Raleigh Galloway Group Leaders (Under development . . . more to come!)

Eric Johnson
Assistant Program Director for 3 years

Member since 2000 with 1 year absence in 2003. As of May, 2009, I have completed 61 marathons in 46 states. My favorite marathon is a tie between Chicago and Deadwood. Deadwood was a beautiful course but Chicago is my PR course. I am proud to be a member and assistant director of the Galloway Program. It is a tremendous feeling seeing members finish their first half or full marathon. Playing a role in helping runners complete their event is a feeling that motivates me to return year after year. The Galloway Program has also afforded me the opportunity to make many new friends and chase a dream of completing a marathon in all 50 states.

Esther Dill:
Marketing

This is my fourth year as a group leader, and I have been running with the Galloway group since 2001. I started running for fitness in my late 20’s, and competed in many 5 and 10K’s over the years, but only got interested in running a marathon when I turned 50. So I joined the Galloway Training Group to run the 2001 Honolulu Marathon. That was my first and it was so exciting that I’ve been at it ever since. This year I am training for the Richmond Marathon for the third time. To date, I have completed 14 marathons. My last races were the Myrtle Beach Marathon in February and Marine Corps Marathon in October. My goal for this year is to stay healthy and run happy.

George McDaniel
Webmaster

This is my seventh season with Galloway, where I train with the 9:30 group. I have completed five marathons: Southeastern Masters (Raleigh), Richmond, Outer Banks, City of Oaks, and Chickamauga Battlefield. Chickamauga is my favorite: great, historic course, beautiful scenery, low-key, down-home atmosphere. I enjoy running because it gets me out into the world.

Dan Bedard
Team Leader for 7:00-minute group

Galloway Program member since 2008 . I've completed two marathons: Raleigh and Boston. I have also been getting into triathlon, completing my first Half Ironman at White Lake, NC in May 2009. . My favorite race so far has been Raleigh. There's an eerie and enchanting calm when you're racing through Umstead.. Running with the program has given me camaraderie and consistency; years ago, I broke my leg trying to race my first half marathon after training poorly. Running, in general, just makes me happy!

Laurie Olson
Team Leader for 8:00-minute group  

I ran my first 5k on my 40th birthday so one thing led to another. I run for my health and by running with Galloway, I have meet some very talented runners and interesting people. I enjoy the camaraderie and banter of my group. We all are very close and support each other. I have gained many new friends. My favorite race of all is the half marathon anywhere any time. I treasure my Boston marathon because it is an honor among runners to be there. I also set my PR at Boston. I’m very tempted at times to do it again but there are just too many great marathons out there to be run. I like choosing destination marathons to get away with my best friend and husband.

Eric Holmes
Team Leader for 9:00 minute group

Why do I run? Ten years ago, I gave into peer pressure and joined the “Team In Training” program with my friends and loved it. I remember thinking that I was going to be very bored if I ran continuously for 4-hours. But, I quickly found out that when you run with a group, it’s never boring. I first joined the Jeff Galloway group back in 2001 after suffering a running injury. The promise of injury free running was very appealing to me and the “run-walk-run” method helped me to run two injury-free marathons within a month of each other so I was sold on JG method. Plus, the JG program has all the benefits of the TnT program without having to raise a lot of money. The 2009 season is the start of my fourth year as a group leader and I’m looking forward to making new friends as I train for my 9th marathon (and triathlons/duathlons).

Gary Fulton
Team Leader for 9:00 minute group

Running with the Galloway Program since 2003. I started running to train for the Marine Corps Marathon. I have run 9 marathons and 11 half marathons. I combine running with mini-vacations with my wife. A few highlights were Arizona, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Washington, and Ohio. Running on Saturdays with the group is a lot of fun. It is great to meet new people, to help and encourage people to accomplish an amazing feat, and to stay in good physical condition.

Jim Wei
Team Leader for 9:00 minute group

I started running in 2008 with the Galloway group and did my first half marathon that year at OBX. First full marathon came a year later in 2009 also at OBX. In the past year and half I have done my first and only 5K therefore a PR, three more marathons, and five ultramarathons. The plan for rest of 2011 are two summer 50k's, an off road tri, a 50 miler, 208 mile relay, a 24 hour race, a marathon, a 50 miler, and training for another shot at 100. I love to run in beautiful and remote locations in small races, my favorite races are Pilot Mountain Payback, Umstead Trail Marathon, and Chattooga River 50k.

