why we do it

chris

When did you start running?

When I was a freshman in high school so that I could get in shape for basketball. I realized I sucked at basketball, so I kept running. After being lazy for a decade, Ashley actually wrangled me back into it and I haven't looked back since.

Favorite food?

Meat. All of the meat.

Longest race run?

50k

Favorite race PR?

Probably my half marathon PR of 1:34:51. It's nothing super special, but it was a tough race mentally, and I kicked it in the junk.

Favorite movie?

John Wick makes me happier than many things in this world.

Besides onions, what makes you cry?

The end of "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" when the kingdom of Gondor bows to the Hobbits.

Race you most want to run?

the Boston Marathon. While that may be cliche, I love the history and energy surrounding that race.

Favorite running book?

"The Perfect Mile" by Neil Bascomb

Hidden talent?

I can one-hand clap with each hand.

kurtis

When did you start running?

My family was never really made of long-distance runners. I had a few brothers that medaled in sprinting. I was never really a track and field kind of guy, but it was always limited to short-distance runs. Being a parent, however, you take exercise when and how you can get it. Over the last few years, running has become my reality.

Favorite food?

Lasagna or enchiladas. mmmm 🤤. I LOVE enchiladas, but unfortunately they do not love me. That doesn't stop me from flirting with them from time-to-time, however.

Favorite race PR?

Everyone else in the gang makes fun of me, but I basically stick to a mile. I had one approaching the 8-minute mark over the summer. Sadly, that made me REAL happy.

Besides onions, what makes you cry?

Bagpipe music, especially at some kind of funeral, but ESPECIALLY on Highlander: Endgame. Duncan having to kill Connor was just too much. You don't full the feel breadth of your loss until the bagpipes hit in the ending credits. Video Clip (grab Kleenexes) and song (grab a mop) 😢. They are best enjoyed playing simultaneously.

Favorite movie?

Despite Rian Johnson's best attempt, I can't quit Star Wars.

Favorite hobby?

If I’m looking to blow off some steam, or just have a relaxing night, it’s hard to beat gaming. Melissa loves our house, and I love her. Our house is an old-ass house and has needed a bunch of work. It’s hard to beat the satisfaction of a job well-done, and a smile on Melissa’s face will always brighten my day.

Why I run?

I hope to gain the joy, one day, but for now it is a necessity. It’s hard to resist the passion that some in the gang have for running. I’m sure it will become more and more a part of my life in the years to come. I tend to leave it to the professionals and admire the hell out of what they can do from afar.

Race you most want to run?

Chris and Ashley rave about The Dizzy GOAT. The thought of running three hours straight sounds like a sick kind of torture to me. With that being said, man, it would be awesome to be able to do it!

Hidden Talent?

The uncanny ability to always be right. 😏

hector

When did you start running?

I ran track for one year in High School in Minnesota. I wasnt a long distance runner, until about 3 years ago I decided to run a few races with incentive from "the man" Chris. Now I'm slowly running more and more, and loving it!

Favorite food?

I love eating anything, everyone calls me a garbage dispenser. Favorites are grilled steak, pizza, tacos.

Longest race run?

Almost a half marathon. I ran the three hour Dizzy GOAT run in 2017 and I either ran 13 miles or was close to it.

Favorite race PR?

400 meter run in High School, ran it in 51.9 seconds. I havent tried other PR distances though.

Favorite movie?

I dont have a favorite movie, I love many.

Besides onions, what makes you cry?

The movies: Pursuit of Happiness, and Click. Street animals suffering :(

Race you most want to run?

Ever since I ran Dizzy GOAT, I've been in love hopefully someday I can try the 6 hr or even the 12 hr!

Hidden talent?

Really good dancer.

ashley

When did you start running?

I ran Cross Country in High School (I sucked-ha ha) and after my 5th knee surgery, I quit running. Then after having 3 children, I started running to lose weight and it stuck with me, nearly 8 years later.

Favorite food?

Eggs cooked in coconut oil; yummmm!

Longest race run?

FINALLY successfully ran my first marathon in 2017!!

Favorite thing to do other than Run?

I love being a Mom! Doing family oriented activities makes my heart happy. We love to be active, but we also love cold nights at home watching movies and eating popcorn!

Besides onions, what makes you cry?

I’m a Mom, everything makes me cry!

If you could run with one person from history (alive or dead), who would it be and where would you run?

Meb Keflezighi, first because my 7 year old daughter absolutely adores him and secondly, Chris and I went to Boston to watch the marathon for our 10th wedding anniversary and got to meet him. He is a very nice guy!

Hidden Talent?

I can sing the alphabet backwards quickly

melissa

When did you start running?

I had always hated running. I was quite sure you peeps were crazy. Then one day (about 4 years ago) I saw Ashley was doing a mile-a-day-in-May challenge and I was like "I can run a mile." Nope. I couldn't. It was quite a smack in the face. I was fit, or so I thought I was...but the first runs I attempted I couldn't even make it a mile without walking. I kept at it. The improvement that I saw from run to run was addicting. Next thing I knew I had joined the crazies.

Favorite food?

Cookies..and 100 other delicious carbs

Favorite race PR?

The one that comes to mind was my 30th birthday run. It wasn't a race but I went out for a run by myself and mentally and physically had a great run and I PR'd (after having surgery earlier in the summer) so it felt invigorating and stuck in my mind as a feeling of euphoria.

Favorite hobby?

I have become a bit of a rehab addict. We moved into our 1892 Victorian 6 years ago (on the fateful street I'd meet our best friends Chris and Ashley..) and we have been renovating since!

Why I run?

I very much enjoy how "mobile" running is. You don't need a gym membership or certain hours, you can work it into your day anyway possible. I can run on vacation or around the indoor soccer field while my kids play! I also feel that in the event of a zombie apocalypse I need to be able to outrun a handful of people to survive...just in case ;)

Race you most want to run?

One where I beat my husband ;)

matt

When did you start running?

I ran the 800m in H.S. but after a car accident and a broken femur, they started to use a sundial to time me, so I stop running. After my daughter Madison, starting running, I was motivated to try again. After she crushed me in a 5k when she was 8, I retired and now ride my bike, but her passion for the sport has been contagious. Watching Madison, has inspired me to get involved in the running community as a fan and advocate. I have become a race director and board member of USATF Nebraska, which over sees Track & Field, Cross Country and Distance Racing in the state.

Favorite food?

Anything from Hu Hot with lots of Garlic.

Favorite race PR?

Not really a PR but placing 3rd at the Cornhusker State in the 800m Masters the same day Madison won the 800M. I almost died from heat stroke and not being in shape but we got some great pictures of Madison coaching me and together with our medals.

Favorite hobby?

I love reading and tinkering with anything electronic especially computers.

Why I love running?

I love running because anybody can go out and run without the need for fancy gear. I do love my Hoka's, they made my plantar fasciitis disappear.

Race you most want to run?

I dream of running a completive race against my 12 year old daughter, but since her 3000m PR is 11:05 and she just keeps getting faster and I keep getting slower, this does not seem likely for me, (but it is fun watching her beat all the boys, and the other adults, I must say!)

Besides onions, what makes you cry?

Pretty much any sad movie but don't tell anyone.

If you could run with one person from history (alive or dead), who would it be and where would you run?

This has to be Steve Prefontaine, he has inspired generations of runners. It would have to be in Eugene, Oregon.

Hidden Talent?

I have the best dad jokes in the state, just dont ask my kids,