Runner Profiles

Nathan Godfrey

I am 31 years old.  Represented New Zealand at World Track & Field Championships as a 400m sprinter.  Retired in 2003 and have resided in England for 5 years.  Currently living in Australia.  My new goal is to run 1 marathon on every continent.  I ran Paris (Europe) in 2007, and Melbourne (Australia) in 2008, this year I am running Mesa Falls (USA) and next year the Great Wall of China (Asia), the final marathon will be in Antartica!   "The race route around Mesa Falls looks beautiful...I can't wait to meet the local runners up in Idaho...my girlfriend (Esther) and I are doing a 2 week road trip from LA thru California up into Canada so the marathon will be part of our journey.

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Tyrel Jensen
Age 23
Provo, Utah
Half Marathon # 420

Hello, my name is Tyrel Jensen and I will be running the half marathon. This will be my first time running an "official" half marathon, even though every Saturday I run 12-15 miles anyway. I run for BYU's cross-country and track team, but consider myself a miler. I ran a personal best 4: 05.93 mile last year during our indoor season. I am currently getting ready for our cross-country season, where we run a few 8K's and 2 10K's at the end of the season. My 8K PR is currently 24:56.60. We'll see what I can do for 13 miles...

As a side not, my sister Kariesa, who is also running the half marathon, was a Division II All-American for cross-country, while running for Ricks College about 11 years ago.

We're both excited to run.

We'll see you soon.

Tyrel Jensen

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Melinda Smith
Age 31
Rigby, Idaho
Half Marathon # 417

My name is Melinda Smith. I am 31 years old, and the mother of three great kids, Aubrey, 10, Tyler, 8, and Cooper, 5.
I am a violin teacher, and have been playing the violin for 25 years. I love it! I have 30 students, so that, and spending time with my husband, Brandon, and kids, and teaching a core strengthening class at the local gym, keeps me pretty busy.

My running career has actually just started. I always thought that I didn't like to run. I liked to hike, do yoga, walk, lift weights, etc., but not run. Then in March, my friend, Annette (she will be signing up for the half marathon also), asked it I'd like to get ready to run a 5K with her, so I thought, what the heck, I might as well try! I didn't even know if I'd be able to run that far! Well, not only can I run that far plus more, but I won the 5K race for my age division, and I've been running and loving it ever since. I heard the Mesa Falls Marathon and Half Marathon were great, so I decided to go for the half marathon this year, and the Marathon next year. I've tried to get my husband, Brandon to catch the running bug, but he's not going for it! He thinks it's torture! I'll keep working on him...maybe he'll be running the marathon with me next year!

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Amy Yanni
Age 52
Rapid City, South Dakota
Marathon # 107

Hello Dennis and Jody!

You are too cool to send such a lovely message welcoming me back! Since you asked, let me give you an insight into the psyche of the Boomer Runner. I have to admit, I was sort of gnashing my teeth after last year—I came in fourth female (3:27), but 1st over 40 female. For those of us who are relatively competive in our over-40 age group, the acknowledgement of Masters Runners means a lot. I often win my age group (50-54)—to be in the top 3 over 40 is way more meaningful. The Green River Marathon is the same day as yours, and closer geographically, not to mention I’d probably have a better chance of placing. I had an internal debate going on, I admit!
Still, I decided to put those icky competitive thoughts behind me and return to Mesa Falls—it’s a beautiful run and you and your volunteers are special. Still, if you could find a way to acknowledge Masters Runners, it would be most appreciated.

