Meet our 2015 3W Ambassador Team:
 Angela Alexander
Meet Angela:
I LOVE running and being a fit, native Coloradoan. I live to be outdoors. Angela's 2015 goals: Run a 1/2 Marathon by this summer and take a ballet class. Favorite Race: The 2014 Autumn Prairie dog 10K  Amy Bailey
Meet Amy:
Amy's 2015 goals: Run a sub-30 5K and a sub-60 10k after the birth of her little girl. Favorite Race: The 2013 Colorado Ragnar race. "It was epic." states Amy, "Pushing myself, encouraging others, living/breathing/sort of sleeping/eating within a van's width of proximity to five other people...it was like summer camp for grown-ups with a race thrown in." Favorite local business: Skirt Sports! I love their clothes, their events, the people who work there - they really want to make women feel confident in their bodies and help them believe in themselves!  Bryan Benefield
Meet Bryan:
Favorite local business: Go Lite! Favorite Race: "Spring Prairie Dog. Ran my best 5k time and met some great people all while standing in the snow. So much fun." Bryan's thoughts on our motto: "Being in the health field people are always asking what do I need to do to get in shape. My answer is always, 'whatever you can to keep moving.' Many people give excuses why they can't do a workout or fitness activity. But if they would just follow the do what you can, when you can, where you are, I believe everyone can have fun and be healthy"  David Blumer
Meet David:
One reason David wants to become a 3W Races Ambassador: "I've been looking for a great running community to become involved with in Colorado, and 3W seems to be a great fit. I also I really like 3W's focus on supporting my local community any way I can." Favorite local business: Burrito Express - a local fast food Mexican restaurant. "Their food is incredible!" - David David's 2015 goals: 1. Run the Colfax Marathon faster than my 2012 time. 2. Start running seriously again - I had foot surgery this October and I can't wait to run again! 3. Finish in the top 10 in a smaller - medium sized race!  Rachel Dehner
Meet Rachel:
Rachel has been voted Revolution Running's top coach the last two seasons. Rachel's thoughts on our motto: Life's challenges often get in the way, but if you always do your best you can never fail. Favorite local business: Denver Run House because it is a small local business with a great staff that I want to see succeed.  Hope Errico-Wisneski
Meet Hope:
Hope's thoughts on our motto: "To me, this motto is about being present. As citizens of the world, we are responsible to each other and to our planet. It's about doing your best and being your best. My best today might look different than my best yesterday or tomorrow, but knowing that I give my all in the moment is what matters. It's about not being a bystander and looking for every opportunity to lighten someone else's load- and inspire others to do the same." Favorite local business: Tokyo Joe's. I love the food, the environment is comfortable, staff seem to be welcome to be themselves (and are friendly), and the company has a huge presence in the community. Hope's 2015 goals: 1. 2-3 Marathons, a few 10Ks, and possibly getting back into triathlons. 2. I want to continue to pay great attention to my diet and lifestyle and and continue to work on getting stronger and leaner.  Aubrey Friedrich
Meet Aubrey:
Aubrey would rather go to the zoo than a baseball game. Who wouldn't want to adopt a giraffe if we could. Aubrey's 2015 goals: 1. Run a 5k in under 27 minutes. 2. Run a Half marathon in under 2 hours. 3. Have a race to look forward to every month! Favorite charity to support: Dumb Friends League.  Brett Smith
Meet Brett:
Brett works tirelessly to extol the virtues of 3W Races to anyone and everyone I meet, and work hard to carry out the mission of doing what I can when I can where I am! He prefers the baseball game, doesn't discriminate between sugar and would grab a beer over a bottle of wine. Brett's 2015 goals: 1. Run my first 50k (Cimarron 50k - May 3). 2. Set a new Half Marathon PR. 3. Tackle another marathon (undecided Fall marathon) Brett is excited about being an ambassador because: He will be able to meet some incredible new people while continuing to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle here in Colorado.  Whitney Vestal
Meet Whitney:
Whitney's 2015 goals: 1. Complete my first Tri! 2. Run a Sub 1:45 half marathon. 3. Run a Sub 23:00 5k. One of the reasons 3W chose Whitney: Whitney has a lot of active-community connections from her work and activities. She also writes a great running blog. She has a lot of marketing, networking and brand ambassador experience from her professional life and we're excited she is on the team. Favorite race: I think I'd have to say the Horsetooth Half in Fort Collins, CO.  Kori Riley
Meet Kori:
Favorite local business: My favorite locally owned business is Hill's Harvest. I always shop there seasonally for my vegetables. Kori's 2015 goals: 1. Do another half marathon. 2. Participate in the Mini Ha Ha in Broomfield. 3. Beat a 10 minute mile in a 10K Kori is excited about being an ambassador because: Its a great opportunity to combine two things I love: running and charity. I am so excited that 3W has come to our communities! The fact that we now have local races available and they give back through donations, community assistance and offer races of all levels is VERY exciting.  Betty Grumbien
Meet Betty:
Favorite race: Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon in June 2014 in Canada! Betty is excited about being an ambassador because: So that she can encourage all participants on a 3W Races course - I am one of those who likes to stick around to see that last person cross the finish line - I have been that person - I know how much I appreciate and still do appreciate that encouragement. Betty's thoughts on our motto: This motto helps me step up and participate in whatever capacity I am able to give at the time - I love that there are volunteer opportunities and also opportunities to participate in races/fun runs when my funds allow. I think the motto is always in the back of my mind - I truly try to DO what I can, WHEN I can, WHERE I am.  Matthew Karp
Meet Matt:
Matt's thoughts on our motto: "To me, the 3W motto is all about making people feel good about whatever they can do with running. Not everyone is an elite runner that can qualify for the Boston Marathon or race a 5k in 16 minutes. The 3W motto is supporting and encouraging to all runners..." Favorite race: My favorite race that I've ever done was the Summer Prairie Dog Half Marathon this last July. I loved the course because it was really beautiful and I ran a personal record at the half marathon distance. Matt's 2015 goals: I would like to race a half marathon in 3 hours and 10 minutes. And, I would like to improve my PR by 1 minute on a 5k.  Amy Machael
Meet Amy:
Favorite local business: Fleet Feet Sports in Boulder. They sell their running shoes to Heart Strides with a great discount. Heart Strides is an organization that buys new shoes and donates them to mothers that care for children with chronic or life threatening diseases. Amy is excited to be an ambassador because: I love the camaraderie, friendship, and events that being a 3W Races Ambassador offers me. It is great to be part of an organization that does so much for the community by contributing to it, being a part of it, and promoting it. As an Ambassador, I have the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who want to be part of something good; by the company they keep and the activities they involve themselves in.  Tiffany Olive
Meet Tiffany:
Tiffany's thoughts on our motto: 3W's motto really defines me as a runner. It has taken a long time for me to even call myself that. I have never been fast and often times I end up having to walk more than I can run. But every time I am at a race and I want to give up, I tell myself just to do the best I can, because nothing else matters. Two years ago, I signed up for the Slacker half marathon, because it was supposed to be downhill and I thought it would be easy. Well, to say the least, I wasn't quite prepared. So I ran when I could, walked when I could, and limped when I had to, but most importantly, I finished. Favorite local business: I love Old Man Granola. Not only are their products amazing, they are better than the major companies. Tiffany's 2015 goals: My top goal is to complete my first ever Marathon.  Bryan Kinderman
Meet Bryan:
Bryan is excited to see 3W succeed and can't wait to help with those efforts. He prefers baseball, won't discriminate between beer or wine; and loves the owners of this company. Favorite race: Besides 3W races? Why bother, well maybe the Ragnar with 3W people.  Sarah Lent
Meet Sarah:
Favorite local business: Boyer's Coffee in north Denver is my favorite locally run coffee shop. They make an effort not only to get to know you and your caffeine beverage of choice, but also details about your life. It is so comfortable walking in and sitting with a cup of coffee in the early morning hours. The employees are engaging and intentional in treating you as more than 'just' a customer. Favorite race: The Colorado Womens Classic was the most empowering race I have done...what an amazing group of ladies! There's something so powerful about running with women! Favorite charity to support: Encompass  Chuy Lira
Meet Chuy:
Favorite race: Quad Cities Fire Cracker Run 4th of July. They have around 3000 people every year, a bunch of local bands, great course, lots of spectators, rocket shaped red, white, and blue popsicles, hospital bed races at the end, lots of local celebrities are involved. One of the reasons 3W chose Chuy: Chuy loves running and the community surrounding road races which he's been a part of for his entire life. He is a big advocate of running whether it be for exercise, weight loss, getting from point A to point B, enjoying a good conversation during a run, or if there are zombies chasing you (they will catch you if you just walk). Favorite local business: Noosa Yoghurt and Old Man Granola. They taste DELICIOUS!! I think Noosa Yoghurt should partner with Old Man Granola and sell granola packets with yoghurt cups so we can mix the two together.  Christine O'Gorman
Meet Christine:
Christine is excited about being an ambassador because: When you are a part of 3W Race Ambassadors there is a feeling of unity. When I race solely representing myself, I feel a little alone. While going to 3W Races and other races, I've felt we have built a community and friendships. Christine's 2015 goals: 1. Run Rabbit Run 100. 2. Run Speed Goat 50k. 3. Run Pikes Peak Ascent.  Melanie Wilson
Meet Melanie:
Melanie's thoughts on our motto: I am a mother of 5 kids, the manager of Jax Outdoor Gear, a wife, a runner and a member of this awesome community. With limited time and tight finances I truly believe that you can make a difference with every action you take. Whether it's donating supplies or food to local charities or helping a customer have a truly great day just by offering genuine help. Sounds goofy, I know, but smiles are free and they can change the world. I am fortunate to be able to make the donation decisions for my store and I love reading about the opportunities that Jax is presented with to help our community. Favorite local business: Jax Outdoor Gear would be the top of that list! But if you are looking for even more local than Colorado I would have to choose Proper Ground in Lafayette. They have the absolute best coffee ever [and] the most fun staff… Favorite race: The warrior dash was my favorite but only because it's the only race I've gotten to do in a costume and I ran it with a group of friends from work. It was amazing to connect with people in that fun environment!  Paula Pearson
Meet Paula:
Paula's thoughts on our motto: This motto means to me to "live in the moment". Do what you can, when you can and where you are to live life to its fullest and that includes giving back. Favorite local business: GoLite.......great gear! Favorite race: Walt Disney Marathon because it was my first. ;)  Kaira Muchow
Meet Kaira:
Favorite race: The Womens Classic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That day was just awesome AND its even my fav medal.. Sorry 70.3 this medal has a spinner!!!!!!!!! Kaira's 2015 goals: Run faster than last year and complete the IRONMAN BOULDER!!!! 'yeah, I'm CRAZY' Favorite local business: ENDURANCE HOUSE! Great people!!!  Lenny Marko-Franks
Meet Lenny:
Lenny's thoughts on our motto: It means that we all have something to offer. It may be financial, managerial, sweat or support, but when the time comes to help an individual or an organization, we each have something to offer. I think that there is a 4th W in there as well and that is With What You Have. When I run, I pick up trash. I run streets, trails, tracks and I pick up trash. My goal is one piece per mile. Sometimes I get more, sometimes I get less. But I believe that as an ambassador of the sport, this is a way of my giving back and also making my community and my runs more beautiful. Lenny's 2015 goals: Run a second Marathon (with a sub 5:00 finish) and encourage a friend or family member to get on the road.  Denise Peters
Meet Denise:
Denise is excited to be an ambassador because: She is excited to Meet new cool people. - I love meeting new people; I think everyone has a story to tell. One of the reasons 3W chose Denise: Denise has been volunteering for three years for Road Runner Adventure Run as well as 3W Races, Tough Mudder and SWAT volunteer for Ragnar. She is also always saying how much she loves to run. Favorite local business: Road Runner Sports and Stacked Fitness |
 Lisa Archer
Meet Lisa:
I prefer to go to the zoo over a baseball game; coffee over beer or wine, and I would eat cake over cheesecake! Lisa's 2015 goals: 1. Find some balance. 2. Do more social runs. 3. Run a 4:10 Marathon "The running community has pretty much saved my life, so to be able to give something back through volunteering means a lot to me...I cant think of a more amazing organization to get behind than 3W...I've said it before and I say it to everyone I talk to about 3W...you guys are doing all the right things for all the right reasons." - Lisa Archer  AJ Benefield
Meet AJ:
AJ prefers wine over beer and would also rather spend a day at the zoo than at a baseball game. Favorite local business: Firehouse Subs in Boulder on 29th street! Favorite Race: "The Yellowstone Half Marathon - The course was amazing and the medal rocked! The post race food was great and I got an amazing vacation for my family!"  Amy Benisch
