JOHN WALL
Director of Training & Development

In March, 2018, I became a certified running coach through the RRCA.  I’m always glad to help others and offer tips from all I’ve learned along the way.

I still think of myself as a ‘newbie’ to running.  As a kid, I was active and played sports in the streets of my neighborhood but not as part of formal teams.  Fast forward to my mid-40’s and the realization that my level of fitness was, shall I say, very low.  I signed up for some bootcamp fitness classes and began to feel better – physically and mentally.  A good friend and colleague of mine is an avid runner and triathlete and encouraged me to try running.  I remember one day when he said, “Let’s just run a mile”.  I said, “A mile?  Do you mean all at once?”  He coached me through a 5k training program and my love for the sport had begun.  Besides being something I enjoyed, running became a time to spend with my children.  I ran my very first 5k with my daughter, Jessica, in November, 2009.  I repeated that race the next year with her and my son Chris joining in.  After many hours of training and a few more races, I was truly hooked.  With this humble start, there has been a slew of 5k, 10k, 8-mile, 10-mile, Half Marathon and Marathon races, in addition to long distance team  relays.  I’ve even Hustled up the Hancock a few times.  In April, 2017, I qualified for the Boston Marathon – what a day!  Unfortunately, although I met the qualifying time, the 2018 cut-off time was the deepest ever, so I missed out by a mere 1:26.  I’m still committed to earn an entry into the Boston Marathon though!

Running has not only become a passion that keeps me motivated and healthy, but forms the avenue to social groups with fabulous people who share some of the same passions.  Running can be as competitive as you choose to make it for yourself.  This is one sport where nobody taunts you. Nobody bad-mouths others.  There’s no ‘booing’….ever.  In a race, nobody wants to see you fail; spectators and fellow runners want to see every single runner succeed.  I can’t think of many other sports (or other activities, for that matter) that work this way.

The BWRC was born from the passion, dedication and selfless giving to others in support of the mental, physical and social aspects of fellow runners.  It’s a privilege to help shape and contribute towards the club’s objectives of giving back to our running family and serving our local communities.

JudiT Miko
Officer- Club Secretary

Hi my name is Judit Miko and my running nickname is Jedi. I have been running almost 20 years. I started running later life and after a slow start I became hooked. When I started training for my first marathon, my friend insisted that join a running club to help me with my training. I discovered how much easier it was to get through a long run when you have someone to share the pain and talk with to pass the time. I learned how wonderful it was to be part of a running community. There was always someone who convinced me that running 15 miles in the pouring rain, horrid heat or freezing cold and snow was something that we could and should do and even enjoy. There was always someone to talk me into signing up for and going to a race or event. After 16 Marathons, a 50K and various types of relays and crazy trail runs I have learned never to say I will never do anything that crazy again. There is something about listening to talk about a race or event that serves as motivation to step out a little and try something new or run just a bit faster.

I am excited to be part of BWRC because of the excitement and love for running that every member brings to the group. This group embraces all from beginning runners to the seasoned speed demons. Through the years I have been involved with several running groups in the area and hope to use my experience with those groups to make BWRC the best and most fun club.

ANdre Smith
Board Member- Director of Membership

My name is André M. Smith and it is my great honor to serve on the Busse Woods Running Club Board of Directors. A part of me thinks I have been running my whole life with just a few stops here and there. I actually struggled quite a bit with my speed but always kept at it. In 6th grade, I was in second to last place in every single race running the 800 meter “buffalo run”. For those that are unaware, that is the run that you do if you were not top 2-3 in any other events. By the final race of the year, I told myself, I know I can do better than this! So in the last race, I passed up one runner, then another, and then another, until I crossed that line. The goal was not to beat anybody but myself and that is what I did. The realization that day is the same realization that should come to every one of us; limitlessness. It is this feeling that I wish to transcend upon others and the very reason I became a pacer and believe so much in the community of Busse Woods Running Club. As you take that first step in every run you do, remember: you inspire those in front of you to work harder, those next to you to stay with you, those behind you to catch you, and those that have yet to take that first step to join you.

ANN ALEGNANI
Board Member - Director of Events

I am Ann Alegnani, your Director of Fun (aka Events) I truly love running, but let’s face it, we need motivation (at least I do) to get to a run and to keep us going during the run. If it weren’t for the fun I have with the wonderful people at BWRC I would not be running…the crazy is contagious! My journey of running began in 2009 when a group from work decided to do Hustle Up the Hancock. That experience was the beginning of the end, I signed up for my first 5k, then I tried out some 10ks, the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in 2010 was going to be my “marathon”, but then I signed up for Chicago in 2011. I went from being a non runner to loving the marathon in two short years. Running and the people of BWRC have truly changed my life. If there is any activity or outing that you would like BWRC to incorporate, please let me know!