Mike grew up in Alexandria, VA. As a teenager, Mike raced motocross which fueled his enthusiasm for competition. At age 19 he began his running career where he instantly became addicted to the sport. After graduating from Old Dominion University in 1985 he decided to make Hampton Roads his home. His dedication to the sport of running began with his support of the local running club, the Tidewater Striders. If Mike was not racing on the weekends he was probably volunteering. He measured the race courses for the club for over twenty years. He and his wife Pam were the race directors for the Distance Series for 8 years and the Tidewater Strider Summer Series for 10 years. They were race directors for over 60 events for the club. He was the Tidewater Strider Volunteer of the year in 1994, and received the prestigious RRCA National Volunteer award in 1999 for "generous and enthusiastic contribution of two thousand hours of volunteer time in support of the running community." Mike has a passion for competition and enjoys racing for the challenge, thrill and the social atmosphere. Mike especially enjoys talking to newcomers about the sport. His race distances have included 5k races to the marathon, adventure races, mountain bike races, off road triathlons and duathlons, even an ultra. When he is not working or running he enjoys spending time at home with his wife Pam and their daughter Megan.

• Favorite Distance: 5k
• Favorite pre-race meal: Blackened tuna, shrimp and pasta.
• Most memorable race: The 100th Boston Marathon.
• The race of my life: 1987 Cherry Blossom 10 Miler.

John is a Norfolk native. He began his running career in 1993 while working as a lifeguard at Norfolk’s Ocean View Beaches. He became hooked on triathlons and road races and was sponsored by Running Etc. After graduating from Old Dominion University, John worked in law enforcement for seven years before joining the Running Etc. team. He is very passionate about running and triathlons and loves to experience the excitement of new athletes. He has coordinated triathlon teams for the Tidewater Striders for the past eight years. In addition to running, John enjoys reading, playing golf and coaching his son in baseball. He has completed everything from 5k’s to marathons in road racing, as well as sprint distance triathlons to Half Ironman events. John lives in Norfolk with his wife Julie, their son Jonathan and their pup Chloe.

• Most memorable race: Peachtree Road Race10k, 2004
• Current race goal: Shamrock 8k, 2009
• Favorite race distance: 8k
• Favorite pre race meal: Cheese pizza
• Favorite workout: 6 x 800, 90 seconds recovery
• Dream race: Great Wall of China Marathon

Mark is a Chesapeake native. He has been running since his junior year of high school when he joined the Western Branch track team. He then extended his career running in college for Radford and then Virginia Tech. After graduating from Virginia Tech, he joined a new team with Running Etc. Mark now hits the roads, running races of all distances. Just married in April, Mark lives with his wife Steph, who is also a competitive runner, and their chocolate lab Guinness.

• Favorite Place to Run: Seashore State Park
• Favorite Place to Eat: Plaza Azteca

Jeremy hails from Virginia Beach. He grudgingly started running in 1997 at Ocean Lakes High School after some prodding from his mom and close friends. He really enjoyed it, and became quite successful. He specialized in track, in particular the 800. Jeremy went on to become a district and regional champion, and held all state honors in the 4 x 800. Post high school, Jeremy ran on scholarship for the prestigious Winthrop University, Home of the Eagles. During Jeremy's tenure, the Eagles won back to back cross-country conference championships. On his off time Jeremy really enjoys watching movies, of which "The Goonies" is his all time favorite. He also enjoys hanging with his dog Blue.

• Favorite race distance: Has to be 800 meters
• Most memorable race: State indoor meet running the 4x800 my senior year. First, because it was the first time I broke 2:00, and second because I took the lead in that race, and I had never felt that type of excitement before.
• Dream Race: The Boston Marathon. I need to qualify in my first marathon to get there though.
• Pre-race Meal: Ham and Pineapple pizza
• Favorite work out: 8 x 200 with 2:00 rest.
• Current Race goal: Training super hard for the 2009 Shamrock Half Marathon.

