When did you join Team NRC?
 October 2019

What made you want to join Team NRC?
I was really drawn to the close running community and I've wanted to work here for a few years. I'm also a big supporter of local business. 

What are your favorite places to run in the world and Naperville?
Greenlake in Seattle, WA because it is right by the water. 

Personal motto?
Don't take care, take risks. 

Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
I would say that the first person that comes to mind is Allyson Felix because of her integrity, bravery and determination in her running career. Coming back to run a sub-50 400m after having an emergency C-section is easier said than done. 

Besides running, I love to _____.
Spend time with people, my dog, travel, read and eat lots of good food. 

When did you join the NRC Team?
April 1st

High School Attended?
Mount Carmel High School

College Attended and Degree?
North Central College, Sports Management

Sisters/Brothers?
Two sisters and a twin brother. Meghan, Maura, and Kevin.

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Boulder, Colorado. From everything that I have heard the running atmosphere there is awesome! I spent a week this last summer in Montana, and just really enjoy the atmosphere of being a little more “West” than the Chicago area.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
“If you are going to do attempt to do anything in life, either give it your all or don’t try it at all.”

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance) or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
My favorite race so far has to be the CCIW conference championship in the steeple chase this last season. It was awesome because we went 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and just ran great as a team; I really felt the connection to the other guys that were running in that race with me.

What is your favorite book or movie?
Book: Once A Runner Move: Shooter

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Matt Damon

When I dance I look like_____?
Nothing anyone really wants to see.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Just have fun with it, make sure you are doing it because it is something that brings you enjoyment. Putting too much stress/pressure on yourself is only going to make things worse.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
2 Dogs. Murphy (Border Collie Mix) and Dot (Pug).

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
My freshman year I would just wear one pair of shoes all the time until it ran out of miles, which led to an overuse of some of those shoes. Now I make sure to rotate in a few different models and styles to keep it switched up.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Pizza

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Loving You Easy by Zac Brown Band

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Waterfall Glen overall. McDowell in Naperville.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Sky dive

Besides running, I love to _____?
Spend time with friends and just generally hang out.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
7.65

When did you join the NRC team?
Customer since 2000. Joined the team in October 2016.

High School Attended?
Neuqua Valley

College Attended and Degree?
Vanderbilt University – English B.S. and Psychological Sciences B.S.

Sisters/Brothers?
1 Brother (Jip) and 1 Sister (Addy)

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Vail, Colorado

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Laugh at yourself! And when you do something really embarrassing, share it with others so that they can laugh too.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
2015 Naperville Marathon –Trained, ran, and swept the podium with my “old” NVHS teammates. 2011 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon – My dad paced me in to qualify for my first Boston, yelling, “You did it, Elizabeth!” the whole way down the homestretch. Few greater blessings than the support of family and friends!

What is your favorite book or movie?
It’s a toss-up between The Count of Monte Cristo, Pride and Prejudice, and All the King’s Men

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Emma Watson (including British accent)

When I dance I look like_____?
A sure-fire winner on America’s Funniest Home Videos. Is that still a show?

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
Just the pack of squirrels who live in our backyard and dig up anything I plant. All of them are named Voldemort.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Cereal.

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
An original, entitled, “I’m Sorry You Have to Listen to Me Sing.”

If you had to choose one cereal to describe you, which cereal would it be?
Count Chocula. I know how to count. I love chocu-late.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Write a novel and take a train ride through the Canadian Rockies.

Besides running, I love to_____?
Read books, write stories, and travel.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
I’m always cold and run in gloves once it’s in the 50s…so pretty cool...10.

When did you join Team NRC?
I joined Team NRC May 2017!

What made you want to join Team NRC?
Coming to NRC for all of my shoe and nutrition needs during my time as a collegiate runner, I knew how much NRC cared about me and wanted me to succeed. I guess I finally decided that I wanted to be on the other side of that, to be the one looking out for others and offering advice based on experience from my time as an athlete.

