Congrats to our August Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month, Jordyn Milheiser! Here is more on Jordyn. "My name is Jordyn Milheiser and I am a 23 year old physical therapy student who lives in Haubstadt, IN. I go to school at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. I am on my last year of school and have hopes of specializing in pediatrics whenever I graduate." What motivates you to run? Running has been my sport of choice ever since middle school all the way through my first year of graduate school. Since being done with track, I find running and walking to be a great way to stay in shape and it is also my best stress reliever. Being diagnosed with cancer, running and walking has been a great lightweight way to exercise to help keep my energy levels up. How many races have you participated in? Hundreds of cross country and track meets throughout my running career but probably 6 road races. I was not allowed to compete in road races during college because of my training. What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? I started running competitively when I was in fourth grade, and then have continued to run since I finished track almost two years ago. During track I was a sprinter, so I have recently transitioned back into longer distances of running. Favorite place to run? One of my favorite places to run will always be a track because it is just sentimental to me, but I enjoy running in parks or through trails. I like to mix up wherever I run. I am not a fan of running on a treadmill though. Favorite local race? Like I said, I have not competed in many races due to always being a track athlete, but being from Haubstadt I am always impartial to the Laufenfest 5k race with a drink waiting for you at the finish line! Favorite race outside the Tri-State? Being a track athlete in Louisville, we would always volunteer at the Iron Man race hosted yearly. I have not done an IronMan yet, but that is one of my dreams. Favorite race distance? I have not done a race further than a 5K, but I have ran and walked a couple 10K for training and I think that is my favorite race distance. It is not near as fast as a 5K but it does not seem too terribly long either. Favorite race memory? My favorite memories from track was just the camaraderie of the team. I think running is different than any other sport because in reality, it is an individual event, but I have never been on a team where I did not feel undeniably supported by my teammates and we all just wanted the best for each other. I think that is still the same in local races and amateur races as well. Craziest thing you saw at or during a race? This isn’t necessarily crazy, but it still blows my mind the amount of people who prefer to compete barefoot. I saw this the majority of the time during the IronMan races but that to me is just another level of mental and physical toughness that is hard for me to fathom. Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? I was a multi athlete in track meaning I competed in many events so I am still partial to carb loading before races. I love a large plate of pasta the night before race day. The morning of races, I do not eat much maybe a banana or something. Post race I am normally not hungry for a few hours after. I still just prefer some Gatorade or fruit or something small to get my electrolytes back up. What is your favorite brand of running shoe? Throughout high school and college, I did mainly sprints so I wanted the lightest shoe possibly so I would switch between Mizuno or Brooks. Recently I have been running in Asics and I really like them. I am not superstitious and I like to mix up brands to try different ones. How many miles do you run/walk a week? Recently I have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma so I have been doing a lot more walking than running while going through treatment. I walk about 25 miles/week and have been running about 10 miles/week. I am not currently training for anything and that is strictly to keep my energy levels up. What are your future goals for running/walking? I don’t know if I will ever work up to do a full marathon, but I would love to run in half marathons. Like I mentioned earlier though, I would love to do an Ironman. I would start with other triathlons and work my way up to that distance. I swam for one year of high school and I also bike fairly regularly. I would love to do races where I can do all three. Favorite time of day to run? My favorite time of the day to run is in the morning but recently I have been sleeping in due to my treatments and being tired so I just kind of run whenever I feel like it. Late night walks have been my go-to recently. Favorite weather to run in? I love to run when it is a little bit cooler. I have always competed my best whenever the weather is 50 or 60 degrees outside. It definitely depends on the race and what I am doing though. Sprinting in that weather isn’t always the best thing to do. Music or no music? I don’t mind listening to music whenever I run but I actually prefer no music. I think that has to do with how I have run growing up and we never could listen to music at practice so it is just what I am used to. 
0 Comments
 Congrats to the Hutchinson Family for being named the Ultimate Fit July Runners of the Month!
