Pace Setter : March 2020

Meet Our Runners

Daniele Cherniak

Why do you run? 
I run because I enjoy being out and active in nature. There is something elemental about
covering long distances under one’s own power. I also like the “thinking time” that
running provides.

What runner inspires you?
I am most inspired by the women pioneers in our sport, who fought for equal opportunity
to participate in running and racing.

What was your worst run?
Among worst runs were times I’ve had to drop out of races with severe injuries. So it was
not only the disappointment of a run going bad, but the long time afterward to recover to
run again. Another bad run more recently was last September, when I tripped on the run
and fractured my elbow. What made it worse is that I had fractured the other one just
about a year before, also while on a run!

What was your best run?  
I have been running a long time, so it’s hard to name just one “Best Run.” One would be a 50-miler in Rhode Island, where I ran negative splits and cut 15 minutes from my PR, on a day that appeared to begin as less than promising. Another would be a 100km run in St.
Donat in Quebec, with the scenery of the Laurentian Mountains and beautiful lakes all
around, and enthusiastic spectators ringing cowbells, and shouting “Allez” I had fun
nearly the whole way, which is sort of unusual for a 100k. And there are many more runs
that leave me with fine memories. But I also consider “best runs” in the everyday --
perhaps the run I will take today, or tomorrow. The best thing is to be able to continue
running.

What race are you currently training for?
I’m hoping to do a spring ultra or two but am still deciding on a few options.

What race is #1 on your bucket list?
I’m not really a “bucket list” sort of person. I don’t care for high-profile events with lots
of people, so look more to smaller, low-key races.

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                                         Tom with wife Sara

Tom O’Grady 

Why do you run? 
I started running to be a part of a team and make friends. I kept running because I enjoyed the sport, enjoyed the competition, and in addition to academics it offered a productive outlet for my energy and focus. I continue to run because for those same reasons and it's simply a part of who I am now. 

What runner inspires you?
The runners that inspire me the most are the ones who have done the most for the sport, have transcended our understanding of what can be done, or are ambassadors of the sport without making it only about themselves - some of the more famous people that have inspired me are Roger Banister, Jim Ryun, Joan Benoit-Samuelson, or Haile Gebrselassie. Each of them did something special with their career and then have done other important things besides competing. There are plenty of less well known people I've known or read about that have done noticeable things as well. I look forward to seeing what Kipchoge does. I think the attention he has brought to running is great. 

What was your worst run?
Any run is a good run. The worst I had was tearing my Achilles Tendon during the Winter Series 10 Miler in 2016. 

What was your best run?  
A few that are up there - Boston and Philadelphia 2014, JFK 2018, The first stroller run I had with each of my children. 

What race are you currently training for?
I'm training for the Boston Marathon this spring and then the Chicago Marathon in the fall. 

What race is #1 on your bucket list?

I've stopped making it about a single race or time goal. I have a number of long-term goals I plan to work on that should keep me happy even as age eventually catches up with me and slows me down. While I'm competitive I'd like to complete the World Majors. Then I'd like to complete a marathon in each state. I'd like to run at least one of the Grand Slam of Ultra (preferably Western States or Leadville). I can see myself running Comrades at some point. And I've started to complete through hikes - so I'll see where that takes me. 

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Michelle Davis

Why do you run? 
I run because I like to eat. I also run because I like to push my limits and be my best.

What runner inspires you?

I don't have a runner that inspires me.

What was your worst run?
Boston 2019. It just wasn't my day and ended up being my 2nd slowest marathon.

What was your best run?  
Too many runs to count. Every long run last training cycle was fantastic. I felt good during and after the runs and hit or exceeded my paces. My best marathons were New Jersey 2017 and Philadelphia 2019. I felt great through the run and through recovery.

What race are you currently training for?
Providence RI

What race is #1 on your bucket list?
Anywhere cold.

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Bill Hoffman

Why do you run? 
I run because I can. It gives me a sense of freedom and makes me feel good.

What runner inspires you?
Killian Jornet  

What was your worst run?
Can't think of one. 

What was your best run?  
Leadville Trail 100 2018.

What race are you currently training for?
Boston Marathon. 

What race is #1 on your bucket list?
Western states 100 or UTMB 100.

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              Brian and Jessica Northan at Runnin’ of the Green

Jessica Northan

Why do you run? 
Started when I lived in a small town in KS because it was something you could do by yourself in the middle of nowhere.  Later in college when I had people around, I found you could do it with them, too.  Today, I treasure my solo runs and my friend runs.

What runner inspires you?  
Brian Northan.  Between his adventurous spirit and my conservative wisdom, we've done some great runs in great places. Looking forward to many more!

What was your worst run?  
Day 3 of some silly plan to run from Albany to Boston (Benny to Benny).  It was in the heat of summer and I was about 80 miles in when I came to Karen Bertasso in the support car.  I felt the air conditioning come out the window and knew I wanted to be done.  I hopped in the car and supported the group the next 2.5 days. That's one DNF I've never regretted!

What was your best run?  
Boston Maraton 2010.  PB.  Got to celebrate afterward with a trip to Cartegena for the wedding of Aaron & Di Knobloch.

What race are you currently training for?  
My next running race is Boston Marathon, but I'm training for the American Birkebeiner and Lake Placid Loppet 50k skate races first.  In the past, Nordic skiing has been a great way to supplement my run training.  However, this year, I've gone all in on the Nordic skiing and haven't run much at all.  Not exactly sure what will happen at Boston?!

What race is #1 on your bucket list?  
I don't even know.  Maybe I'd like to complete the World Marathon Majors.  I've done Boston, Chicago, and New York, and I've tried the London lottery each year it coincides with the school break but have had no luck yet.  As a teacher, you get a lot of vacation days, but they don't match up well with Berlin or Tokyo.  Retirement is just a few years away, lol.

 

Archive
February 2020 - Michelle Merlis, Joe Sullivan, Kristen Garzone, John Kinnicut, and Kristen Hislop

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