Where is your favorite place to run in the world, and in Naperville?
From the places I’ve run so far, I love running anywhere in Oregon (no humidity!) In Naperville, I’d have to say Waterfall Glen and Herrick have some great paths to run/walk!

What advice would you give someone who is just starting to run?
My advice would be to stick with it while listening to your body! No matter your level of determination, it truly does take time to build muscle and fitness. So make sure to follow a realistic timeline that allows you to build into running and racing. Also make sure to refuel and rest in between runs, and, above all, keep it FUN!

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
My biggest mistake in running been pushing through injuries while not taking all of the proper preventative steps to fix it. For a while I just hoped things would get better while continuing to do the same things I had been doing. Maybe this was an attempt to deny injury, I’m not completely sure—but what I am sure of is that it doesn’t work. I eventually fixed this by becoming more in tune with my body and modifying runs to what I needed. I also now continue to perform strengthening exercises in my routine, and have had significantly less injuries as a result. Moral of the story—listen to your body, modify workouts to what you need, and don’t be scared to add in a strengthening program! If you’re commonly injured, preventative strengthening works wonders in reducing injuries!

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Put your all into whatever you decide to do.

When I dance, I look like _____.
I’m having a great time!

Besides running, I love to _____.
Hike, read, and hang out with friends!

When did you join Team NRC?
March 2020

What made you want to join Team NRC?
To get more involved with the local running community - one of the best in the USA!

What are your favorite places to run in the world and Naperville?
Lunch Loops Trail System / Tabeguache Trailhead near the Colorado Monument in Grand Junction, CO McDowell, but there's a few other places I still need to check out!

What is your advice for someone who is just starting to run?
Have fun and find an experienced runner to guide you! You'll have a lot more fun when you are consistent, healthy, and fit! .

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Running in really cool looking spikes even though they didn't fit snugly and gave me huge bone bumps on my heels. I put a cushion in the spikes to fill the gap, but eventually stopped wearing them and got new spikes. The bumps have slowly gotten smaller. Thanks Wolff's Law!

When I dance I look like ____.
a dork

When did you join the NRC Team?
09/17/13

High School Attended?
Waubonsie Valley High School

College Attended and Degree?
Illinois State University - B.S. Education; University of Colorado - M.A. Curriculum and Instruction

Sisters/Brothers?
Matt - age 37

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A national park exploring with my family..

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Half marathon - just challenging enough

What is your favorite book or movie?
The Hobbit

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Sandra Bullock

When I dance I look like_____.
I'm having a great time.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
It doesn't matter how slow you run, you'll still be lapping those on the couch.

  Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
Sunnie - dog; Frankie - gecko; Jupiter- dog

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Not training for a half marathon. Holy IT Band issues! Rolling, hip strengthening and yoga.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Coffee

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Don't Worry, Be Happy

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
DuPage River Trail

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Earn a doctorate degree in education

Besides running, I love to _____.
Read, cook, explore outdoors and meet interesting people.

  On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever).
Currently, my kids think I'm a 9 1/2.

When did you join the NRC Team?
Fall of 2014

High School Attending?
Naperville North High School

Sisters/Brothers?
One brother named Paul

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Treat others the way you want to be treated

What is your favorite race ever (include distance, or maybe two favorite races?
The Fling Mile because it’s short and I run it with my dad.

What is your favorite book or movie?
Book - Tuesdays with Morrie, Movie - Safe Haven

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Jennifer Anniston

When I dance I look like_____.
A professional dancer.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Keep running! It gets better!!!

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
A Shih Tzu named Bebe

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Eating too close to the start of the race. I ignored it.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Waffles

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Chasing Pavements by Adele

Where is your most favorite place to run ever?
My treadmill

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Sky Diving

Besides running, I love to _____.
Play tennis

On a scale from 1 -10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
12

When did you join the NRC Team?
02/01/00

High School Attended?
Armstrong High School, Plymouth, MN

College Attended and Degree?
St. Olaf College, BA Biology, BA Exercise Science; St. Cloud State University, MS Biomechanics

Sisters/Brothers?
Brothers: Kevin (who has four boys) and Adam (who has four girls).

