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 - Second Year

This is my fifth 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 (The Beasts)

First year as group leader. This will be my 4th year with the Galloway Program. Have been running since my days in the Army. Have run 7 marathons since 2006, including Boston in '07 and '08. - Favorite race? The next one. Seriously, Steamtown (Scranton, PA) was fun. Charming little towns, very enthusiastic support, both from onlookers and volunteers, and a very fast, largely-downhill course. Why do I run? Sorry, no great inspirational message here. I don't enjoy running so much as I enjoy stopping. Have yet to discover any more efficient means of maintaining fitness, and a running regimen satisfies my need to feel that I've earned any sense of well-being I encounter from time to time.

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).

Ann Lane
Team Leader for 9:00 minute group

I've been running for about 8 years, and with Galloway for 5. I've run three marathons: Minneapolis, and Raleigh (2x). My favorite marathon continues to be Raleigh. I love running through Umstead during fall and seeing friends and family along the course. I used to ride endurance races on horseback, then decided to give the running a try myself! I'm definitely hooked and have made so many lifelong friends in this wonderful and exciting sport.

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

I started running with the Galloway Program in 2002 and completed the Raleigh Marathon that year. I have completed 17 marathons in a total of 14 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.

Liz Jackson
Team Leader for 9:30 pace group

I began training for my first half marathon in 2001. I completed that one in Atlanta and then set my sights on my first full marathon in 2004 at Disney World. Since then I've gotten much better training and race advice, and have enjoyed learning from others. I've completed 15 half marathons and 8 marathons. This is my second year in the Galloway program and first year as a group leader. Running keeps me in shape and doing races keeps me motivated to train. I like running with my husband (11:30 Galloway group) and with friends. The highs and the lows of running make me feel alive!

BD Sechler
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group (The Incredibles )

Group Co-Leader for 4 years (2006 - 2009) Galloway team member since 2005. I've completed 15 marathons and ultras in the past 5 years (since 2005) Some of my races include Richmond, Chicago, Disney Goofy, Pikes Peak, Eugene, Grandfather Mountain, Uwharrie and Umstead 100 Running provides me with a sense of accomplishment, an outlet for relieving stress, camaraderie and pride in helping others to succeed in their running goals

Darryl Banks
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group (The Incredibles )

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.

Jeanette Hagood
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group (The Incredibles )

2nd yr as leader. Member since 2005. Had never run more than a 5K before joining Galloway. I've completed 3 Marathons & 12 Half Marathons. They include Chicago (hottest), Marine Corps, San Antonio. Several of the halfs were Jamaica, Miami, Dallas, & Vegas. My favorite races are the Indy Mini (ran on the Indy 500 track) and Austin, TX Half which I ran with my husband and brother. Why I do this? To keep in shape but most of all to enjoy the company of the numerous people I have met over the years. My closest friends are my running and biking buddies!!!

Stephanie Kahm-O'Rourke
Team Leader for 10:00 minute group (The Incredibles )

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!

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 third year as a member of Raleigh Galloway 10:30 pace group. I joined the group to train for full marathons. I had trained for and run several half marathons before seeing the light and joining Galloway. As a woman, I like the security and camaraderie of running in a group. I have run three marathons: City of Oaks (2007), Kiawah Island (2007), and Marine Corps (2008). Each race was great! I especially loved our hometown race—great course (oh, they changed it… too hard?), well organized, lots of friends to run with, and I slept in my own bed! Running, specifically longer distances, gives me confidence (in all parts of my life). Nothing is too difficult. I can do it. And you can too.

Carolyn Quarterman
Team Leader for 11:00 minute group (TheThundering Herd)

Member since 2002 -I've completed 6 marathons. My favorite race is the Suntrust Marathon in Richmond. Not too big and not too small, usually cool, and not too hilly. And it ends on a downhill!. Running was always last on my list of preferred exercise until I joined Galloway. I guess I was haunted by memories of my elementary gym teacher, Mr. Zerbuchen, who would make us run laps for punishment. However, the Galloway group changed all that, and made me a runner. I have had a lot of fun, made great friends, improved my fitness, and surprised myself (and others!) with what I could achieve.

Rachel Wallach:
Team Leader for 11:00 minute group - Member since 2007
I have completed 3 full marathons and 5 half marathons since I started running 2 years ago. My favorite race was my very first, the Rock ‘n Roll VA Beach ½ marathon, good friends, the beach… can’t beat that! - Running was a new start for me. I had never exercised before starting to run, and I remember trying to get through my first run (1/2 a mile) and thinking I wasn’t going to make it… if it weren’t for this terrific group of runners I would still be a couch potato and would have never gotten to run a 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 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.

Cheryl Phillips:
Team Leader for 12:00 minute group - 5th year in Galloway

I have run two marathons, two half-marathons, one triathlon, and two one-hundred mile bike rides. My favorite race - is still to come! I had major surgery last summer and could not finish the season. After a six-month hiatus I am ready to get back my legs (as well as the rest of my body I lost from not running!). I have signed up for a 50k - The New River Trail 50k in Fries, Virginia as my goal race this year. I love the Galloway program. The camaraderie gained in this program is irreplaceable. While I have successfully challenged myself to do things I never thought physically possible, it is the feeling of accomplishing goals together that keeps me coming back. I ran my first marathon injured, with Ron running by my side the entire time, not only encouraging me but giving up any hope he had for a good race time. People from my pace group waited for me at the end to share congratualtions. I will return the favor some day, because I know I can finish a marathon. In fact, that accomplishment has brought me a level of self-confidence I never had before.

Chris Travis :
Team Leader for 12:00 minute group - 2nd year in Galloway

This is my first year as a pace group leader - Completed 2 Marathons in 2008 - Raleigh Oaks and Philadelphia - Raleigh Galloway Rookie of the Year 2008 - Running is a great analogy for life, and I like running because I sense it is God's way of encouraging me to keep going in life.

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!

Linda Wilson
Team leader for the 14:00-15:00-minute group (the Pacers)

I have been jogging since college. I joined Galloway in the 2005 season and have been active ever since. I have completed 10 half marathons. I love the Rock-N-Roll series and have done Nashville and VA Beach twice! (I plan to do VA Beach again this year). I love the Galloway program because as Ron says "We are a social club with a running disorder". I love the people, the support, the races, the excitement, the positive good cheer. It is one of the best things I do in my life and it is a gift I want for everyone. Ron is great because he manages to keep us all together and keep the program exciting and fresh from one year to the next.

Jackie Tyner
Team leader for the 14:00-15:00-minute group (the Pacers)

I love the Galloway group! This is my sixth season. When I joined, I was given support and sage advice from day one and still use it. I am not a natural runner but do it for the camaraderie and for the health benefits. I've made my best friends running with this program, and we keep each other coming back. I've run eight half marathons and a few short triathlons. I love to ride my bicycle and find time to fit in at least one long distance event ride a year. My favorite half marathon (because it was my first ) is Virginia Beach 1/2 Rock & Roll. I am a nurse professionally but also in my soul. That being said: I have a passion for helping people achieve their optimal state of health, so I am excited to be at the launch pad for new runners in the base group this year. Remember, however, there are down sides to living a healthy lifestyle as Mickey Mantle forewarns in his famous quote, "If I knew I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."