Here is more on the Hutchinson's: "Rob (42 y/o) & Nikki Hutchinson (37 y/o) have been married for 14 years and have five children: Hadassah (12 y/o), Naomi (10 y/o), Rebekah (8 y/o), Reuben (7 y/o) and Rylan (2 y/o). Rob works at Gibson Southern High School as the Choir Teacher/Haubstadt Community School as the Music Teacher and Nikki at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church as one of the Children’s Directors. We live in Fort Branch, Indiana. Rob was raised in Boonville, IN and Nikki in Indianapolis, IN." What motivates you to run/walk? Rob: “general fitness & family acitivity” Nikki: “to stay in shape, stay sane, to meet goals, to have release” Hadassah: “her mom, her cross country coach, medals/prizes” Naomi: “prizes” Rebekah: “mom & prizes” Reuben: “mom, medals/prizes” How many races have you participated in? Rob (23), Nikki (49), Hadassah (54 including all her cross country meets), Naomi (45 including all her cross country meets), Rebekah (10) & Reuben (8) What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? Rob (35 y/o), Nikki (27 y/o), Hadassah (6 y/o), Naomi (4 almost 5 years old), Rebekah (6 y/o), Reuben (6 y/o) Favorite place to run/walk? Rob - the shady side of the road…LOL!! Nikki, Hadassah, Naomi, Reuben - The trails in Gulf Shores Rebekah - Around Ft. Branch Favorite local race? Rob: Turkey Day 5k Nikki: River Run 10 miler Hadassah: YMCA 5k on the Runway Naomi: Boonville Jailbreak 5k Rebekah & Reuben: Presidents’ Day Run 5k Favorite race outside of the Tri-State? Rob: Publix Georgia Half Marathon Nikki: Bank of America Chicago Marathon Farthest you have traveled to do a race? Rob & Nikki ~ a little over 400 miles to Atlanta Georgia. Rob did the 1/2 Marathon and Nikki did the Full Marathon Favorite race distance? All said 5k Favorite race memory? Rob: finishing the half marathon Nikki: finishing my first marathon or first triathlon Hadassah placing in her age group for the 1st time at the 5k on the Runway and received a trophy Naomi was the first time she beat her older sister in a race Rebekah the first time she ever crossed the finish line Reuben was when he made a friend at the Presidents Day Race (they had never met before) Funniest race memory? Rob, Hadassah & Reuben: watching Rebekah take an extra lap at the Patriot Race on the hottest day of the year Naomi when she ran into a guy at the finish line because he was walking across and she wanted to finish running Nikki & Rebekah was listening to a boy call Reuben “Reagan” at the Presidents Day Race and no one correcting him Craziest thing you saw at or during a race? Rob: When I took off for a race in the front and then someone started walking right after they crossed the “START” line (we had just begun!) Nikki: the crazy storm we ran in during the Patriot Race one year Hadassah: People not actually finishing the 5k at the Color Run one year Naomi & Reuben: people throwing water balloons and squirting squirt guns at the Laufenfest 5k Rebekah: Hadassah getting sick Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? Rob: PRE- oatmeal POST-Body Armor drinks Nikki: PRE- yogurt POST-eggs, sausage, bagel Hadassah: PRE-oatmeal POST-banana & water Naomi: PRE-oatmeal POST-apple&water Rebekah: PRE-yogurt POST- eggs,bacon, sausage, hashbrowns Reuben: PRE-oatmeal POST-pancakes What is your favorite brand of running shoe? Rob: Brooks Ghost Nikki: Brooks Hadassah & Naomi: New Balance Rebekah & Reuben: not sure of the brand, but it’s their gym shoes for school How many miles do you run/walk a week? 6 - 10 miles for us all right now because we are beginning to condition for Cross Country season What are your future goals for running/walking? Rob & Nikki: Family Activity and Staying Active Hadassah: to at least get to 30 min in a 5k Naomi: to go to the Olympics Rebekah: to get a medal Reuben: Get faster Favorite time of day to run? Rob, Nikki, Naomi, Rebekah, Reuben: 6am/early morning Hadassah: Before bed in the evening Favorite weather to run in? 60 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze Music or no music? Rob, Hadassah, Naomi: Music Nikki, Rebekah & Reuben: No Music  Congrats to our June Runner of the Month, Derek Shelton! He is a 44 year old husband and father of 3. He is the Clinical operations officer at Orthopaedic Associates and was born, raised and living in Henderson, KY.
