyone in my class - and I usually did since no one else tried! Racing has always been a fun outlet for me.

Fun Facts:

• I'm always up for a roadtrip! - Longest one so far was from Upstate NY to Anchorage, AK.

• I love soft serve ice cream - a twist with chocolate sprinkles.

• I’ve been skydiving.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Both! There is something special about a great solo run.

Summer or Winter?:

For running, definitely winter! For anything else, summer.

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Julie Wiemerslage

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in May 2021

PRs: 

1500: 4:43, Mile: 5:05, 3k: 9:57, 5k: 17:06, 6k (XC): 21:21, 4M: 22:57, 8k: 28:07, 10k: 36:38, 10M: 1:00:16, Half Marathon: 1:16:33, Marathon: 2:47:23

Social Handles:

IG: thegingerscientist

Long-Term Running Goals:

I would like to run an Olympic Trials Qualifier for the marathon and run at Western States. I also have unfinished business in the 5k and want to break 17 minutes.

Running Role Model:

I would probably have to say Kara Goucher because she has used her voice to bring positive change to the sport. For instance, bringing attention to the abuses of coaches and sponsors, especially involving female athletes becoming mothers, and her involvement in the CleanSport Collective.

Fun Facts:

• My longest race to date was 50 miles!

• Black coffee>all other coffee.

• I had 3 baby teeth pulled at the prime age of 27.

Track or Trails?:

Can I say both?

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.

Darren Barlow

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in April 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 4:04, 3k: 8:04, 5k (road): 14:33, 8k: 24:01, 10k: 30:36, 10M: 50:48, Half Marathon: 1:07:34, Marathon: 2:26:38

Social Handles:

IG: d.baby726

Long-Term Running Goals:

Marathon OTQ & run PRs in all distances

Running Start:

My first introduction into running was watching my parents run in the nTelos 8k in Richmond, VA. We would always stay to watch the first marathon finishers and even as a little kid it amazed and inspired me just seeing how fast they were running after 25 miles. Eventually my parents let me sign up to race with them in the 8k when I was 10. After that race I was hooked and continued to sign up for different local races each year.

Fun Facts:

• Qualified for junior nationals in the 100 backstroke.

• I like dachshunds and frequently receive dachshund themed gifts.

• I spent two days in Charlotte's airport and got a 30 minute run through the terminals.

Track or Trails?:

Track

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.

Jason Roberts

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2021

PRs: 

5k: 16:07, 8k: 28:25, Half Marathon: 1:15:01, Marathon: 2:34

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run a sub 2:30 marathon, then go as low as I can.

Fun Facts:

• I am an excellent whistler.

• I was almost an intramural champion in Super Smash Bros N64.

• I have a cat named Dumpling.

Track or Trails?:

Indoor tracks or 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.

Laura Julien

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2018

PRs: 

5k: 20:17, 10k: 41:56, 8k: 32:56, Half Marathon: 1:33:42, Marathon: 3:19:50

Most Memorable Race:

Winning a local 10k pushing my (then) 1 year old in a stroller.

Running Start:

My obsession with running started when I was at cheerleading practice in 6th grade. The high school cross country team was doing a hill workout along the same field we were practicing. They looked miserable, but something about their sheer grit and determination intrigued me. I remember going home and asking what "sport" that was, because I wanted in.

Fun Facts:

• I have qualified for the Boston Marathon a number of times over the last 10 years, but each time *something* prevents me from running. It has (almost) become comical.

• I am addicted to coffee (especially after runs). So much so that my daughter asks to go "running" with me because she knows we will go to the coffee shop and get a treat after.

• I am obsessed with collecting running gadgets and tech but don't know how to use most of them. I am also a running shoe hoarder.

Track or Trails?:

Depends on the mood

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.

Jonathan O'Connell

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 5:59, 5k: 20:22, 8k: 34:55, 10M: 1:11:32, Half Marathon: 1:33:39, Marathon: 3:21:48

Most Memorable Race:

Kettle Moraine 100M... The laughs with strangers I met along the course... DNF'd at 85M

Running Start:

Part of my crew team training in High School in Ireland in 1990

Fun Facts:

• Immigrated to the USA in 1999.

• Only running injuries sustained playing soccer.

• Was on crew teams for years but cannot swim.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Depends on the day :)

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Ben Gabrek

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in January 2021

PRs: 

Mile: 4:50, 5k: 16:48, 8k: 27:51, Half Marathon: 1:18:17, Marathon: 2:43:08

Social Handles:

IG: bpgabrek

Most Memorable Race:

2020 RLT Marathon (unofficial race) - Got to run a race in 2020 and bonked hard the last 2 miles. Learned more from failing hard than any successful runs.

Running Start:

I joined the track team in high school as a way to stay in shape for soccer - mostly running 400m - 1600m races.

Fun Facts:

• My birthday is Christmas Eve - I've never gone to school or worked on my birthday

• I have two goldendoodles

• Burritos are my favorite food

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.

Ryan Thompsen

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2020

PRs: 

Mile: 4:19, 3000m: 8:45, 5000m: 14:50, Half Marathon: 72:28, Marathon: 2:33:08

Social Handles:

Strava - Ryan Thompsen

Most Memorable Race:

Post-college 5000m PR. Even though the time wasn't what I wanted it to be I ran a very smart race, and had never raced as mentally tough as I did in that race.

Running Role Model:

Coach McDannald, my junior high cross country coach. He began running cross country in college at EIU, and is the greatest influence on me as a cross country coach myself. I'll still hear his catchphrases during workouts.

Fun Facts:

• I used to be a drummer (saving to get a kit to play on again)

• Indoor track is my favorite for racing

• Country running > running in town

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.

