How long have you been involved with running?
I’ve been running for about 8 years.  
What got you involved with running?
I started running to get out of the gym. I wanted to exercise outdoors. I then started running more because it was helping with my rock climbing. Now I run more than any other exercise.
How many days a week do you usually run?
I run usually 5-7 days a week. 
What is the greatest distance you have raced?
I ran a 45-mile ultra with Robie! 
What is one of your most memorable race/ event and what made it so special?
Running the 39.3 challenge up in Maine in a banana costume. I had a ton of fun.
Do you always enjoy going out for a run? 
Not always. Some days I want to just sleep in. 
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
I told people I would run with them. Running alone is the pits.
What are you working towards currently in your workouts? 
I’m training for 3 marathons in 9 days. The training has been a ton of mileage.
What are some of you long term running goals?
I just signed up for a 100-mile ultra with Robie. I would love to do an ultra on the West Coast at some point.
How long have you been a member of GNRC?
I can’t remember when I first joined but Mel. T recruited me! 
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC? 
I love running with our members. They are great people: supportive and kind. I feel very lucky to have met them.
​In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
I feel really fortunate to run with the club and have met so many great people. It makes the runs more enjoyable. 

​How long have you been involved with running?
I have been running regularly for a little over 4 years.
What got you involved with running?
My wife. I asked her if I had been putting on some weight and she said yes. I decided to start running the next week. She hates when I tell this story😊
How many days a week do you usually run?
Depends. When I am training I am run 5-6 days a week and 4-5 when I am not.
What is the greatest distance you have raced?
26.2, marathon
What is one of your most memorable race/event and what made it so special?
Probably the 2018 Baystate Marathon. My wife and I just suffered a family tragedy and I thought about not running the race. My wife encouraged me to continue my training and I finished the race meeting one of my goals.
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
Some days more than others. I always feel great after finishing though. I get the feeling of accomplishment.
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
GNRC!! The club has made me more accountable, especially during those cold dark winter mornings training for Boston.
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
I just started training for the Mohawk Hudson Marathon in October. I am also running the Falmouth Road Race in August.
What are some of you long term running goals? I would love to break 3:45 for my Fall marathon and hope to one day hit 3:30. Overall, I just want to remain fairly healthy and continue to enjoy running.
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how you managed to get over it? 2018 was a tough year with some personal family issues. Any time the going get’s tough I always try to focus on controlling the things that I can control and not worry about the other things. Running helped me with this and kept me in a routine and allowed me to clear my head.
How long have you been a member of GNRC?
Less than a year. I think I joined in November 2018.
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC? The company. I never thought I needed to run with anyone or that it was possible to run without headphones! Now I cannot run with headphones and hate running alone. I also enjoy the daily runs and the breakfast after Saturday long runs.
Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
My first race with the club was the Derry Boston Prep 16 Miler in January. I was never a big racer, but this changed that. It was fun to get such a large group together for the race and for some beers after😊
In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
The club has definitely made me more fit. I never did any hill work or speed work before joining GNRC. Also it’s nice to be part of such a supportive team.

​How long have you been involved with running?
I ran a few 5-10Ks in my 20's, but did not run regularly until my 40's.
 
What got you involved with running?
Having kids. I got a jogging stroller, and started jogging with my kids to daycare / preschool. I distinctly recall being on hills with my 2-year-old saying "faster daddy!"
 
How many days a week do you usually run?
Usually 3-4.
 
What is the greatest distance you have raced?
I actually did a full Ironman before I ever competed in a (stand-alone) marathon.
 
What is one of your most memorable race/ event and what made it so special?
The Lake Placid Ironman finishes @ the Olympic stadium. Coincidentally, my family sat down in just-vacated front-row seats about 2 minutes before I finished, so I got to high-five them about 10 meters before the finish line. That was awesome!
 
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
I am rarely motivated to go for a run, but I'm almost always happy after the first 1/2 mile or so.
 
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
GNRC friends! No way could I motivate myself to be up for early morning runs without you all!
 
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
I'm running in my first Ragnar relay in May - excited for the new experience. My wife and I have signed up for the Pan Mass Challenge this summer, so I need to get back on a bike before long!
 
What are some of you long term running goals?
I'd like to experience different events, particularly combined with travel. The Dublin, Ireland marathon last year was a great event! Eventually, I'd like to qualify for Boston, but I'm happy to take road trips to places I've not been, run, and check out the micro-brewery scene.
 