Jon Turner
Team Leader for 9:00 minute group

Cyclist (ridden across North Carolina 5 times) / triathlete (half-iron distance) / runner (marathon distance), 2011 is my first year as a Galloway team leader. I joined Galloway after a serious running injury during a traditional triathlon training program and use the run / walk for training and marathons to stay injury free. I'm all about endurance sports and I hate to run alone - so boring on those long distances. What makes Raleigh Galloway great is knowing that I'll always have a bunch of friends to run with at my chosen pace on a supported route with water points. Goals for 2011 - run a marathon a month including 10 states (so I can join the 50 state club and get that 4th marathon maniac star).

Rob Hall
Team Leader for 9:30 pace group + water team

Robert Hall of the 9:30 pace group started running with the Galloway Program in 2002 and he has completed 25 marathons in a total of 20 different states since joining. His top 5 marathons in no particular order are Cincinnati Flying Pig, Disney World, Chickamauga Battlefield, Mayor's (Anchorage), and Honolulu. He runs for health, friendship, medals, and the chance to run a marathon in every state. His races for the 2011 Galloway season will be Kentucky Derby, Vermont City, and maybe Stumpy's (DE) in Sept., Indy (IN) with Detroit (MI) or Hatford (CT) with Newport (RI) in October.

Stephanie Kahm-O'Rourke
Team Leader for 9:30 minute group

I’ve been running with the Galloway Program for 3 seasons. I have completed seven marathons and one ultra. Some if my races include Disney, Kiawah Island (2x), Pike’s Peak, Marine Corps (2x), Myrtle Beach, and the Frosty 50. My favorites are Kiahwah Island because of the fast and flat course and Pike’s Peak providing breathtaking scenery and the biggest physical challenge I’ve ever faced. Running provides me with a means of relieving stress and is the simplest cardiovascular workout with several health benefits such as increasing cardiovascular function, helping prevent and control diabetes, lowers blood pressure, promotes weight loss, etc. After training for and running my first marathon solo, I wasn’t certain I ever wanted to do it again. Running with a team in the Galloway group is both inspirational and fun!

Stephanie Turner
Team Leader for 9:30 minute group

This will be my third year with the Raleigh Galloway runners and my second year as a team leader. I have completed 2 half marathons (Virginia Beach Rock N Roll Half in 2010 and Tobacco Road in 2011) and 3 full marathons (City of Oaks in 2009, Tobacco Road in 2010 and Marine Corps in 2010). I also participate in triathlons and plan my first olympic distance tri this summer. Sometimes I can't decide what I like most--running or flying on my all-carbon Fugi! I started running in 2006 to get healthier physically, but I am realizing that running is changing me mentally. With each event, I learn something about myself. Just when I think I have it all figured out, the next event teaches me yet another valuable lesson. I am a changed wife, mother, Nurse Practitioner, and friend as a result of running and owe it all to the Galloway program. I look forward to helping others grow through participation in this awesome experience!

Roy Tevepaugh
Team Leader 9:30 minute group

This will be my 2nd year in Galloway and my 1st year as a group leader. I started training for long distance running in 2007, did not start to run/walk until 2008. I have completed 2 marathons (City of Oaks and Suntrust National) and 10 half marathons. I have always loved to run and running with the Galloway has been a lot of fun and I have had a chance to meet a lot people. For my races for 2011 will be Tobacco Road Half, Tarheel 10 miler, Inside-out sports classic half, City of Oaks full, and Virginia Beach half.

Kay Davis:
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group - 3rd year

Galloway Member since 2004. I have competed in 2 marathons, Chicago (2004) and Outer Banks (2008). I have completed numerous half-marathons including City of Oaks, Outer Banks, Virginia Beach, and Inside Out Half. I have also completed in 4 Sprint Triathlons My favorite has to be the Chicago Marathon in 2004 for a couple of reasons. One, it was my first marathon and two, my daughter ran it also and met me at the finish line long after she had finished! Why do I run? Simply, because I can. Seriously, setting goals keeps me motivated and focused in all aspects of my life and the sense of accomplishment I feel at end of a race, whether it is a 5k or marathon is a catalyst to achieve more.