As far as your website goes, I would say you may use this for publication:

Mesa Falls was one of my favorite marathons of 2005—and I ran 19 marathons that year, so there was some stiff competition! The course is special, the volunteers beyond special, and the welcome from the town is genuine and heartfelt. OK, and I haven’t even gotten to the huckleberry shake!
This year, I have run 16 marathons to date, and it will be 17 by the time I queue up here. Why I do this is something I continue to examine and learn from.
I have to say that I am the kind of person who processes events over time as opposed to having an “epiphany” (I love James Joyce and always wanted to have one, but no luck so far.), e.g., I come to understand my insights only after a series of events. I have realized over time that it is very probable that a major factor in why I run so many marathons of late is the fact that I was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. I never had a “flash” or single moment of inspiration where it “came” to me that I needed to do this. The doing of it just evolved, and only with hindsight can I see the obvious link.
Right now, I can tell you it is a privilege to have run a number of marathons in places that are so incredibly beautiful. I ran Crater Lake August 12 and will never forget it. To run in areas of the world that are still untouched by “civilization” is also a humbling experience—I thought I was environmentally aware (my law school has a number of propos ous environmental lawyers) and all that, but I have a new appreciation for all the thousands of people who worked over the decades to keep many of the areas where I run pristine and unspoiled. It is a wonder to see and experience. I thank all of those unsung heros and heroines for their work that gives us the beauty we have today.
I’m a 52 year old public defender. I love my work—I’ve been a public interest lawyer for 21 years. Running helps me keep my professional life and commitments in perspective. The time I spend in my running shoes gives me a release from the hours I spend in suits and heels. I work hard for my clients and I work hard to be a competitive marathoner (for an old lady). Being acknowledged by marathonguide.com last year as one their “Outstanding Marathoners” was a real thrill. I’ve gotten acknowledgements and awards for my work as an attorney, but being recognized as a good runner is every bit as rewarding. Life is a balance—work hard/play hard.
Finally, propos of nothing, I want to add this little homage to my mom, who was my first fan and supporter. My grandpas were both coalminers (and so yes, I’m returning to PA to run the Johnstown Marathon in October!) and mom always pushed me to dream big dreams. She had a great sense of humor, and would love this race—you see, her name was Ada. Growing up in Punxsutawney, PA, her friends quickly dubbed her “Tade”—after teasing her with name calling “Ada-Potato” in that classic sing-song universal voice of children everywhere. From that came “Tade” and so I grew up with cousins ( mom was one of 9 kids) who called my mom “Aunt Tade.” Should you need more potato references, I’ll add that I ran a 10K New Year’s Day in Montague, Massachusetts in 2001 and won a 10lb bag of potatoes (note that Western Ma. Is very proud of its potato crop!).
Again, thank you. Race Directors are some of my favorite folks, for obvious reasons!
See you soon,
Amy

ps: on the plane to Crater Lake, bumped into a woman, Lynda, from Illinois, in a white Mesa Falls shirt—I’m wearing my black one, so we touch base, both heading for Crate Lake Marathon Aug. 12.

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Bruce Clark
Age 55
South Jordan, Utah
Marathon # 98

Dennis and Jody—
Good to hear from you, and I’m looking forward to the marathon again this year, and to seeing you and all the other “regulars” that I count as friends in the event. Of all the marathons have have done, and continue to do, Mesa Falls is one of my favorites—the people, the scenery, etc., are hard to beat.
I don’t know that I have much to tell about myself that would be interesting to anyone—but here are a few things.
1. I’ve run 24 marathons—the 2006 Mesa Falls will make no. 25. So I’m averaging one a year—lazy I guess. My first marathon was the Deseret News Marathon in Salt Lake, in 1982. My fastest ever was St. George in 1984, when I ran a 2:51:02—those days are long gone! My slowest was the Salt Lake City Marathon in April 2005, when I ran 3:41:42—I thought I’d die! Then I hoped I would!
2. I ran Boston in 1999—had a great trip, really loved the experience, and the people of Boston really treated us well. I ran a 3:37:06, and learned why they call it “Heartbreak Hill.”
We live in South Jordan Utah. We’ve raised 5 children, three of whom are now married and we’re proud grandparents of two grandchildren (careful or we’ll pull out pictures). Our youngest, Spencer, will be 18 in September, and is a senior at Bingham High School. I’ve worked for Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City for 28 years—just a little longer than I’ve been running marathons.
Besides running, I enjoy skiing, white water rafting, wave running, water skiing, travel, reading, and occasionally getting a full night’s sleep!
Well—that’s probably boring enough, so I’ll stop. See you in a couple of weeks.
Bruce
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Tony Martin
Age 48
Anderson, Indiana
Marathon # 46