Allen O'Connor

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2020

PRs: 

5k: 16:15, 15k: 54:17, Half Marathon: 1:17:52

Social Handles:

IG: apo_runnerdad, Strava: Allen O'Connor

Long-Term Running Goals:

To drop my half marathon down to sub 1:11 and my marathon down to 2:30

Most Memorable Race:

Rock and Roll Seattle Half Marathon in 2018. I felt so relaxed and smooth that I just had fun the first 12 miles and last mile I cranked out to run a 5 min PR! Highlight was finishing 7th overall and 1st in my age group.

Fun Facts:

• I'm a father of 3 (Girls 6 and 4, Son is 2)

• We're a big Disney family

• I work as a Business Architect at Accenture

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.

Jon Kinsey

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in November 2020

PRs: 

5k: 17:49, 10M: 1:01:18, Half Marathon: 1:18:35, Marathon: 2:46:18, Beer Mile: 7:35

Social Handles:

IG: jon.kinsey

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run all 6 major marathons

Most Memorable Race:

Berlin Marathon 2019 since it was the first time I was able to have my whole family present for a race.

Fun Facts:

• I am a twin

• I play piano

• I am an incredible dancer

Track or Trails?:

Track

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.

Michael Boraz

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2020

PRs: 

Mile: 6:04, 5k: 20:47, 4M: 27:41, 8k: 34:42, 10k: 44:06, 10M: 1:11:38, Half Marathon: 1:35:13, Marathon: 3:16:57

Social Handles:

IG: mjboraz51

Long-Term Running Goals:

3:16:30 26.2, negative split everything in 2021, be a great teammate

Most Memorable Race:

Wisconsin Marathon 2023.

I dropped out of the Spring 2023 BQ.2 due to the heat.  My make up race was going to be Schaumburg 3 weeks later, but the forecast for that race kept getting hotter by the day.  3 days before the race, I bought a bib and joined teammate Jonathan O in Kenosha. I wanted to help Jonathan with his BQ attempt, and I wanted to execute a good race plan.  Jonathan needed 3:20 for Boston. We started out conservatively as planned, hitting halfway in just under 1:41. Larry K jumped in to help at the halfway point. He also helped at BQ.2 the few weeks before.  Although we missed Jonathan's BQ, he PRed by 4 mins and I negative split my 1st marathon. I was happy with a decent time and a negative split, which i doubted was possible.  The teamwork is what made it my most memorable race though.  I am grateful for DW teammates who are willing to give their time and energy to help others, and I am grateful for opportunities to try to help my teammates.  

Fun Facts:

• Ran my first marathon at age 51, having never raced longer than a 10k.  

• I am married and have 2 daughters.  

• After my recent marathon, I convinced my wife and kids that I signed us all up for a spring 2021 marathon and that I got David Goggins to live with us and coach us for a month.  

• I am a running nerd-I listen to running podcasts on my commute to and from the office.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Solo or With Friends?:

With friends

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Kurt Ashack

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2020

PRs: 

Mile 4:45, 5k 16:25, 10k: 34:32, 15k: 57:13, 10M: 58:33, Half Marathon: 1:18:33, 25k: 1:38:04, Marathon: 2:44:59

Social Handles:

IG: kurtashack.derm (instagram), Facebook & Strava: kurtashack

Running Start:

I started in high school track and cross country in 2002, kept running as an outlet for my anxiety/stress throughout medical school and dermatology training. Running is a way for me to connect with my brother and uncle!

Running Role Model:

Dathan Ritzenhein - watched him run high school cross country, in college, and then run in the Olympic Trials and Olympics! It is very inspirational watching all of his hard work pay off and makes him more relatable given that he grew up close to me!

Fun Facts:

• I love my job as a dermatologist

• I am a dog dad to @guinnesstheshichonpup

• My wife is a radiation oncologist!

Track or Trails?:

Track

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.

Catharine Carlin

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in October 2015

PRs: 

5k: 20:04, 10k: 42:30, Half Marathon: 1:32:18, Marathon: 3:19:25

Social Handles:

IG: catharinecarlin

Long-Term Running Goals:

Set new PRs, run injury free

Running Start:

I was living in Allentown, PA and running on the treadmill at the local gym. The guy next to me invited me to run with an informal group that did 6 at 6. I started racing 5Ks with them and then a 10 miler, followed by a half marathon.

Fun Facts:

I was a high jumper for Ohio State. Two laps around the track was "distance running”.

Track or Trails?:

Scenic routes with smooth surfaces (I trip and fall often). I love routes near water that involve bridges.

Morning or Afternoon?:

Evening, but wish I was better at getting up early.

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Spring and Fall - cooler temps, more daylight

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Laura Houghton

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in June 2019

PRs: 

Mile: 5:45, 5k: 20:16, 10k: 41:31, 10M: 1:12:29, Half Marathon: 1:32:49, Marathon: 3:13:43

Social Handles:

IG: LauraHo10

Most Memorable Race:

I have 2:

Boston 2018- It was my first Boston and the conditions could not have been worse. I still loved every moment of it and still got a PR. I remember laughing throughout the race at how ridiculous the weather was.

Detroit Marathon 2016- I finally got my first BQ after 3 previous failed attempts. Fourth time is a charm, right?

Running Start:

I started running marathons when my college boyfriend broke up with me. For some reason I thought it would be a good way to get back at him? Not sure exactly what I was thinking, but hey I was only 21, and I'm grateful I started because it led me to a lot of great experiences and friendships that I would not have had if I had not fallen in love with the craziness of marathoning.

Fun Facts:

• I was a college cheerleader at the University of Michigan, Go Blue! (I can therefore walk on my hands)

• I snap with my thumb and first finger

• Oreos are milk's (and my) favorite cookie

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Noon, if I had the choice

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Fall

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Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.