Here is more on Derek: What motivates you to run/walk? The fact that at one point in my life I didn’t know if i would ever be able to walk again let alone run after a severe injury to right leg. Although they have far surpassed my running skills. It was important to me after my injury for my kids to witness hardship, pain and struggle and the ability to rise above all the self-pity to be active and invest in yourself and your health. How many races have you participated in? 50ish What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? 23 Favorite place to run/walk? Anywhere although I prefer the road just for stability purposes Favorite local race? The one that is perpetually tomorrow. I always look forward to the next opportunity to run Favorite race distance? As long as they come. Go Team Tortoise Favorite race memory? Watching my two youngest children push themselves through everyone they have competed in. Funniest race memory? Being followed by a gang of squirrels in downtown Henderson. Craziest thing you saw at or during a race? See above Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? Just need some gum. What is your favorite brand of running shoe? Hoka One One. Good for the knees How many miles do you run/walk a week? 50+ What are your future goals for running/walking? consistent ultra participation. Music or no music? No music, No run.  Congrats to our May Runner of the Month, Aubrey Slater! She is 39 years old, a crazy cat lady, and the Warehouse Manager at the Liquor Locker.
What motivates you to run/walk? Food motivates me to run How many races have you participated in? 60-70 What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? Started at age 13, at the encouragement of a friend. Ran track. Came in last place every time. Dabbled only track, cross country, and soccer throughout high school. Very terrible at sports, but the practices and meets allowed me to escape an abusive home environment. Favorite place to run/walk? I like running outside, on pavement. Favorite local race? Run of Luck & Blazin' Glazin' Race Farthest you have traveled to do a race? Cincinnati for the Flying Pig Half Marathon Favorite race distance? 5k, because it’s over somewhat quickly Favorite race memory? Crewing a friend at Tunnel Hill. I ran 9 miles of it—yuck Funniest race memory? Scaring children in the yeti costume. Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? 5K-coffee and water Half-whole wheat toast and a banana. Also Coffee Post- BEER What is your favorite brand of running shoe? Saucony Ride How many miles do you run/walk a week? 10-20 What are your future goals for running/walking? Just to keep moving as long as my defective body will let me (I have degenerated discs in my spine, and hypothyroidism). Favorite time of day to run? Early Saturday afternoon Favorite weather to run in? partly sunny, 40 degrees, wind 5-7mph Music or no music? Music is a MUST  Congrats to our April Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month, Melissa Walden! Here is more on Melissa: "I am 32 years old. My husband Kent and our 3 kids (5,2,1) reside in Princeton where he grew up. I work in Marketing and Development for The Arc Southwest Indiana. I’m originally from Anderson, IN but moved after school."
What motivates you to run/walk? I like to eat...A LOT! I really enjoy the peace of mind that I get from just hitting the road by myself with no goal in mind and find new ways home. Also, did I mention I like to eat. 🤣 How many races have you participated in? I’ve ran probably around a 100 or so races. I haven’t kept track but would average about ten a year. What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? I competed in my first 5k a day after my 22 birthday. I puked a little in my mouth around mile 2. While I was running, I thought, I’m never doing this again. Clearly that didn’t stick. Favorite place to run/walk? I enjoy running in the country, usually with a few of my girlfriends, or if I get lucky, my husband will run with me. Favorite local race? Laufenfest in Haubstadt & the River City 10 Miler are my favorite local races. Favorite race outside of the Tri-State? My favorite race outside of the Tr-State is the Mark Walden Memorial Sickle Cell 5k in Memphis, TN. It’s in memory of my husbands cousin Mark. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee always puts on a wonderful race with activities before and after, always plenty to eat and the friendliest volunteers! Farthest you have traveled to do a race? San Antonio or Las Vegas for the Rock n’ Roll Marathons. Favorite race distance? The half is definitely an ideal distance for me. It’s nice to be able to let your pace set in and just enjoy the road. Favorite race memory? My favorite race memory is...the finish line at any race. Funniest race memory? My funniest race memory for me had to be a few years ago during the Evansville Half, I was doing snap chat every mile to pass the time. Someone that saw my snap said do you realize Brad Ellsworth has been in every snap you’ve sent? I hadn’t recognized him before then, so my mission became to continue to have him in every snap and even talk to him to see how he was doing while snapping.🤣 So I got next to him and turned the camera on, he started waving and saying hi to the camera. He was a good sport about it but probably thought I was crazy. Craziest thing you saw at or during a race? Someone peeing on the bridge during the River Run...then seeing race pictures of wet pants 🤣 Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? Pre - snacks / Post - snacks and beer What is your favorite brand of running shoe? Brooks Adrenaline ...however the I have five pairs of the Launch 5 Rock n’ Roll marathon series that are tie-dyed because they are so pretty. 🤦🏻♀️ How many miles do you run/walk a week? I usually average about 25. What are your future goals for running/walking? My goal for running this year is to run at least 1 mile every day and run at least 1000 for the year. Favorite time of day to run? Anytime! Favorite weather to run in? I love running in the heat, unless it’s a race, then I like it to be about 55ish. Music or no music? Definitely music...usually something upbeat. I’ve been hooked on the Sugarhill Gang station on Pandora for the last few months.  Congrats to our March Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month, Angie Schwengel!