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how you managed to get over it?
Several years ago, I injured my ankle ramping up my distance too quickly. During the BAA half, I tried to favor my ankle, which only managed to hurt my hip. Since then, I've learned to ramp my distance up gradually, and pay more attention to what my body tells me.
 
How long have you been a member of GNRC?
I moved to Westwood in June, 2018 and found GNRC online, so less than a year.
 
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC?
The wide variety of conversations on our runs - they make the long runs way more interesting!  Coffee after long runs, and of course the random meet-ups @ Percival.
 
Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
New to the area, sipping coffee after a long run last fall, I looked around at the GNRCers, and thought, "okay, I've found my people!" 
 
In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
Varying my training with other GNRC members, particularly with speed (track) workouts, has made me a better runner. On my own, I get into a rut, and do the same thing all the time.

How long have you been involved with running?
I started running with my mother in the sixth grade.   

What got you involved with running?
My mother begged me to run a half mile with her one morning.  Then, she and my father started a running club with their friends, the RUN-A-MUCKS.  I was hooked early on.

How many days a week do you usually run?
3 – 5 depending on my goals or non-goals at the time.
What is the greatest distance you have raced?

The full Ironman

What is one of your most memorable race/ event and what made it so special?
The most special race was my first marathon. I was 16 and the race was in Outawa Canada.  It was an all women’s race to celebrate title 9 in the early 80s.  It’s very memorable for me because it was so very painful and it was a goal I didn’t know if I could complete.  Once it was over I cried like a baby.  I have never been so happy to finish a race.  My parents and sister were there and that made it so very special.
​
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
Almost always but there those days where some self-talk was required. 
 
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
This situation usually only occurs when I’m in training for an “A” race.  Meaning, unless I have a race in front of me I simply won’t run if I don’t feel like it.  But when I must,  I think about how I want to do well in the race that I’m training for.  How I want to be in good shape for the race. 

What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
After Derry 16 miler I want to strike a good balance of run, bike, swim and weights.   

What are some of you long term running goals?
My long-term goals with run, bike, swim are to stay as injury free as possible. I want to be able to enjoy endurance sports forever!

Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how you managed to get over it?
There have been many obstacles.  I remember stressing hugely because I couldn’t get in my run and swim before work. There just wasn’t enough time. I decided I had to get up WAY earlier in order to get everything done.  That is when I began to rise before 4:30 AM!

How long have you been a member of GNRC?
I am one of the 3 founders of the club so have been there since the beginning.  Although my participation has been spotty because of my triathloning, I am extremely grateful to have this special group of people in my life and hope to participate more this year.  I’ll be hosting a breakfast run this April. 

 What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC?
Staying in touch with the friends I have made.  Running and gabbing is always a treat. I also appreciate the motivation that present as a group.

In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
I feel lucky to have people around me that are social and motivating. It makes running very enjoyable.

