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.

George McDaniel
Webmaster

This is my sixth 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!

Rick Feathers
Team Leader for 8:00-minute group

Second year as group leader. This will be my 5th year with the Galloway Program, but I’ve been running since my days in the Army. Have run 9 marathons since 2006. Favorite race so far? Richmond, last November – the local communities and neighborhoods supported the race with an energy level far beyond what I’d expected from a city of that size. Planning to run San Francisco and New York this year. Why do I run? To get to the end…

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 9:30 pace 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.

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

I started running with the Galloway Program in 2002 and completed the Raleigh Marathon that year. I have completed 21 marathons in a total of 17 different states. My top 5 marathons in no particular order are Cincinnati Flying Pig, Disney World, Chickamauga Battlefield, Chicago, and Honolulu. I run for health, friendship, medals, and the chance to run a marathon in every state.  My races for the 2010 Galloway season will be Mayors (Anchorage) in June and Detroit in October.

Darryl Banks
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group

Been a program member for 5 years and group leader for 4 years. I’ve completed ~20 marathons since starting with Galloway and have recently been adding an alarming number of ultra-marathons to that number! Some of my favorite races have been Pikes Peak Marathon, Uwharrie Mountain Run (40 miles), and the Umstead Endurance Run (100 miles) – because the mountain and trail races can be so very pretty and challenging (but forgiving on aging joints)! The satisfaction of completing a race reinforces that I can do anything I put my mind to, and the reward of getting new runners through their first marathon is like nothing else I’ve experienced.

Stephanie Kahm-O'Rourke
Team Leader for 10:00 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!

Jim Wei
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group

This is my third year running with the Galloway group, and my first year as a group leader for the 10 minute pace group.  I have done four half marathons and two full marathons.  I have one marathon, two 50K's, one half marathon, and one offroad triathlon on my calender this year.  My favorite race so far is the Mountain to Sea 12-Mile Challenge. 

Stephanie Turner
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group

This will be my second year with the Raleigh Galloway runners and my first year as a team leader.  Last year, I completed my first 10-miler (Tobacco Road), half marathon (Virginia Beach Rock N Roll Half) and full marathon (City of Oaks).  I completed my second marathon in 2010, the inaugural American Tobacco Trail full.  I have also become addicted to sprint triathlons.  Sometimes it is nice to mix things up with a “short” run preceded by a good swim and bike.  I initially started running to get healthier physically, but I am realizing that running is changing me mentally.  With each race, I learn something about myself.  Just when I think I have it all figured out, the next race teaches me something else.  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! 

Esther Dill:
Team Leader for 10:30 minute group

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.

Kay Davis:
Team Leader for 10:30 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 10:30 minute group

This is my fourth year as a member of Raleigh Galloway and my second year as a 10:30 pace group leader. I joined the group to train for full marathons. As a woman, I love the security and camaraderie of running in a group. So far I have run five marathons: City of Oaks (2007), Kiawah Island (2007), Marine Corps (2008), Richmond (2009) and The Flying Pig in Cincinnati (2010). 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!

Susan Gregory
Team Leader for 10:30 minute group

This is my 2nd year with the Galloway program and 1st year as a group lead. I’ve done 4 half marathons & 1 full so far. My favorite race was Tobacco Road Full. I was glad I did a local race I loved that my family & friends came out to support me. I started to train Jan 2009 because I needed to lose some pesky pregnancy weight for a weight loss challenge at work. Back then I physically could not run for longer than 1 - 2 minutes. I was mortified at how out-of-shape I was I refused to run with anyone. I do this now because I cannot imagine getting through those monster long runs in the dead of NC summers without the awesome Galloway group. I didn't think I could accomplish a half marathon goal yet through this group I've been able to achieve that as well as a full. I'm so excited to be here!

Carolyn Quarterman
Team Leader for 11:00 minute group

This is my 9th season with Galloway and my 5th as a group leader. I've completed 7 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 only planned to come once (to complete a challenge at my health club) and the idea of doing a marathon was 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 Marine Corps marathon.

Mike Brown
Team Leader for 11:00 minute group

This is my second year in the program. I joined in 2008 and run with the 11 minute group. I’ve run 3 half marathons (City Of Oaks, Raleigh Rocks and the last half of the OBX full) and plan to run my first full in Richmond in 2009. I’m living breathing proof that you CAN go from couch potato to runner. I ran my first 5K in 2007 and my first full mile (without walk breaks) and my first half marathon in 2008. I’m sold on this program because of the enthusiasm and support of the members. Self doubt is the biggest hurdle that most new members will have to overcome and everyone I’ve met in this program, from the fastest to the slowest, are there to help and take great pleasure from the success of others.

Hardin Watkins
Team Leader for 11:30 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.

Karin Groden (pronounced like “car-in” the garage)
Team Leader for 11:30 minute group

Running for about 3 years running; second year with Galloway. My favorite races have been the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon, which was my first full marathon, the Jacksonville Gate River Run, and Cincinnati Flying Pig During the past three years. I’ve completed 3 full marathons, 9 Half Marathons and numerous shorter races. I definitely enjoy the camaraderie that running with a group provides and the feeling of accomplishment that comes from reaching a goal.

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.

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. Since then, I've run 4 full marathons and 5 half marathons and numerous shorter distance races. And although I'm still large and slow, I'm still running! By being a leader, it's my hope that my experiences can help others who've never run around the block complete their first long distance race!

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.

Rob Hambrick
Root School Water Point

I put out water at Root School when we run at Shelley Lake.  This is my second year in the program and I have found that when 430 runners expect cold water and Gatorade at Root School, it is pretty easy to get up early on a Saturday morning!  The Galloway program helped me achieve a life-long goal to run a marathon.  Last year I ran one full (Marine Corps) and two half marathons (Raleigh Rocks and Virginia Beach).  Marine Corps was definitely the highlight of my year, running with over 30,000 runners through our nation’s Capital!  You will meet lots of new friends and make memories that last a lifetime.  Enjoy!