Thanks for your e-mail! I will try to be brief about my running career and other information. Your marathon will be #46 in my quest to run all 50 states and DC. I would probably be done by now if not for a femoral neck stress fracture suffered in 2002 that put me out of running for 5 months. However, I came back and plan to finish next summer in Estes Park. My first marathon was Columbus Ohio in 1993 and for several years I ran one per year. In 1998 I ran 2 and since have ran as many 8 in one year. That's probably what caused my injury!!

I heard about your marathon from another runner I met at the Oklahoma City marathon a couple of years ago and it sounded like a nice one to run. Also, I prefer smaller marathons over the large ones like New York, Chicago and Boston so it seemed like a good fit.

I have been married for 23 years to a non-runner but she is my #1 cheerleader at races and have 2 boys in high school who both run. Estes Park will probably be the last marathon I run although a 50K is not out of the question!

Tony Martin

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Gary Straquadine
Age 50
Providence, Utah
Marathon #124

Broke my ankle 4/28/06—still wounded-expecting a slow day but I heard it is a beautiful run—I am Associate Dean, College of Agriculture at Utah State.


The Nilsson Family:

Julia Nilsson
Age 46
Blackfoot, Idaho
Marathon # 125

I’m a wife, mother, school teacher and busily involved in the children’s organization and other organizations in the LDS church. I began training for a marathon several years ago, but discontinued to have a baby instead , so this will be our first. This year 2 of my children and I have completed the training schedule and are on our taper down and hopefully prepared for this marathon and very excited for it! We all felt good after our 20 mile run!


Jessica Nilsson
Age 19
Blackfoot, Idaho
Marathon # 126

I am currently attending Brigham Young University-Idaho, studying elementary education. My hobbies include running (of course!) and playing the flute. This will be the first marathon I’ve trained for and actually ran, because I hurt myself last year just prior to the race and was unable to run.


Zachary Nilsson
Age 17
Blackfoot, Idaho
Marathon # 127

This will be Zachary’s first marathon


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Mary Ritz
Age 51
Cody, Wyoming
Marathon # 51


Just got back from Iceland yesterday morning. The race was fun, ran around Reykjavik and along the ocean, had a headwind for alot of the race. The Reykjavik Marathon made marathon/ultra finished number 132. Mesa Falls on sat will be #133.
Well some of the highlights are being the 1st and I think still the only woman in the world to have run a marathon on all 7 continents AND run an ultra on all 7 continents AND run the North Pole marathon plus a little extra for an ultra too. (Underline added by editor for emphasis!)
I'm trying to do 50 States also but when I have to choose between let's say Kansas (not that there's anything wrong with Kansas) and Nepal, the more exotic place wins. Kansas not being the exotic place. So I'm only about 1/2 way thru the states.

In North America I've done tons of races... 100 milers, 100K, 50 milers, 50K, regular marathons, trail ultras being my favorite. Out side of the US in North America I've done Baffin Island, Northwest Passage 50K (I won the women's division) on Sommerset Island, Nuuk Marathon (Greenland, was 3rd for the women), Gadalajara Marathon.

South America...Caracus Marathon in Venezuala, Easter Island Marathon (3rd in age group), (Chile), Machu Picchu ultra and Mt Agansante stage run (Peru), Patagonia Adventure race (ran several stages in 3 National Parks in Chile and Argentina), Equador Adventure race in Equador

Africa... Old Mutual Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa, The Kilimanjaro 50K in Tanzania (came in 2nd and summitted Kilimanjaro just days before the race), The Egypt Marathon in Luxor, Egypt, and the Safaricom Marathon in Kenya (2nd in age group).