​How long have you been involved with running?
I ran my first road race in 2001—the Tim White 5K. I had been running around the neighborhood before that but hadn’t considered doing a race until Tracy Jones asked me to run in her place at that 5K.
What got you involved with running?
I got sick of being out of shape.
How many days a week do you usually run?
It depends. When I’m training for a longer race, I’ll do 5 days a week. When I’m training for a triathlon, it’s more like 3 days a week (with bike and swim the other days).
What is the greatest distance you have raced?
Marathon
What is one of your most memorable race/ event and what made it so special?
It’s so hard to pick just one! So I’m not going to.
Bay State Marathon 2009 – This was the first race where I worked with a trainer. I trained with Lowell Ladd, who lives in PA, so we communicated via phone and email. He increased my mileage quite a bit and prescribed better speed workouts than I had been doing. My previous best marathon was 3:44 and I hired Lowell to help me get a BQ (which was 3:30 at the time). I got to mile 20 in the race and was feeling strong, which was a first for me. When I got to mile 26, I knew I was going to qualify and was so elated that I just put the hammer down and crushed the last mile at 7:16 pace. I crossed the finish line and just broke down. I had trained so hard and I wasn’t sure if I could actually quality for Boston. I got 3:24 that day.
Chicago Marathon 2007 – This was the hot one. A bunch of GNRC-ers flew out for the race. I remember us eating pasta at some restaurant the night before and discussing strategy for the predicted heat. Temps were mid 80’s with high humidity at the start and just got worse. I was walking by mile 16. At mile 23, the race organizers were on the bullhorns saying, “The race is cancelled. Everybody must walk to the finish.” All the clocks were turned off. It was surreal—racers just sitting at the side of the road, everyone suffering. I finished in something over 5 hours. We went to Mike Ditka’s restaurant afterwards and compared horror stories over large slabs of meat.
Boston Marathon 2014 – The year after the bombing. I’ll never forget standing at the start line with the other runners and cheering. It gives me goosebumps now just thinking of it.
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
At this point, I’d have to there are very few days when I don’t enjoy being out for a run. When I’m healthy enough to run, I love being out there on the roads with my friends. What I don’t like: treadmills.
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
Running with GNRC-ers! Nothing like having company on the roads or track.
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
I’m getting ready for the Derry 16 miler.
What are some of your long term running goals?
This year my goal is to re-qualify for Boston. I have to get a 3:35, which will be tough. I’ve always had a tough time avoiding injury, so I’m going to have to train smart as well as hard.
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how you managed to get over it?
I struggled with a tough back injury as I was training for the Boston Marathon in 2016. I couldn’t run, so I put in a lot of long bike rides indoors. About a month before the marathon I started working with a great chiropractor (Dr. Carroll in Norwood) and got healthy enough to run. I went into the race unsure what to expect, but kept the pace slow and managed to do 4:04.  
How long have you been a member of GNRC?
Since the beginning in 2006.
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC?
My favorite memories of GNRC are from races. Our destination races, in particular, have been a blast--Philly, Loco, Mohawk Hudson, Chicago. I’m also a fan of the Ragnar Relays—Cape Cod and Reach the Beach. Oh, and I love the Thanksgiving Day run, too. People in this club like to train hard, enjoy a race, and have a great time afterward!
Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
I have a list of all of the road races that I’ve run, and my memories of pretty much every race relate to people in the club. There are so many great stories. Here’s another one: In 2014 I ran the Bay State Marathon with a bunch of people from the club. I ran with Terry for most of the race but couldn’t keep up with him at the end, where I really struggled. People who saw me at the end of the race told me I looked like hell, and I was feeling pretty salty. I did get a BQ of 3:27 but ended up in the med tent. My GNRC mates really helped me after that race—from getting me out of the med tent to getting me home in one piece. I remember Jen in particular helping me negotiate the med tent and then driving my car home with me in the passenger seat. She got pulled over for speeding on Rte. 128, and I think it helped to have a bunch sorry looking marathoners in the car—she didn’t get a ticket!
In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
GNRC has been a blessing to me not only as a runner but as a person. I’ve met so many wonderful people and had so many wonderful experiences because of this club. It’s hard to explain to people who don’t run what it means to train and race with friends. I am a better runner and a better person because of all of you. Thanks.

How long have you been involved with running?
I’ve been running off and on since high school when I joined the track team in 10th grade and have had a love hate relationship ever since.
What got you involved with running?
I have always enjoyed exercising and running was something that I could do when I didn’t have access to a gym. It was also something my friends would do and running has always been social event for me.
How many days a week do you usually run?
I typically run 4-5 days/week.
What is the greatest distance you have raced? My greatest running distance was a marathon, but my greatest racing distance was 70.3, which was a half iron man.
What is one of your most memorable race/event and what made it so special?
I would have to say the Boston Marathon because I had always dreamt of running it when I was child. I remember going to the race every year as a child with my family and cheering on the marathoners. I knew someday I would run it, and having my family there at the same spot I stood as a child was extremely gratifying and symbolic for me.
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
Not always, but I always enjoy the feeling after I get finished with the run.
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t
feel like going out on a run?
Tricia, Sue and Cooper (my 135lb 4-year-old Golden Retriever) and knowing how good I feel when it’s done and how guilty I feel when I blow it off.
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
Good health and gratitude for having the ability to run.
What are some of your long-term running goals?
To have fun and enjoy running. Life is VERY busy with 3 very active children, a full-time job,
some part-time jobs and studying for my PhD.
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how
you managed to get over it?
Two and half years ago I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer and had to undergo surgery, weekly chemo for 3 months and daily radiation for 7 weeks. I overcame it by having a positive attitude, never giving up hope, having family and friend support every step of the way and an amazing health care team. I don’t know if I will ever “get over it”, but I won’t allow it to take over my life, instead I choose to live life to its fullest and enjoy what I CAN do and not what I CAN’T do.
How long have you been a member of GNRC? Hmmm… I think around 10 years?? Very good question.
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC?
I love the social aspect and knowing there is always a run you could join in
on. I have made some very special friendships in this club that I know will
last a lifetime.
Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
 Yes! My FAVORITE GNRC EVENT – The 3-mile Thanksgiving Day Run, that I would like to take partial credit for co-founding ;-) I remember the first year we proposed meeting for a run Thanksgiving morning and the past GNRC President Michael Gilio suggesting we follow it up at “the heaven” for a beer or two. I will NEVER forget the look on the bartender and the regulars faces when we walked in, it was like we just busted in on a private Thanksgiving Dinner, which we kind of did… But each year we come back the shock gets less and less, I think. They may even look forward to seeing us now… I know I look forward to the run and beer every year!
In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
When I first joined the club, I would say speed, I was NEVER a fast runner, but 10 years ago, I was fast (in my eyes) and I owe that to the club. Today, the friendships I have made outweigh any speed and now I am just plain thankful to know I can wake up every day and go for a run if I choose. 