"I was born and grew up in Southern Indiana. My husband, Brian and I are getting ready to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We have two girls (5 and almost 3). I am a counselor at Crossroads Christian Church Counseling Center in Newburgh." What motivates you to run/walk? I love all the benefits for my physical, emotional, & spiritual health! How many races have you participated in? maybe around 40 What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? I liked racing in gym when I was in elementary school, but dropped that when it wasn’t cool anymore. In high school I thought running was torture. I picked it up for fun in my later 20’s. Favorite place to run/walk? Country roads around where I live—it’s beautiful, peaceful, and sometimes I see rabbits or deer along the way. Favorite local race? I like several of our local races!! Favorite race outside of the Tri-State? RunDisney’s Princess 1/2 Marathon Farthest you have traveled to do a race? Orlando area Favorite race distance? 5K Favorite race memory? So many favorite memories....finishing my first 5k, half, winning my first age group award, texting my husband that I won a TURKEY and got a new PR at the Drumstick Dash in 2018 🤣, running the Princess 1/2 this year for the first time. Funniest race memory? Starting conversation with the princess beside me at the starting corral only to see HE had a beard, because, Princess race 🤷♀️ Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? Pre race coffee, post race banana or donut What is your favorite brand of running shoe? Brooks How many miles do you run/walk a week? 10 to 15 miles What are your future goals for running/walking? Biggest goal is to continue to enjoy running. I toss around doing a marathon at some point Favorite time of day to run? Early morning, or whenever I can squeeze it in. Favorite weather to run in? I’ve learned to enjoy different weather lately. I love when it’s crisp and there’s snowflakes, I love seeing early morning fog, I like light rain on a warm day. Generally I’m craving a run when it’s mild and clear. Music or no music? Sometimes music. I do a lot of podcasts and books.  Congrats to the February Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month, Victoria Martin! Here is more on Victoria:
"I have been married for 28 years. I have a daughter and son. I am a retired teacher having taught for 34 years. I was born, raised and still live in Gibson County in a small community called Snake Run." What motivates you to run/walk? First my health then second the camaraderie of other participants. How many races have you participated in? 224 What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? 60 years old Favorite place to run/walk? Friedman Park, Newburgh IN Favorite local race? Columbia Chilly Hilly 5k Favorite race outside of the Tri-State? Indianapolis Colts 5k Farthest you have traveled to do a race? Wabash IN Favorite race distance? 5K Favorite race memory? Finishing on the 50 yard line in Lucas Oil Stadium Funniest race memory? I was the second female finisher, but there were only 15 runners. Craziest thing you saw at or during a race? A herd of deer running along the path. Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? Pre race bananas post race donuts What is your favorite brand of running shoe? New Balance How many miles do you run/walk a week? 10 to 12 miles What are your future goals for running/walking? I want to continue to running for as long as my health permits. Favorite time of day to run? Early morning just as the sun is rising. Favorite weather to run in? 35 to 40 degrees Music or no music? I enjoy listening to music as I run.
