I have been a member of the Grand Rapids Marathon staff since 2012. While I currently help coordinate packet pickup, I previously served as relay coordinator and social media manager.

I also ran the inaugural Grand Rapids Marathon back in 2004 as a lark. Worried about my lack of training, I emailed Don Kern, who basically said, “Just run it. You’ll be sore, but you’ll have an experience you will never forget.” Don was right, of course.

Since then, I have run four marathons, eight half marathons, 22 River Bank Run 25Ks, and hundreds of other assorted distances. I view running as a deeply personal and individual pursuit, so no, I am not interested in joining your running groups, talking about your training routines, or comparing toenails. Thanks for the offer, though.

Instead, I love to help other runners fulfill their own personal running journeys, and I remain inspired by the volume and variety of runners crossing the finish line every year. I remind everyone to poop early and often before the race, protect those nipples during the race, and remember that there’s no shame in walking backwards down the stairs after the race.