How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? In high school in Connecticut, we HAD to do after-school activities. One winter semester I chose ‘winter running’. I’d like to say that I have been running ever since, but I have not. But that taught me that I could do what I thought was a weird summer activity at any time in any weather. In my 30s I started to do 5K races with work mates, but my race training started the week before the race. Not ideal. In my 40s and 50s, I got more serious about running. In my late 50s I joined a training program and a running club for the first time, which rank among my better life decisions. What took me so long!!??
Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? I grew up in Connecticut and New York. We left New York after 9/11 for a job in Peoria where we lived for 19 years. We moved to Indy in May 2021 and love it!
Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? Music is an important part of my life, and I have dozens of running-specific playlists for my runs. Favorite genres are indie rock, post-punk, new wave, afrobeat and prog rock.
What is your favorite distance/race? Over the last several years, the half marathon has become my favorite race distance. It’s far enough to be a serious commitment, but I’m not wiped out for days. Last year I did back-to-back weekend races, and both went really well!
What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? I really like the people, the community, the training programs and the number of weekly club runs. I learned late in life that using these opportunities kept me accountable and disciplined but has also increased my love of the sport.
Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? I have signed up for four half marathons (so far) for this year and may also do an Olympic Triathlon.
When did you begin running and why? The ‘why’ is that running also allows me to eat the foods that I love to be honest and helps me to be healthier.
What is your favorite running motto/mantra? That “I am lucky enough to be able to do this. Relax and enjoy it.”
What advice would you give to beginning runners? Be curious and keep learning about running.
What is your favorite running book/movie? I read Runners World magazine and can easily go down internet rabbit holes when I geek out on running information and practices.
Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? My wife Jeanne and I have two married daughters (One in Indy and the other in Peoria), and an amazing grandson.
What is your prerace routine? Pre-race and Long Run routine is the same: Fresh pasta the night before. Breakfast is a 20 oz. cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal with added flax, chia and hemp seeds. I drink some kombucha and kefir. It may sound like a lot, but I know what works for me, and I can’t run without something in my stomach.
What might club members find surprising about you? That I really love cats, and I do volunteer work at a cat shelter.
How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners?
I started running 17 years ago but was inconsistent for the first 5 years. I joined Indy Runners 12 years ago which led to improvement and year round running.
Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? Far Eastside (McCordsville)
Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? I try to listen to my fellow running friends but my labored breathing often gets in the way.
What is your favorite distance/race? Half Marathon although I am warming up to 5ks!
What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? Meeting amazing and inspirational members
Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? To continue to enjoy running (and maybe a sub 20 minute 5k)!
When did you begin running and why? I ran the Mini Marathon 17 years ago on a bet after an evening of imbibing on adult beverages with friends
What is your favorite running motto/mantra? This too shall pass / It never always gets worse!
What advice would you give to beginning runners? Body Glide and band aids.. the pain in your legs is enough, don’t add to the misery!
What is your favorite route to run? Eagle Creek red loop
What is your favorite running book/movie? Movie – The Race That Eats Its Young (Barkleys Marathon)
Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? I enjoy traveling, volunteering, the outdoors and being dragged around by my dog Nakoda on hikes.
What is your proudest running moment? Talking 5 of my non running friends into doing the Mini and getting to see them finish!
What is your favorite post run/race meal? Chocolate milk and a bagel
What is your prerace routine? I would say carb loading but I don’t usually limit that to race night! In the morning I have a cup of coffee, a banana and a blueberry muffin. I also crumple up my bib before I put it on.
What might club members find surprising about you? I tried out for the Indianapolis Fire Department once (didn’t get selected).
Experience: 16 Years of Run Experience: 12 Marathons, 14 Half Marathons, 2 Half Ironman, 1 Full Ironman, and multiple Olympic Tri, Sprints Tri, 10k, 5k, etc. (Coach Certified in Long Distance & USATF)
Advice to new Runners: The gear you choose to wear when training for an endurance event can make or break your experience. Shoes are the MOST important investment you can make when running; get fitted for the proper running shoe for your gait (the way you run)!
Ann Howard
Long Run Pace: I can be flexible with my pacing, ranging between 7s-9s.It will be all dependent on what is needed for the day!
Experience: Sophomore year of high school I joined track for the first time not knowing that it was going to replace my love for soccer. Senior Year I ran my first half marathon as my mom inspired me to just get out there and have fun! Since then I have run multiple 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, marathons, and ultra-marathons on road and trail. Currently I am teaching Middle School Math and have coached Track and Cross Country! Lastly, I have paced several races in Indiana and Ohio to help accomplish other runner’s goals!
Advice to new Runners: One piece of advice that I have is always look for adventure in your runs. It keeps them spontaneous so that you will always have a fire to run! #runyourjourney
Kathy Sax
Long Run Pace: 12 minute mile and maybe less??
Experience: I have been running for 43 Years and Happy to still do it. and feel Great.