Congrats to the January Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month, Amanda Becker! Here is more on Amanda:
"I am 33 years old and was born and raised in Evansville, currently living in Newburgh. I am a manager at a local credit union. I have a passion for animal rescue, so I have one dog and four cats that were all rescued or found as a stray. I currently serve on the Warrick Humane Society board and the Evansville St. Jude Give Hope Run committee. I try to volunteer for other local nonprofit organizations as much as I can, as well." What motivates you to run/walk? I was born with my hips dislocated, so the fact that I can even walk is amazing. I have arthritis in my left hip, and running actually relieves that pain. But also, getting faster motivates me! How many races have you participated in? (Estimate if needed) I’ve lost count, but it’s definitely over 40. What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? I started running at 31. I would attend some races and just walk for a bit before that, but I really started training at 31. Favorite place to run/walk? Evansville riverfront Favorite local race? The St. Jude Gives Hope Run is my favorite because it benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. But also, the Blazin Glazin race because of the race shirt! Favorite race outside of the Tri-State? Firecracker 5k at Marengo Cave. It is so fun to run through the cave! Farthest you have traveled to do a race? Marengo, Indiana Favorite race distance? I enjoy running Half Marathons, but I like doing 5ks or 10ks more often. Favorite race memory? I did the 8 mile distance for the Back to the 80s race in August. I was struggling a bit towards the end, but my friend (who had just completed the 4 mile distance) found me at the 7.5 mile point and ran the last half mile with me. That was the mental push I needed! Funniest race memory? Well I get lost sometimes during trail races… and I’ve not finished one due to getting lost haha. Craziest thing you saw at or during a race? A man running a 15k barefoot! I admire his dedication! Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? I always eat a Clif bar before a race. I cannot have too much in my stomach when running. I don’t eat anything specific after a race, but I am always craving carbs/potatoes afterwards. What is your favorite brand of running shoe? Right now I’m really like New Balance. How many miles do you run/walk a week? During the summer, it is usually 10-20 miles. Right now I’m lucky if I can get in 3 miles. What are your future goals for running/walking? My goal for the 2020 Evansville Half Marathon is to finish in 2 hours. I finished in 2 hours 9 minutes in 2019, so I think it’s possible! Favorite time of day to run? I don’t have a preference as long as the sun is up! Favorite weather to run in? Anything above 75 degrees for me. I know most runners hate the heat, but it’s my favorite! Music or no music? No music. I like to enjoy the journey.  Congrats to our Ultimate Fit December Runner of the Month, Janet Daniels! Here is more on Janet!
"Hello. I'm Janet Daniels and I have two girls, Alex and Bailey. I'm 62 years old and I work at a digestive clinic. Originally from a small town close to Santa Claus, I moved to Evansville for college and stayed." What motivates you to run/walk? To be healthy and I got the bonus of meeting a lot of new friends. How many races have you participated in? (Estimate if needed) 70-ish What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? 57 Favorite place to run/walk? Evansville river front or downtown by the older homes. Favorite local race? Evansville Half Marathon or the 12Ks of Christmas (great medals!) Favorite race outside of the Tri-State? Heartland Half Farthest you have traveled to do a race? Myrtle Beach Favorite race distance? 10K or 10 Miler Favorite race memory? First time finishing the half with my sister. Funniest race memory? At a 5K in Nashville, spectators were offering bacon, their neighbor's daughter had her pet pig holding a sign saying "eat more chicken" and they offered scrambled eggs! Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? Pre-Race Pasta & H20, Post-Race Eggs & Bacon (I enjoyed the beer after Laufenfest) What is your favorite brand of running shoe? Brooks Glycerin How many miles do you run/walk a week? 12-15 off season What are your future goals for running/walking? Continue as long as I can. Favorite time of day to run? Mornings for distance and afternoons for chatting. Favorite weather to run in? Cloudy & cool (40 degrees is perfect!) Music or No Music? No music. We try to solve the world's problems :)  Congrats to our November Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month, Brandon Hayes! He is married to Danielle and they have 1 son named William. Brandon is 41 years old and was born in Evansville and has been in this area his whole life. Here is more on Brandon: What motivates you to run/walk? Physical and mental health, the challenge, and enjoyment of the outdoors. Also enjoy the company of friends How many races have you participated in? (Estimate if needed) Hard to guess. Maybe 40-50, ranging from 2 miler to 60k What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively? 30 Favorite place to run/walk? Downtown,towards west side. Also Audubon park Favorite race outside of the Tri-State? Lbl trail runs Farthest you have traveled to do a race? Memphis, TN Favorite race memory? Completing my first and only ultra-60k trail race lbl Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink? Pasta or pizza before, not picky afterwards-whatever is there! What is your favorite brand of running shoe? Altra How many miles do you run/walk a week? 20-30,unless I'm marathon training What are your future goals for running/walking? Staying healthy to keep running Favorite time of day to run? Probably morning, but I do enjoy late afternoon, evening after work Favorite weather to run in? 40 -50 degrees Music or no music? No music  |
EditorBrandon L. Barrett Sponsors
|
RSS Feed