Allison is a Maryland native, but has spent the past 8 years in Myrtle Beach, SC where she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Coastal Carolina University. Her younger years were spent playing field hockey and lacrosse until she later discovered her passion for running while living in Australia. When she returned to the States, she registered for her first running race, The Myrtle Beach Marathon, which she completed and has been hooked ever since. Five marathons and heaps of shorter races later, she still loves to run. Three years ago, Allison uncovered her enthusiasm for triathlons. Since then, she has competed in several tri's and hopes one day to be able to complete a full ironman event. When Allison isn't out training for her next upcoming race she enjoys surfing, scuba diving, rock climbing, and pretty much anything else that keeps her active and out of the house. Her next big event will be her wedding which will take place in the spring of 2009.

• Favorite Race Distance: The Marathon
• Favorite pre-workout food: Eggo waffles with peanut butter, blueberries and raspberries
• Dream Race: Greece Marathon
• Ultimate goals: Qualify for Boston and finish an Ironman

Amy has been an athlete her entire life. Running was a means to stay in shape for the other sports that she enjoyed. In 1997, after the birth of her 3rd child, she decided to focus on running. In 1998, she ran her first marathon. Amy is a dedicated wife, mother and athlete. She is up early to fit in her morning run around a busy home life. Her list of racing accomplishments includes 18 marathons and over 10 half marathons. Amy lives in Virginia Beach with her husband Jim, who is a competitive swimmer, and their daughters, Molly, Kelly and Caroline.

• Favorite Race: Twin Cities Marathon, the course is gorgeous and the crowd support is fantastic!
• Most memorable race: Her first marathon, there is no feeling like completing your first marathon!
• Favorite pre-race meal: Spaghetti with red sauce and a salad.

Carol is from Danville, Virginia. She joined the Running Etc. family in March 2007 after retiring from teaching in the Virginia Beach public school system. She began running as part of her exercise routine. In recent years, she has focused more on running and began competing in road races. She enjoys 5k's, 10k's and half marathons. She continues to improve and plans to run her first marathon in the fall. Carol lives in Norfolk with her husband Walter, daughter Martha, and their three cats, Mallory, Buffy and Serena.

• Favorite Race: 10k
• Most memorable race: The Disney Half-Marathon
• Dream race: The Boston Marathon
• Favorite pre-race meal: Tons of pasta
• Favorite work-out: The long run
• Current race goal: The OBX Marathon

Vince was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. As a freshman in High School, Vince had a brief track career that included one 800 meter race. After a few semesters at Temple University, Vince enlisted in the US Marine Corps and is currently serving on active duty in the Hampton Roads area. In 2001, Vince found a new passion for running during his crash course preparation for his first marathon, The Philadelphia Marathon. Even while traveling the world and running, it wasn't until Vince joined the Running Etc. team that he began improving his running times. Vince enjoys racing often in events that range from 5k to the marathon. He enjoys all the local Hampton Roads races as well as the many MWR races held on base. In addition to his running career, Vince is the proud father of two daughters, Chrya and Jordynn. When Vince is not working, he enjoys getting out the house and living life.

• Favorite Race Distance: The Half Marathon
• Current Race Goal: Charlotte Marathon
• Dream Race: Boston Marathon
• Most memorable race: 2001 Philadelphia Marathon
• Favorite race: Philadelphia Broad Street Run. It's flat, fast, and great scenery through the city.
• Most memorable race: 2001 Philadelphia Marathon
• Favorite pre-workout food: Anything

Shannon has spent most of her young life in Virginia Beach with her Scottish mother, Allyson, and Welsh father, Steve. She developed the passion for running at the age of 8 and years later is even more enthused about the sport. Her first race was the Williamsburg Winery Run which she shamefully ran in a pair of cheap running shoes. Shannon ran for Landstown High School and was considered to be one of the top distance runners in the region, qualifying for "States" numerous times in cross country and track. She has been a member of the Running Etc. team since 2003, and she is happy to have attained “Shoe Geek” status. She is currently attending the College of William & Mary.

• Pre-Race Routine: The night before I usually eat pasta with shrimp and have an ice bath. The day of the race I always have a Subway 6 inch tuna on wheat bread. I am infamous for having “Buan Coes” written on my hand, which is Welsh for Fast Legs. Putting Vicks under my nose is also a must, and it is likely I will be glued to my iPod prior to racing.
• Favorite Distance: 8K
• Dream Race: London Marathon
• Race of my Life: Footlocker National Cross Country 2005