Antarctica....Antartica Marathon in 1997 and 1999. In 1999 we added an extra 8K to get the ultra ( I won for the women).

Austrailia.... Canberra Marathon and 50K, the Milennium Marathon in Hamilton New Zealand.

Asia... The Himalayan 100 mile stage race in India including the Everest Marathon, the Everest Marathon in Nepal (this is the real Everest marathon, it's the highest marathon in the world, starts at about 18,000 feet, you have to spend 3 weeks just hiking to the start then you get to run down, but there are still some good uphills, 2nd in age group), and the Sunrise to Sunset 100K in Mongolia (was the oldest female so I won a traditional native jacket).

Europe... The Graz Marathon in Graz, Austria(2nd in age group), The Languver(totally spelled wrong) 56K trail run in Iceland, and just days ago the Reykjavik Marathon in Reykjavik, Iceland.

I'm not sure what you call the North Pole marathon, it's not on a continent. The race is run on the Arctic pack ice about 14 feet thick. A Russian outfit sets up the ice camp at Camp Borneo on the pack ice. I ran it the first year they had it in 2003 and that was the only year it was run at the exact geographic North Pole. The following years it was run at the ice camp about a degree or so south of the pole. I won the women's division and this year my time was beat. One year it was cancelled cuz of French and Russian disputes. We added 3K to the marathon and several of us did a 45K. I won that for the women. There were 2 of us from WY and we were the only ones who ran in snowshoes and who didn't get pulled off the course for a while to stop frostbite. The temp was about 20 below or so for the race. Guess we are just used to wind and cold in Wyoming or maybe we just don't know any better. In any case it was a hoot!!!

I think that's all of them but I too I'm getting old. If you want anymore tidbits lemme know...See ya friday evening


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Kimberly Martin
Age 33
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Half Marathon
Bib# 458


A little about me...this is my second time running Mesa Falls. Loved it the first time, but had my third baby in between, so took a break! I'm currently taking a break from my high school english teaching career to be a full-time mom with 3 children ages 9, 4, and 2. I love being with my kids, but when the day's been extra crazy, running is my therapy. I have enjoyed running from an early age, but my motto is definately, "SLOW and STEADY WINS THE RACE!" I rarely break any speed records. I enjoy running 5K, 10K and especially duathlons when I can. My husband and I did the spudman a few years ago and that was a great time for us.

My first half-marathon was Mesa Falls 3 years ago. I was really inspired to try training for the race by my younger brother, Dain. He is a Sgt. in the Army Special Forces and has served in the Saudia Arabia, Korea, Panama, and is currently on his second tour in Iraq. He is the marathon man. Somehow, he finds time to get a little running in here and there, when its safe.
When he ran the Seoul, Korea marathon, I thought, "someday, I'm going to do that!" After 9/11 I feared for his life. He was over there, and still is, representing freedom from tyranny. I decided if my brother can serve to protect our country and put his life on the line with Special Forces, I can run a half marathon. He inspired me to do it--and when I run on Saturday, I'm going to run in honor of him!

Thanks for making the best half marathon possible! See ya Saturday morning, Kimberly Martin


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Laura Trewartha
Age 37
Provo, Utah
Half Marathon
Bib# 402

Just a quick reply - my husband and I have always run together as a way to stay fit, but don't usually do any races. This year we decided to do the half marathon for our 17th anniversary, which is on Aug. 26th. What a great anniversary present! My brother and sister in law are doing it with us, so it is a fun family event this year. We have heard this is a beautiful course and the race is tons of fun, so we can't wait to be there this weekend. Laura Trewartha

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Lisal Drollinger
Age 29
Shelley, Idaho
Marathon
Bib# 95