Cara Greening
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group

I love to run on Saturdays with Raleigh Galloway. This is my fifth year in the group and third year as a pace group leader. As a woman, I love the security and camaraderie of running in a group. We run, we walk, we talk (repeat, repeat). I have completed seven marathons: City of Oaks (2007), Kiawah Island (2007), Marine Corps (2008), Richmond (2009), The Flying Pig in Cincinnati (2010), Indianapolis Monumental (2010), and Kentucky Derby (2011). My plan is to run a marathon in every state. A wise Galloway runner once said, “You have to respect the distance.” Every race is a learning experience! Long distance running gives me confidence in all parts of my life. Nothing is too difficult. I can do it. And you can too!

Paula Smith
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group

I have been an ACE certified personal trainer since 1995 & have always enjoyed running 5k and 10k races with clients. It wasn't until 2007 when I started training a Galloway Team Leader (Randy Whitfield) that I became interested in running marathons. To know she started in her
50's was so inspiring! I ran my first 2 half marathons in 2008 (Inside Out Sports & Raleigh Rocks). This year I ran my 3rd half marathon (Raleigh Rocks, again) with my client who had lost 85 pounds. That was my favorite race because of HER- that look on her face- that feeling of accomplishment--priceless!! This is my first year as a Galloway Team Leader for the 10 minute mile group and I am so excited to help others achieve their goals in a safe and effective
way!

Missy Orr
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group

This is my third year running with Galloway and my first year as a team leader. I joined Galloway to gain a structured approach to running and meet new people. What I have gained from the Galloway has far exceeded my expectations. Besides accomplishing goals I never thought possible, I’ve met a great group of people. It’s so much fun to share stories about races, training and learn from other peoples’ experience. How often do you get to share your hobby with so many like-minded people? My first marathon was Athens, Greece in 2009. My running partner and I decided if we were going to run a marathon, we might as well make it a big one. I also ran the Flying Pig marathon in May, 2010. Unfortunately, I had an injury which sidelined me for the rest of the 2010 season. I am hoping for a strong comeback this year. My future marathon plans in clued Rehoboth Beach (Dec. 2011), 26.2 with Donna (Feb. 2012) and Big Sur (Apr. 2012) and hopefully a marathon in the Netherlands in 2013. I will also compete in the Beach to Battleship half Ironman in October, 2011. I look forward to another great year of running and to all of us accomplishing our goals in 2011.

Susan Gregory
Team Leader for 10:30 minute group

I’ve been running with the Galloway group since 2009; this is my 2nd year as a lead. To date, I have run 5 halves and 2 full marathons. I stumbled across the Galloway training program as I was painfully training for my 1st half marathon (City of Oaks 2009). With nagging runner pains (knee, hip & feet) my body couldn’t handle doing the long runs. Without using the run-walk method, I would have given up on running back then. The Galloway method really does allow you to run injury free. By joining the Jeff Galloway program I was able to continue running and enjoy it. Now I cannot imagine running long distances without the friendly faces for our scheduled Saturday mornings. It truly is amazing what you can accomplish through the program. This year I am training for RnR Chicago and Marine Corps Marathon.

Marie St. Hilaire
Team Leader for 10:30 Minute group

This is my second year in the Galloway program, and my first as a team leader. I’ve run two marathons and one half so far, and I loved all three experiences. Until I read Jeff Galloway’s books, I didn’t really enjoy running and saw it as a necessary drudgery to keep in shape when I didn’t have anything more entertaining to do for exercise. But once I started the run-walk method, I was able to run further without exhausting myself, and I started to really enjoy it for the first time. The Galloway program made that experience even better – the people are so warm, friendly, and supportive, and we have so much fun together while accomplishing great things. I love the fact that by the end of the season we could say we were “only running 10 miles” - like 10 miles is no big deal!

Dottie Amtey
Team Leader for 10:30 Minute group

Running is my passion! I am a veteran of 10 marathons and Love the Galloway program because I have met most of my best friends by running with different groups. I have been a Galloway member since the first year of the program and hope to continue! I think year 2011 is going to be the BEST!