I think I am the oldest Indy Runner Woman. I am 72 years Old.
I have run 9 Marathons, 34 Indianapolis Mini Marathons and a lot more Half Marathons, 10K and 5K races.
Advice to new Runners: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!! Don’t ignore soreness or aches. Your body will tell you when you can run and when you can rest. Days off are as important as the days your run. Have fun meeting others and enjoying Mama Nature.
Jeff Dehler
Long Run Pace: 9:00 min mile
Experience: I started running in 7th grade at Rosemount (MN) Middle School when my second cousin and best friend said he was going to run track and invited me to join him. I ran track and cross country from then through the end of high school, and have been running ever since. I don’t race too frequently – a few times each year. I ran my first full marathon in 1983, and have completed about ten more since then. I’ve run 3 trail 50ks. I really enjoy running with a group a couple times a week for the social aspect, but I still enjoy solo runs when I can either zone out or think through challenges at work. Helping run the Spring Training Program for Indy Runners & Walkers is a great honor as I see people accomplish running goals they have never tried before.
Advice to new Runners: Life can get in the way, but it won’t stop you from running if you commit to it. Take a few days off and then get back at it.
Alicia Royce
Long Run Pace: My pace is between 10:30- 11:30
Experience: Last year 2021, I completed two 50K
Advice to new Runners/ Reason to Run: The reason I run is to fight depression. Exercise is the best way to be active and healthy. Plus it is fun and I get to meet new people. If you say let’s go for a run I will be there with you.
I’m better at long distance runs, with a one track mind…to finish the goal.
Nina Ardery
Long Run Pace: 11:30-ish
Experience: 12 marathons, 65+ half marathons. I coach middle school XC, so I have experience with reluctant runners.
Advice to new Runners: You regret only the runs you don’t do.
Andrew (left) and Craig (right)
Andrew and Craig Peterson
Long Run Pace:
Andrew – I’ll run any pace to make a new running friend. I’ll talk your leg off – even at a 7:00 pace
Craig – 9:00-10:00 pace. 8:30 if I’m feeling great
Experience:
Andrew – I’ve run 18 marathons, 20 half-marathons and dozens of 5Ks. I’ve twice clocked Boston qualified times and ran the race in 2019. Learn more of Andrew’s accomplishments here.
Craig – After years of competing 5Ks, I’ve recently completed four half-marathons and my first full marathon in Montana in 2021.
Advice for new Runners:
Andrew – Running. I like it. I’m good at it. And I get even better with hard work. You can too!
Craig – Listen to your body. Never underestimate the value to stretching. Take care of your feet daily to avoid injury
Joe Abiog
Long Run Pace: 9 – 10 min mile
Experience: I am a re-formed triathlete with 10 plus years of running and endurance experience.
Advice for new Runners: The most important part of any run is the warm up.
Angelica McMurtray
Long Run Pace: 10:15-11:15 min mile
Experience: Started running late in life, after kids! So 12 years on & off: 4 full marathons and about 27 half marathons
Advice for new Runners: stick with it and make it a habit because consistency is what makes you a runner!! It doesn’t matter if you run a little, or run slowly, just do it regularly and consistently.
Tracy Snider
Long Run Pace: 9:00- 9:30 min mile
Experience: Have been running consistently for 12 years. I have run 30 ish half marathons, 5 marathons and 3 50ks.
Advice for new Runners: Goal #1 is getting to the start line. It is better to take time off if you are banged up and make it to the start line healthy then to risk a DNF (did not finish) or DNS (did not start).
Mark Nickerson
Long Run Pace: 9:30-10:30 min mile
Experience: In my 30s I started to do 5K races with work mates, but my race training started the week before the race. Not ideal. In my 40s and 50s, I got more serious about running, but lacked consistency. In my late 50s I joined a training program and a running club for the first time, which rank among my better life decisions. What took me so long!!??
Advice for new Runners: Be curious and keep learning about running.
Amanda (left)
Amanda McKinley
Long Run Pace: 9:30 – 10 ish min mile
Experience: 13 marathons, maybe 10 or so half-marathons
Advice for new Runners: Patient persistence is key to improvement, but make sure to have fun in the process.
Debbie Durst
Long Run Pace:I will probably be running an 11 or 11:30 on long runs. A lot depends on the weather! I do best when it isn’t hot.
Experience: I started running 14 years ago after walking the Mini for 6 years. I trained by myself on a treadmill the first year and met my goal of under 3 hours. I joined Indy Runners the next year and made significant improvement in my time. I loved the pacers and the great friends I have made over the years. My Mini PR is 2:13 and I have a PR at the 2014 Monumental Marathon (which will always stand since I am one-and-done!). Advice for new Runners: Just enjoy your run and have fun. There will be days when you don’t run your best, but that’s okay. You are in a very elite group that has the commitment to “put one foot in front of the other” on a regular basis! I can’t wait to see you cross the finish line of your first half marathon!