Well, my first marathon. I am quite nervous. I ran the 1/2 marathon here last year and hope I'm ready. My goal is not to win but to keep moving in a forward direction the entire time and to finish. It was my goal to complete a marathon by the time I turned 30, and I'm 29 so the time is here. I am a full time Mom of two girls, ages 7 and 4, and a part time nurse on the Labor and Delivery unit at EIRMC in Idaho Falls. My husband is also a nurse, but not a runner, he says he couldn't run an 8 minute mile to save his life. I was very impressed with how the race was managed last year and look forward to coming back, you hosted a great event. Thanks for all the time and effort you put in and Good Job in advance, I know it will be great. Thanks for the opportunity, Lisal Drollinger



Kelly Horon
Age 46
Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Marathon #61

Hmmmmmmmm...........don't quite fall into the 'incredible people' category but here's my story.........

I quit smoking three years ago and started running with our local marathon group as a way to keep my weight under control. Have completed seven marathons and want to qualify for Boston in the worst way!!

Worked for TELUS for 23 years and was a casualty of their downsizing. Presently work half days at a local automobile dealership as a parking valet. Golf several afternoons a week and most weekends. Basically living the good life.

Hoping to run a 3:29 on your course, so wish me luck.

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Joel Allred
Hyde Park, Utah
Age: 49
Marathon #46

Dear Dave, Dennis & Jody,

Just a brief history: I've been running about 28 years. I started running with my "then to be wife" as she jogged her dog around her neighborhood for a evening workout. I've been hooked on my "then to be wife" and running ever since. My wife enjoys power walking but I've continued running. I've enjoyed over 30 marathons but find Mesa Falls to be my favorite. Along with the physical benefits , I run for peace and mental health. I've enjoyed running with good friends over the years. These friendships have deepened as we are always pushing, supporting, sympathizing, and teasing each other. Like most runners, I've seen many wonders of nature, human interest, and the curious aspects of the world as I pound out a few miles a day. I've enjoyed golden sunrises and sunsets, misty rain and snow showers, cool woods, attacks by dogs, hawks and rattle snakes, blast furnace temperatures, cold river stream crossings, etc. A kind truck driver actually stopped on a freshly rock chipped road to allow me passage so I wouldn't be pelted with pea-sized rocks as he drove by. Conversley, I've been pelted with bottles, food, and other objects thrown from interesting people in cars. The feeling of finishing a run, cool down, and shower is what keeps me running. My mind and spirit are cleansed when I run. Work and everyday stress is put into perspective after a run. Often times, solutions to problems come to my mind during a run. Peaceful surroundings buoy my spirit and prepare me for the "real world" when I return from a run. A quote by Shakespeare says it best: "Bid me run and I will strive with things impossible."

Katie Lamm
Age: 49
Eagle, Idaho
Marathon #91


Dennis & Jody,
Thanks for asking! This will be my 9th marathon and I'm trying to qualify again for Boston - I ran it in 2004 and qualified for 2005, but didn't go. I tried again last year to qualify, but didn't make it due to an injury, but I've rehabbed this spring and I'm feeling good! I've entered St. George this fall, so that's my 'real' qualifier, but thought I'd try the marathon this year at Mesa Falls. I've run the half marathon twice there and I love your race!!! It's one of my favorites because it's beautiful, still has that small town feel and everyone is so friendly.

I'm bringing a friend with me, Rachel Huckaby, from Cascade, Idaho, who is walking the half marathon. She's been training all summer - she had her third child in March, so she's trying to get back in shape. This is a huge accomplishment for her - she's only run a 5K in the past, so she's my inspiration! I'm really proud of her.

That's about it. I’m 49, a mom of four grown sons, grandma of four, a former math teacher in Eagle, Idaho, and both my mom and dad died of cancer. So, I run because I love it, but also because I want to stay as healthy as I can. And running has helped me heal when I had to deal with the loss of my parents, step dad and my only sibling, my brother. I'm grateful for every day that I have on this earth and running helps me celebrate that!

