Katie Smith- President
After years of watching the Boilermaker 15k with coffee and bagel in hand, I joined up with the Go the Distance group in 2012 to train for my first race. I'm an above-knee amputee, and have run a bunch of Boilermakers, half-marathons, and 5 marathons.
When I am not running, I work as a librarian, eat cookies, and think about running.
Patricia (Trish) Healy - Vice President I started running in my 20s. Before that, running seemed like a chore. For several years I ran on and off, the farthest being a 5K. A few years ago a friend suggested I join the Hill Striders. I was hesitant because I wasn't very fast and had never run with a group. Since joining, I have realized how much I love running with a group, especially one as non-judgmental and supportive as this one. I have gone from running the occasional 5K to now running 5Ks, 10Ks, 2 Boilermakers and my first half marathon! I have also made several great friends through this group. When I'm not running, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family, friends and my two cats.
Dave Kubera - Treasurer
I became introduced to the Mohawk Valley Hill Striders through my wife, Gretchen, who was running with this group. I am not a runner, and have no desire to run!! I needed to find some method of exercise, so I started riding my bike with this group. I quickly realized that this was a great opportunity to help keep my physically motivated and to assist in the safety patrol of our runners. Through the years, with this great collection of people, I have been involved with multiple local races, and the WKTV Go The Distance program providing bike patrol.
Rachel Olson - Secretary I always dreamed of being a runner, but never thought it would be possible. In 2018, I applied for the Go the Distance program on a whim. When I was selected, I had my doubts about whether or not I would be able to run a full Boilermaker, never having successfully run so much as a 5K. I showed up to my first training run sure that I wouldn’t make it through my first mile. I quickly discovered though that running was a true passion; I fell in love with the sport, with the way it made me feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Guided by the support of the Mohawk Valley Hill Striders and especially Coach Joe, I completed the 2018 Boilermaker. However, I quickly discovered that a 15K wasn’t enough. I went on to run six marathons in a six-month period. After breaking my ankle just two weeks before the 2019 Boilermaker, I spent months in physical therapy to make my running comeback. Though I’m still on the road to recovery, at least I’m still hitting the road! I look forward to running my first marathon in the fall of 2020!
Les Dunlap I started running in 2015 as part of that’s years class of Go The Distance. Now I would consider myself a brisk waddler. I Have been a MVHS for many years and this is my second go on the board. I feel that safety and support for our runners is my main concern, so if you need anything to make your runs more enjoyable, feel free to reach out.
Billie Jo Hilts I decided in early 2023 that I was going to try new things. One goal is to run the Boilermaker 5K. I have never been a runner and decided to join the running club for the support and opportunity to create new friendships. I enjoy the outdoors and look forward to hiking as many of the fire towers as I can between the Adirondacks and the Catskills this coming spring and summer.
Rebecca Walts I started running over a decade ago after my mom ran her first Boilermaker. I always hated running, but I figured if she could do it then I could do it, right? It didn’t take long to fall in love with running once I had the support of the Hill Striders to keep me going. Since then I’ve run countless races, including four full marathons. With life and a toddler keeping me busy, I don’t always get to run as much as I’d like, but the supportive group and friendships I’ve made keep me coming back. When I’m not running I love to read, write romance books and spend time with my husband and daughter.