Club Leadership

City/town you live in? Utica
What is your day job?
Professor of microbiology at MVCC
Board position details
VP of Administration and Finance and Save Our Switchback Race Director - I like logistics and spreadsheets.
What was your motivation to join the board?
When I’m invested in something, I tend to move toward making sure things get done, and this was one way to do that!
Share your personal running history!
I’m a later start runner, did my first 5K when I was 28, and after my second 5K which was in Disney World, my friend suggested we run the Princess Half Marathon, so we did! Since then, I’ve somehow turned into the person who responds to ideas that sound awful, like running up super big hills, with “Sure, I’m in!” I’m not the fastest person out there, but like Captain America, “I can do this all day,” - at least while I’m doing my Galloway intervals and walking every 60 seconds. I’ve now run 45 half marathons, 10 Boilermakers and more - and although I may never stand on a podium, I plan to run (slowly) until I’m 100.
What is the most memorable run/race you have done and why?
In 2022 I ran the Walt Disney World Dopey challenge, which is the 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon on successive days. It was really tough, but super fun, and I got six really nice shiny medals!
What about the Club are you looking forward to most this year?
This year we are running a contest to design the Development Run t-shirt, and I’m super excited to see what kind of awesome talent we have out there and what amazing design we end up with!
Tell us about any hobbies or interests you have outside of running!
I’m a hard core nerd. I love board games, video games, RPGs, Marvel, Sci-Fi, anime, puzzles, and more. I’m a singer and I’m out to karaoke weekly.
Any advice for runners (new or seasoned!) for this upcoming year?
Even a bad run is better than no run - and a bad run with friends tends to make it a great run!

City/town you live in?
New Hartford
What is your day job?
Software Developer
Board position details
Treasurer
What was your motivation to join the board?
Be more social and give back to the club.
Share your personal running history:
Started running after college as something to do when living in Oneonta and didn’t know anyone. My favorite distance is the half marathon - it’s the right balance of distance and not feeling dead at the end. Recently I did my first full marathon and will continue to do them.
What is the most memorable run/race you have done and why?
First half marathon was the Asbury Park Half. I was super nervous but it was a completely flat course along the boardwalk and being from New Jersey, it was nice to be back in the state.
What about the Club are you looking forward to most this year?
Falling Leaves 14k is my favorite local race ,so certainly that!
Tell us about any hobbies or interests you have outside of running!
Video games and cats!
Any advice for runners (new or seasoned!) for this upcoming year?
Keep at it. Even if you feel like you’re behind, you’re doing more than most.

City/town you live in?
Utica
What is your day job?
Community Habilitation Specialist; I support a young adult with autism
Board position details:
Co-directing Save Our Switchbacks
What was your motivation to join the board?
To give back to a community that helped me reignite my passion for running.
Share your personal running history
I began running in 2015. After running my first half marathon, I continued training to run my first full marathon. Following the Vermont City Marathon, I ran multiple more marathons and 50ks. This year, after a six-year hiatus,
I signed up for the Boilermaker and then the Wineglass Marathon. Getting back into running has been extremely beneficial for my physical and mental health, as well as giving me the opportunity to meet new people.
What is the most memorable run/race you have done and why?
Antelope Canyon 55k - the terrain and weather is alien versus the east coast.
What about the Club are you looking forward to most this year?
The development runs! They are amazing training for the Boilermaker.
Tell us about any hobbies or interests you have outside of running!
Traveling; especially overseas!
Any advice for runners (new or seasoned!) for this upcoming year?
Run with others without headphones. I learned this at one of my first UR runs. At first I would get winded trying to run and converse, even at a slower pace. But then I became a better runner on race day because most of my training
runs were spent talking.

City/town you live in?
Canastota
What is your day job?
New York Air National Guard
Board position details
Coordinate the Delta Lake Inn Brunch Run event
What was your motivation to join the board?
Running and loved being involved with many runs in previous years. The growth of this group has also impressed me. Being part of the back side is fun. Share your personal running history Growing up, running never crossed my mind. Sports like baseball and swimming defined me instead. When I enlisted in the Air Force, I was pushed into running for basic training, having only raced a handful of times before. What began as a requirement quickly became a challenge I embraced. Without access to a pool, running became my outlet. What started with a friend turned into a passion for exploring the streets of New York, one run at a time. Running may still come second to swimming, but it’s where I lose myself, test my limits, and keep moving forward.
What is the most memorable run/race you have done and why?
Five After Five during Covid. I tested out my limits trying to get five miles for all 15 days. Though it was solo, it was a fun event keeping up with everyone participating and I got to feel out the Utica Roadrunners group.
What about the Club are you looking forward to most this year?
All four of the races! Being there, seeing the growth, having fun at all of them!
Tell us about any hobbies or interests you have outside of running!
Baseball (Yankees), football (Bills), family, riding motorcycle and being outside.
Any advice for runners (new or seasoned!) for this upcoming year?
Get involved with running groups. They will keep you motivated and keep you closer to your goal!