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Wherever the Summer Olympics are.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Work your ass off every day. (I try, but I'm not as good as her!)

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
My senior year in high school. Two person 5 mile relay. You alternate quarter miles. On a cinder track. On a cold and windy day in October. My best friend Carson and I were going for the school record, but coach announced there would be no records set that day because the weather was so bad. Although we both had to run our fastest lap of that day on the last lap we set the record. And it stills stands today.

What is your favorite book or movie?
"Unbroken" and "Once A Runner" (sorry so predictable!)

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Daniel Craig

When I dance I look like______________?
Pee Wee Herman

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Besides buying shoes from NRC? Always have a goal.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
Bebe Von Gizmo Hartner

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Getting hurt and not resting it right away. Still trying to fix the problem almost three years later.

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Chorizo and egg burritos

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Lose Yourself, Eminem

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Country road in Ireland with my son. Late at night, mid-winter, no wind, heavy snow coming down, heading east on Jefferson coming down the hill into beautifully lit downtown Naperville.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Watch the entire Tour de France in person.

Besides running, I love to_______________?
Bike

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
6.8

When did you join the NRC Team?
03/16/07

High School Attended?
Wheaton Warrenville South High School

 College Attended and Degree?
North Central College with a degree in Physical Education

Sisters/Brothers?
1 brother Casey, he's 22

 If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii on the beach

 What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Be the best you can be in whatever you do.

 What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Shamrock Shuffle 8k, very fun with all the people/crowds and running through downtown.

 What is your favorite book or movie?
Harry Potter (yeah I'm that guy)

 If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Christian Bale because he's awesome.

 When I dance I look like_____?
I don't know how to dance.

 What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Keep everything in perspective and focus on the process rather than the end result.

 Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
A black lab/boxer named Bailey or Bae, she's the best

 What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Not resting while injured. I have not yet fixed this problem.

 What is one food you would not want to give up?
Pizza/Beer

 If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

 Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Morton Arboretum on the trails, McDowell Woods

 What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Go to all 50 states (I'm missing Alaska, North Dakota, and Vermont)

 Besides running, I love to_____?
Watch the Bears, Bulls, White Sox.

 On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
Probably a 2, I'm not very cool.

When did you join the NRC Team?
August 16, 2016

High School Attended?
Tapton House Grammar school, Chesterfield, UKl

College Attended and Degree?
South Warwickshire School of Nursing. Registered Nurse.

Sisters/Brothers?
One younger sister.

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
New Zealand

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Always be honest and learn from your mistakes.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Two marathons that were well executed races: 1) Houston '06 and ran a personal best. 2) Madison '08. I was third overall female, first master.

What is your favorite book or movie?
I rarely read, prefer history over fiction & enjoy movies like Elizabeth, Lincoln, etc.

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Keira Nightly

  When I dance I look like_____?
Look awkward & stiff!

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Be consistent and patient with training and progress. Accept the troughs along with the peaks!

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
Three-year-old puggle (dog), Zoe.

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Ignoring injury and continuing to train. Eventually I had to take rest as I couldn't run! But probably ended up having to take two months instead of two weeks off training!

  What is one food you would not want to give up?
I could easily give up any food but could not live without hot tea!

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
It would not be aired!! I cannot sing, definitely not in public!

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
If possible, trails or by a lakefront. In Naperville, the bike path along the river or Springbrook.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Run the London marathon

Besides running, I love to_____?
Bake and travel

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)?
Maybe a 4.5!!

When did you join the NRC Team?
4/16/12

High School Attended?
Neuqua Valley High School

College Attended and Degree?
Elmhurst College - Early Childhood Education

Sisters/Brothers?
One older brother - Vince

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
On a warm sunny beach with my family and a fruity drink.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Don't run in a cotton sweatshirt. It's really not warm.

