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! |
Joe Wilczynski
I have been running for many years. I am still an avid runner and still enjoy to run. I am proud to say that my biggest accomplishment is being a Perennial Boilermaker Runner. My other running achievements include the New York City and Philadelphia marathons, numerous half marathons and many other races. Throughout the years, I have been with various running groups, including the Utica Pacemakers and Stueben Striders. Through my running experiences, I have made many great friendships including the MVHS board of directors, who continue to support me in my endeavor of creating an inclusive running group. My passion is training runners for numerous events, whether it is a 5k, Boilermaker, half marathon, or marathon. I also work with the WKTV Go The Distance Program training new runners to run the Boilermaker. I like to provide the runners a supportive environment to help them reach their individual goals. I owe much of my success to my biggest supporters, my family. |
Naomi Gray
I am 60 years young, a mother of three, grandmother of five. Nursing is the profession I love. Flower gardening, baking, sewing have been life long hobbies and being an outdoor enthusiast , running being added in 2017. Never having been an athlete, running the Boilermaker was a Bucket List item which I thought was not attainable. My son , a runner himself, encouraged me. I took a step out of my comfort zone, submitted an application for WKTV's 2017 Go the Distance for the 2017 Boilermaker. My first run with the MVHS's, with Joe Wilczynski at my side, guiding me, sharing insights along the way. I did two miles‼️At the end of the run, Joe said," you got this". I was hooked‼️ Since that first run , I have made many new friends, gained a confidence and determination in myself I didn't know I had. Since 2017 Boilermaker , each consecutive Boilermaker, several 5k's, Half Marathons and my first Marathon "Philly 2017" at 58 yrs old , I realize... I Am An Athlete |