City/town you live in?
Whitesboro
What is your day job?
I work as a supervising nurse for Madison County Health Department overseeing staff that run our many community health programs.
Board position details
Secretary, Membership Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Co-Race Director of the Run 2 End Hunger
What was your motivation to join the board?
More involvement in the club that I’ve been part of since the 8th grade (2008)!
Share your personal running history:
I was drafted into running when I didn’t make the school tennis team. The coach was Linda Turner who was very active in the Roadrunners at the time. I quickly became part of the Club - participating in runs and volunteering at
the Wednesday Development Runs. I continued running through high school, college and beyond!
What is the most memorable run/race you have done and why?
The Boilermaker was my first big race. It was such a memorable experience for me and made me love our local running community that much more.
What about the Club are you looking forward to most this year?
I look forward to running more miles with new friends and old!
Tell us about any hobbies or interests you have outside of running!
Hiking (Adirondack 46er since 2021) and downhill skiing.
Any advice for runners (new or seasoned!) for this upcoming year?
Be kind to yourself and your body 🙂 It’s easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself
and compare your self to others. Enjoy the little things and be kind.

City/town you live in?
Sauquoit
What is your day job?
I work in IT and am a Software Architect. I design software systems as well as program them. Very nerd stuff!
Board position details
I do the social media Instagram/Facebook and website. I also captain several races throughout the year and try to get race discounts for our members.
What was your motivation to join the board?
They were looking for website help and it was a natural fit for me.
Share your personal running history:
I never ran in high school on any team. I found running on my own. I wanted to get in better shape and saw the Boilermaker as a great way to push myself. After that, I remained consistent by running several local races throughout the years. Since joining the club/board I have been getting over 1,000 miles a year. I would have never pictured myself able to do it without support from friends/club members.
What is the most memorable run/race you have done and why?
I really like Race The Lake in Cooperstown. It was my first marathon.
What about the Club are you looking forward to most this year?
Continuing with the Travel Team and building that up.
Tell us about any hobbies or interests you have outside of running!
Doing work on my historic house, when I am not too tired from running.
Any advice for runners (new or seasoned!) for this upcoming year?
If you are new, come run with us. We have a great group of people at all different levels.

City/town you live in?
Holland Patent
What is your day job?
I teach full-time at Mohawk Valley Community College. The classes I teach are in the Electrical Engineering Technology program in the School of STEM.
Board position details
Merchandise for the Club
What was your motivation to join the board?
I wanted to give back to the Club and also take on a new challenge.
Share your personal running history:
I first started running in college, initially as a way to stay in shape, but I quickly came to appreciate the time it gave me to clear my head and gather my thoughts. Over the years, I’ve participated in many local races, sometimes
averaging ten or more per year. I also try to run as many Development Runs as possible throughout the season, as they are a great way to stay in shape for races. What is the most memorable run/race you have done and why?
Falling Leaves always is memorable to me, especially the section through the Switchbacks. That stretch stands out to me for its scenery and the challenge it brings late in the run. This past year, I also ran the Peak to Brew Relay, which
started at Gore Mountain and finished at the brewery. That race was especially memorable because of the unique challenges it presented—running twice in one day—and the strong sense of camaraderie within our group. What about the Club are you looking forward to most this year? Working to help promote merchandise and volunteering at more races and events.
Tell us about any hobbies or interests you have outside of running!
I enjoy taking my road bike out on long rides, and during the summer you can usually find me somewhere on the road or out on the trail. In the winter, I spend much of my time skiing—primarily alpine, but also Nordic. This is also
my 18th year working as ski instructor at McCauley Mountain. When I’m not riding or skiing, I stay busy in my woodworking shop or working on my house.
Any advice for runners (new or seasoned!) for this upcoming year?
Get out and run, even if it’s just for a short run.

City/town you live in?
New Hartford
What is your day job?
Occupational therapist. I currently work at a nursing home.
Board position details
Member of the Board Of Directors
What was your motivation to join the board?
I appreciate the support that I have received from the club over the years. I thought it was time for me to become more involved and continue with the Utica Roadrunners’ tradition of supporting runners of all abilities through
their running journeys.
Share your personal running history
In 2014, I began running to train for the Boilermaker 15K and have been a back-of-the-pack runner ever since. Besides running the Boilermaker, I have completed 16 half marathons and 4 ten-mile races. I was excited to receive
the “Most Improved Female Roadrunner” award for 2024.
What is the most memorable run/race you have done and why?
My most memorable race was the 2014 Boilermaker, mainly because it was the race that started my running journey. I had a lot of fun that day and was amazed at how many spectators there were cheering for the runners.
What about the Club are you looking forward to most this year?
I am looking forward to the Boilermaker Training Program. It has always been my favorite part of the Utica Roadrunners. This year, I am volunteering as a pacer.
Tell us about any hobbies or interests you have outside of running!
Spending time in the Adirondacks. I have also always loved going to the movies and musicals.
Any advice for runners (new or seasoned!) for this upcoming year?
All running experiences and workouts, good or bad, are making you a better runner.