the running experts

I started running in high school and was fortunate enough to run on the Wheeling HS State Championship steam in '98 with future Olympian Jorge Torres. While I largely stopped running in my 20's, I found my way back into it just before I turned 30 and have been running ever since. My favorite race distance is the 5k, but my favorite memories are from pacing and helping Johann get his 5k under 20 minutes (19:25) and helping Matan qualify for Boston (3:05:49). 

Outside of running I love spending time with my family, making music, and White Sox baseball/Bears football. 

Currently wearing: Altra Escalante & On Cloudflow.

I started running track in 5th grade and I starting distance running 10 years ago this June. My favorite race distance is the half marathon. One of my most rewarding running memories is running Sly Fox 10k this year with my 10 year old daughter Vitabella. My favorite overall performance was my first sub-2 half marathon: 1:59:59 in the Chicago Half Marathon. 

Outside of running I love spending time with my two daughters, husband, and pup. I also love my career as a hairstylist and helping people feel great about themselves.

Currently wearing: On Cloudswift. Danielle is also a Generation UCAN Ambassador.

I started my running adventure with the Keller Junior High Cross Country and Track team. I continued running as I started at Schaumburg High School and still continue to run cross country and track. When I run, I enjoy that time passes and I can forget about anything that has happened. It's relaxing and challenging at the same time. Running in races and running in general gives me a sense of accomplishment.

My favorite racing memory would be breaking 1 minute in the 300 meter hurdles at a varsity invite and in cross country dropping 3 minutes conference. 

Currently wearing: Cloud Flyer/ Cloud X

I started running in 2013 after a series of misfortunes left me looking for an outlet. After finding the Fast Track Racing team (where I'm currently a team leader), I went from "no more than a 5K" to running half-marathons. I am skilled as an Athletic Trainer and have worked with industrial athletes.

Outside of working and running, I enjoy outings with my Fast Track family and Disney vacations. My favorite race series was the Fairy Tale challenge in Disney World. My most accomplished race was the F3 half marathon in 2019 which was -4 degrees at the start, yet I still finished the whole race. 

Currently wearing: Under Armour Hovr Sonic

 I started running in high school with the Hoffman Estates High School Cross Country and Track team. Running with teammates and friends makes running fun and stress relieving for me. My favorite race distance is the 2 mile and the mile. My favorite race memory was being able to run sectionals for the first time my senior year. 

Outside of running I enjoy fishing, learning about new/upcoming running shoes, and drinking a crisp La Croix.

Currently wearing: UnderArmour HOVR Machina

I started running in junior high with the Addams cross-country and track team. I continued at Schaumburg High School and currently run for North Central College. The sense of accomplishment I get from running is why I continue to enjoy it; I love the feeling after a run. My favorite racing memories are when I doubled in the 800 and 1500 meter races and achieved all-conference in both events, and running a 2:18 in the 800 meter. 

Outside of running, I go to North Central College as an English/Secondary Education major. I am a coffee addict and can usually be found at Starbucks with my friends.

Currently wearing: On Cloud X 

I am originally from Michigan and now live in Elgin, IL. I have been a passionate dedicated runner for around 10 years now, and I have been working in the running industry for 4 years. I love helping other runners in any way I can. I have experience in track, cross country, road running, and trails. I have a big goal of qualifying for the Olympic marathon trials 2024. 

When I’m not running or helping runners, I love to hang out with my wife and our new puppy dog. :)   

I'm the proud wife of Chris, the dreamer and founder of Xtra Mile Running. I am definitely the non-runner of the Xtra Mile family, as I'm positive I walk faster than I run. However, I huff and puff through a 5K once or twice a year to prove that I can. I enjoy being creative and the store has given me an outlet to do that. I help wherever I can - social media, emails, shirt design, or the website.

In as much "spare time" as being a mom allows, I love reading, napping, yoga, and being with family. 

Currently wearing: 361 Strata

From Rochester, NY, I started running in high school to cross-train for swimming.  I picked up running again when I moved to the Chicago area. Running is my sanctuary. It gives me life, structure, discipline, and purpose. My favorite running memories include any time I spent with the Fast Track Racing Team and winning the Schaumburg YMCA 5k with Chris Schiel while breaking 19 minutes for the first time.

Besides running, I work as a painter. I train for ninja warrior, and I proudly maintain the rank of craft brewery tycoon.

Currently wearing: On Cloud Swift