​How long have you been involved with running?
I have been engaged in distance running since September of 1976.
What got you involved with running?
I joined the Simsbury High School crew team in the fall of 1976 along with
the majority of my neighborhood friends.
How many days a week do you usually run?
Age, injury, and work responsibilities have taken its toll. I am running just 3
to 5 times per week now.
What is the greatest distance you have raced?
I have run over 25 marathons beginning with an unofficial Boston Marathon
in the spring of 1986.
What is one of your most memorable race/event and what made it so
special?
My most memorable marathons both occurred in Providence RI. My fourth
ever and first Boston qualifier was the 2004 Ocean State marathon run
alongside my wife Speedy. Years later, I would qualify again by only
seconds in the Cox Providence marathon, helped to the finish line by Speedy
who was just a spectator at this event.
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
I do when the weather allows.
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t
feel like going out on a run?
The desire to eat whatever I want and maintain a constant weight is the
principal driver to my running. I am no longer enticed by the possibility of
achieving any new PR’s.
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
I am trying to widen my stride and increase my turnover rate.
What are some of you long term running goals?
My long term goals are to do a few more marathons, half iron triathlons, and
perhaps an ultra trail run.
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how
you managed to get over it?
I have suffered through all of the usual runners’ maladies: iliotibial band
syndrome, patellofemoral stress syndrome, and plantar fasciitis.
How long have you been a member of GNRC?
I am a founding member of GNRC along with my wife Speedy.
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC?
I enjoy the comradery of being a club member at road races, and having a
pool of training partners always available.
Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
I am appreciative of the support our club members have given me for my
RTB team and my annual perimeter swim event.
In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
Thanks to the club, I always know where Speedy is.

How long have you been involved with running?
I have been running for about 6 years
What got you involved with running?
A friend of mine that I met when I moved down to the Boston area was a big runner. I had always wanted to do a half, she was going to train for one and asked if I would like to train with her. I have been running ever since
How many days a week do you usually run?
4-5 days a week
What is the greatest distance you have raced? 
Marathon
What is one of your most memorable race/ event and what made it so special?
My most memorable race was the Philadelphia marathon last November. It was most memorable because  I was able to be with members of the group for a few days
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
Not always, but after it is done I always feel great
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
Knowing that I will be meeting up with other members of GNRC always helps. I know that they will be there to help and encourage me through the run weather its 3 or 18 miles.
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
I am currently working towards?  the Loco Half in October.
What are some of you long term running goals?
I would like to do another marathon and maybe a triathlon at some point
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how you managed to get over it?
An obstacle that I had to overcome was last November when my grandfather had suddenly passed away just two days before the Philadelphia marathon. I managed to overcome it though GNRC, they all were there to give me a hug when a needed it or give me a few words of encouragement. And also, knowing that my grandfather was with me every step of that marathon.
How long have you been a member of GNRC?
Just over a year
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC?
I enjoy the monthly breakfast runs its give us a chance to catch up with some of the members we may not have seen in a while. And also I enjoy the great group friends I have acquired through GNRC

In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
They helped me take almost 20 minutes of my marathon time. And have made me a better and faster runner.