Carolyn Quarterman
Team Leader for 11:00 minute group

This is my 10th season with Galloway and my 6th as a group leader. I've completed 9 marathons. Running was always last on my list of preferred exercise until a friend invited me to come do a run with the Galloway group back in 2002. I had only planned to come once (to complete a challenge at my health club) and the idea of doing a marathon was absolutely the furthest thing from my mind since I had never even done a 5K! The Galloway walk/run system as well as the comraderie of a group completely changed my negative perception of running and I got hooked! I have had a lot of fun, made great friends, improved my fitness, and surprised myself (and others!) with what I could achieve. This year I look forward to running the Steamtown Marathon.

This is my third year with Galloway and my second year as a group leader. I have completed 2 full marathons, 7 half marathons and numerous short distance races. My favorite race is OBX --- I love the beach and running so it’s a perfect combination. I plan to run the Marine Corps Marathon & OBX half this fall. I am a very social runner so being a part of the Galloway program has been a blast --- I have formed long lasting friendships and a love for running. I am excited to encourage new runners (and veteran runners) this season!

Hardin Watkins
Team Leader for 11:00 minute group

I've been running long distances for about 4 years. This is my third season in the Raleigh Galloway program and second year as a group leader. I've run 8 marathons and 19 half marathons. My first marathon was the New York City Marathon in 2005. Having 1 million spectators on the course cheering you on definitely helps you overcome the challenges of your first 26.2 mile race. Distance running certainly helps me keep a clear head, decompress from the stresses of work, get outside and see the world, and stay in shape. The social aspect and camraderie of the running group is wonderful and motivates me to get up very early on Saturday mornings.

Brenda Franks
Team Leader for 11:00 minute group

This is my 5th season with Galloway and my 1st year as a group leader. I've completed 2 marathons and 12 half marathons. I never considered myself a runner or runner material until I found the Galloway program 5 years ago. For the first three years I had no desire to even consider training for a full marathon. The idea of the time commitment and the effort was overwhelming. However, I let a good friend (one that I met through the Galloway running program) convince me to give it a try with her and we completed the Richmond Marathon together in 2009. It was the most amazing feeling to know that I had accomplished this goal! The Galloway walk/run has allowed me to advance and enjoy the thrill of completing a full marathon. The friends I have made are even more amazing and I look forward to seeing them each week to talk through our accomplishments, struggles and running goals. This year I plan to run the Marine Corps marathon for the second time because once just wasn't enough!

Jeannie Armagost
Team Leader for 11:30 minute group

This is my 4th year with Galloway and my 2nd time as a group leader. Prior to that I ran on my own. I joined Galloway because I knew I was doing something wrong. At approximately mile 18 I’d end up injured and have to defer my marathon yet again. I have been injury free ever since. I have completed 5 marathons to date, from Quebec City to Disney, many half-marathons and several triathlons. Since my husband doesn’t run, he helps in picking out the vacation for the year, this year, BayState Marathon in Lowell, Ma.

Chris Mayhorn
Team Leader for 11:30 minute group

Though this is only his second year in Galloway, Chris became a "believer" in the run/walk method because of the notable differences in recovery time he has experienced since training. In other words: he can walk and interact with his family after a long race rather than collapsing onto the couch (as happened in years past before he began training with Galloway). He has run 5 half marathons (Raleigh Rocks X 2, City of Oaks X 2, Umstead) and one full marathon (City of Oaks). His target race this year is the Marine Corps Full Marathon in Oct. 2011. In the off-season, he has been running with the Tir na Nog running club and has participated in the Krispy Kreme Challenge (4th year in a row), St. Paddy's Day 5 miler (2nd year in a row), the Tarheel 10 miler, and the Run for Our Heroes.

Phyllis Chandler
Team Leader for 11:30 minute group

I joined Galloway 4 years ago after training for 2 half marathons on my own. Best decision I ever made too! The camaraderie is so amazing that I can't wait til our Saturday morning runs (keeps me from going in to work on Saturdays too). I am happy to be a leader for the 11:30 pace group this year. I have completed 2 full marathons and about a dozen half marathons. By far, my favorite half is the City of Oaks - I like local races and this year will be my 5th year running it. There are only 2 things predictable about City of Oaks: HILLS and awesome Galloway water stops! I enjoy running because it is a great stress reliever and I love being outdoors. See you on the greenways!