See you in 11 days!
Katie Lamm


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Bruce Kusch
Age 54
Rexburg, Idaho
Half Marathon #396


Dear Dennis and Jody-
Thanks for the email. I don’t think I’ve ever received a pre-race email like this. It only serves to reinforce everything I have heard about the race and those who organize it. I’m a fairly recent Idaho arrival, moving here 4 years ago from San Jose, CA to teach at BYU-Idaho. I’ve been running since 1989 – peer pressure got me started, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I have wanted to run the race ever since learning about it but schedules and other commitments prohibited it until this year. I made the commitment earlier in the year once I knew there would be no conflicts. I am truly looking forward to the experience. Maybe next year I will be ready for the full marathon!

Regards,
Bruce Kusch


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Scott Spangler
Age 37
Port Orchard, Washington
Marathon #19

Karen Spangler
Age 39
Port Orchard, Washington
Marathon #20


I am happy to write a little about us. We are Karen and Scott Spangler from Port Orchard, WA. We have 5 children. My wife got diabetes with our last baby and started running to help keep it in check. She got hooked and started running 5k's and 10k's. Two years ago, she entered the St. George, UT marathon but had to back out because of a knee problem. She entered again last year after we moved to Washington and finished it. I was there and the feeling was overwhelming to see her accomplish that. To get in better shape, I started running with her and we decided to run a marathon together and finish together.
We are so excited to participate in your marathon and look forward to meeting everyone.

Thanks.

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Henry Rueden
Age 56
De Pere, Wisconsin
Marathon #37

(Henry has run over 450 marathons!!!)

Good Day/Evening Dennis/Jody,

I will try and answer whatever questions you may have. I work as an systems accountant. I spent 28 years in the army reserve. Was recalled to active duty for a tour in Iraq, returned in June 05. Completed my first marathon in 1988. I have run a marathon on every continent. Working on the states for the fifth time.

I average about 25 a year. I returned from Iraq on June 29, 2005. I completed my first marathon back around July 9, 2005, in a year period, I completed 53 marathons or ultras. Remimber, I am not fast, I am hoping for around 6 hours on your course.


Wishing all igoes well. See you in about 1.5 months.

Have a great day.
Thanks for everything.
Henry


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Janice Anderson
Age 40
Marietta, Georgia
Marathon #41


Dennis

I'm looking forward to the run. I've never run anything in ID.

Although i've done a bunch of marathons around the 3 hour mark that was awhile ago. Until recently most mine were in the 3:30 area. Unfortunately right now i am having sciatic problems so i am not sure i am even that fast!

Anyway, yes i've run 100 marathons/ultras - mostly ultras, my favorite distance being 100 miles. At one point (2000) I held the women's world record for 100 mile trail run in 16:03 (that's 9:43 per mile pace). I like marathons because they are so short. :-) I am doing one the weekend before Mesa. Lots on miles on my odometer at this point (70K).

Besides that not much interesting about me - I'm a computer person for corporate Home Depot office in ATL, and I'm president and founder of an ultrarunning club (GUTS) and former Atlanta Track Club president.

let me know if you need any more info
cya in august
Janice


David Reid
Age 58
Crestline, California
Marathon #89

Hello there,
Just wanted to drop a quick note to say your new web site is great. Very informative. I’m looking forward to being there.

Nothing too unusual about this runner. I belong to Marathon Maniacs. You’ve probably seen a few of us in your past races. I also belong to the 50 State Club. You are state #16 and lifetime marathon #60 for me. I’m doing one marathon a month now. Last year I started a streak which included 9 in 17 weeks. That was lots of fun, but ended when I broke a bone in my foot. Bummer! I mostly pick small rural races. They usually have better scenery than skyscrapers, and more friendly inhabitants. The exception being Boston, but then, nothing quite compares to the Boston experience. Fig Sur was kinda nice; did that one 12 times. Ave of the Giants is also inspirational.

See you in a couple of weeks!
Gotta run,
David Reid

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