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Indy Monumental Marathon - ran my personal best and qualified for the Olympic Trials The Olympic Trials was also pretty much the most incredible running experience I’ve ever had.

What is your favorite book or movie?
Book: Harry Potter (I can’t wait to read these with my little guy!) Movie: Walk the Line

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Reese Witherspoon

When I dance I look like_____.
An idiot, but I don’t let that stop me!

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run
Believe in your own training. Don't change or doubt what you're doing because someone else is doing it differently. If you believe in your training, it will work. If you are struggling (mentally or physically) or need a plan, consult someone who knows what they're talking about. Surround yourself with positive people.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
No pets, but I do have a toddler named Jack!

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Not staying hydrated. Still working on it! Putting too much pressure on myself and not believing in myself. It took a very long time but it took having a great coach/husband, having the best training partners, having a baby and running with a stroller five days a week to finally get it all to click! .

What is one food you would not want to give up?
Candy

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
What’s Going On by 4 Non Blondes

Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Along the beach in Kauai Dupage River Trail l

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Run marathons in really cool places - Hawaii, Venice, Jamaica, South Africa, London

Besides running, I love to_____.
Go on adventures with my husband and little one.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
A solid 6.

When did you join the NRC Team?
1/21/11

High School Attended?
Zion Benton Township High School

  College Attended and Degree?
School of Hard Knocks, a semester at CLC. My degree would have eventually been architectural engineering.

  Sisters/Brothers?
One brother, one sister. If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
New Zealand

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
“If you get in trouble, don’t call me, I’ll call you!”

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Any half-marathon

What is your favorite book or movie?
Lord of the Rings Trilogy

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Selma Hyek or Penelope Cruz

When I dance I look like_____?
I know I know how to dance.

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
STOP! TURN AROUND! No really - keep at it, go at your own pace.

Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it and what are their name(s)?
Three cats, Smoky, Gloria, and Kyokyo

What is the biggest running mistake you have made? Did you fix it or ignore it? If you fixed it, how did you do it?
Taking a break that turned into a really long break. The only way to fix it is to start up again. The conditioning when starting again is the worst thing. 

  What is one food you would not want to give up?
Rice. Not just any rice but Forbidden Rice.

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
The Look - an old hymn by John Newton, music by Bob Kauflin

   Where is your most favorite place to run ever? Most favorite in Naperville?
Anywhere away from home. Especially when visiting family in Colorado. In Naperville, Knoch Knolls.

What is one thing you would put on your “bucket” list?
Visit my mother's homeland - the Phillipines 

  Besides running, I love to_____?
Sleep, read, or work on typography.

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever)
My kids say 9 (average of 4 of them). No really, I'm serious. Yes, i have teenagers...oh my goodness I have teenagers!!

When did you join Team NRC?
December 2018

What made you want to join Team NRC?
The familiar faces and the overall chemistry of the people working there and the customers that come in.

What are your favorite places to run in the world and Naperville?
Northern Minnesota. Knoch Knolls.

What is your advice for someone who is just starting to run?
Do your own thing. Ease into running instead of diving head first and not being prepared. Running is a time commitment and you must ease into it mentally and physically. What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Everything happens for a reason.

When I dance I look like____.
I don't know what i'm doing.

When did you join Team NRC?
January 2021

What’s the most important advice you would give a person who is just starting to run?
Take your time and enjoy the feeling. Try to set up a routine where you run on a schedule which best fits you. But, keep at it!

If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii because I never have been there!

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Don't be late!

What is your favorite race ever (include the distance), or maybe two favorite races? Any specific reason why that is your favorite?
Twin Cities Marathon. It was my first ever Marathon. I took running classes and they really helped me do my best. .

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to play you?
Since I do a little acting, I think I could nail the part of acting like me!

On a scale from 1 – 10, how cool are you? (10 being the coolest ever).

You decide.