Beth Neel
Team Leader for 11:30 minute group

This is my second year running with Raleigh Galloway. I've run one marathon, OBX, and if it weren't for my Galloway friends running with me, I might not have finished. I've run 4 half marathons: City of Oaks, Tobacco Road x 2, and will run the inaugural New River Half Marathon in Ashe Co on May 5th. My favorite race thus far has been OBX. Despite the leg cramps at mile 20, it was a glorious run. I began running to lose weight and have had limited success with that, but running has given me a lot more: peace, an escape, a goal, new friends and new confidence in other areas of my life. Thanks Raleigh Galloway.

Teri Siragusa
Team Leader for 11:30 minute group

Member since 2001. I've completed 4 1/2 marathons (Chicago was cancelled due to heat) and between 18-20 half marathons. My greatest challenge was doing the Goofy Challenge with a bunch of crazy friends from Galloway who joined me. I also help with registration I've meet a lot of wonderful friends and look forward to the Saturday morning runs. Running has helped me cope with the challenges one faces in life.

Randy Whitfield
Team Leader for 12:00 minute group

When I turned fifty, my sister talked me into learning to run so we could run the “Race for the Cure” since my mother and two best friends died of breast cancer. Then in 2001 my husband talked me into joining Galloway. I did, but I told him I would never run a marathon. Nine marathons and eighteen half marathons later, I’m a group leader and I love it! My favorite races were the original Greek Marathon in Athens 2008 and Amsterdam in 2005. The first had thirteen miles of hills and the second was perfectly flat, but I had great finish times in both. I have become so addicted to running that I even ran the first Disney Goofy Challenge in 2006 – a half marathon one day and a full the next. I do this because my goal is to one day be as young as Iris Vinegar.

Meri Kotlas
Team Leader for 13:00 minute group

I've been with the Galloway program since 2007, when a friend tricked me into running the Marine Corps Marathon. I'd never run a mile before in my life, but the Raleigh Galloway Group got me across the finish line. After 10 full marathons (including one trail race and two races as an official pacer), 7 half marathons and numerous shorter distance races, you might be tempted to call me a running addict! Over the years, the greatest satisfaction has not been my own achievements, but watching my fellow runners achieve what they never thought possible. Running a marathon will empower you. By being a leader, it's my hope my experiences will help others who've never run around the block complete their first long distance race!

Priscilla Raasch-Mason
Team Leader for 13:00 minute group

I have been in the Raleigh Galloway Program for 6 years. For five of those years, I have been a leader for the Lucky 13s or 14/15 groups. I have completed 8 half and 5 full marathons. My favorite races are the Lincoln National Guard and The Flying Pig half marathons as well as the Alaska Mayors Full Marathon. To me, completing these races is not always about time. It is about finishing and having fun! And,the most fun is helping others reach their goals of finishing a half or full marathon for the first time.

George Weinstein
Team leader for 14/15 minute group

2009 was my first year running and I managed to move up from the 14/15 pace group to run with the 12's and to run the 26.2 in training and finish the training for a marathon. In November of 2009, I ran half of the Outer Banks full before getting an injury, and I plan to run half marathons in 2010 and another marathon in 2011. I started out running to support my girlfriend and I got hooked. Running is very much like flying, both in the freedom it gives you and in its sensation. It can be hard work but there no sensation like running to somewhere. When you get there, you turn around and realize you didn't use a car or a ride to get there. There was only you to get you there, using the same muscles that get you from the couch to the fridge, and only you can get you back and there is truly no sensation or freedom like that to be found anywhere else.

Margaret Ray-Nobles
Team leader for 14/15 minute group

This is my second year with Raleigh Galloway I have run the City of Oaks half marathon last November and American Tobacco Road full marathon this past March I enjoy running with the Raleigh Galloway because it is a wonderful way to enjoy a sport with a group of new friends. I also serve as a role model for the students I work with in Wake County Public Schools by being active and staying in shape. I also enjoy the challenge of participating in distance running.

Patricia Laporte-Karicheti
Water Team

I am a member of the 14/15 minute group and I have been running for a little less than a year. I ran my very first race, City of Oaks Half Marathon, in Nov 2010 and I finished despite a pulled calf after mile 10. I was determined to finish so I walked/limped the last 3.1 miles and completed my race!!! I initially started running so I could lose weight and lost 52 lbs by the time I ran my race. I continue to run to stay active, for relaxation, to further my weight loss and of course to stay in shape.