Meet Amy:
One of Amy's favorite charities to support is the Woodrow Willson Academy. Amy's 2015 goals: Finish her first Marathon, get faster, and complete 2 Sprint Triathlons. Favorite local Business: The Broomfield Little Gym.  Kimberlee Bow
Meet Kimberlee:
Kim would also take the zoo over a baseball game, a good cofee over beer or wine and believes passionately in building community over generations to help produce change and HAVE FUN! One of the reasons 3W chose Kim: Kim is beyond passionate about giving back to the community, volunteering many hours a week, and she loves supporting local businesses. Favorite Race: The first race she ever did: The Rattlesnake Triathlon!  Elizabeth Douglas
Meet Elizabeth:
One reason Elizabeth wants to become a 3W Races Ambassador: The people! The 3W Motto! The connection to the local community! Elizabeth's 2015 goals: Finish a half marathon (without walking or another overuse injury, and without needing another trip to the ER after). Encourage my family to be more active with me. Favorite race: The Westminster Prairie Dog Half was Elizabeth's favorite race! (there's a sappy email foating around about it)  Victoria French
Meet Victoria:
Favorite race: I love love LOVED the Bolder Boulder. It was a bucket list race for me." BUT I also had a brilliant time doing the Tough Mudder! Victoria's thoughts on our motto: "To me, "Do what you can, when you can, where you are" means that you can help out in so many ways any time. You don't have to donate money to a charity, you can donate time, you can arrange to transport people or goods some where, you can offer a shoulder to lean on or even a bottle of water on a hot day to someone that looks like they could use it. You don't have to make a big show of the charitable things that you do, just do them and enjoy that warm feeling that follows."  Joy Geltmacher
Meet Joy:
Joy is excited to continue to be a part of a this group that is really coming together, kind of like a family! She would prefer cake to cheesecake and thinks we shouldn't limit ourselves to beer or wine - both are amazing. Joy's 2015 goals: 1. Run the Prairie Dog Half series 2. Do the Boulder Half Ironman 3. Do a 25k Joy's thoughts on our motto: 'Sometimes you don't have the money to donate to a charity, so maybe you volunteer your time. Sometimes you don't have the time, but can help out financially. You just have to do what you can at the moment."  Stephanie Gladden
Meet Stephanie:
Stephanie is excited about being an ambassador because: "I just want to be involved. I have been involved in races on the medical side but have never been a volunteer. I want to give back to the running community for all they have given to me. I want to be there to support the first time runner or someone who is looking to win. I want to get more involved in the running community and what better way than with 3W!" Favorite race: Nike Women's Marathon. I loved running with women! The expo was amazing and the course was beautiful. It was he first time I traveled for a marathon, so it was special. Stephanie's thoughts on our motto: Live in the moment and give back, that's what this motto means to me. You only live once and when something is close to your heart and pulls you, should follow and do what you can to help......  Rebekah Zaborek
Meet Rebekah:
Rebekah's thoughts on our motto: I think the motto is one of the best parts of this organization. It allows for people of all 'eliteness' to be part of the team. Being a runner can be intimidating, but knowing that you have a place that is supporting you no matter how fast you finish is huge. This has been especially important to me this year as I am dealing with an injury that has all but stopped my running. The motto has helped me on days when walking was painful. Knowing that I can only do what I am able to do right now and that is okay, is a pretty awesome motivator. Even though I know I won't be able to run a 10K right away, I am excited when I can run a full mile again. Favorite charity to support: The Down Syndrome - Autism Connection. Rebekah's 2015 goals: 1. Run a 5k in 30 Minutes. 2. One of my goals for the 2014 year was to run a half marathon and it didn't happen, so I am hoping to get to that in 2015.  Julie Smith
Meet Julie:
Favorite race: Honestly, it would have to be the Ragnar Relay, because it was then that I found out I could do anything and that I too, was Elite on the Inside! One of the reasons 3W chose Julie: She is a fun loving, hard-working person and she feels the incredible urge to become an inspiration to other runners by being an example in her same age group and fitness level. To help them and share her story and love for this amazing 3W race group. Favorite local business: Fit Soldiers comes to mind right away. We just recently completed an 8 week Back to School Weight-loss Challenge with Fit Soldiers. We as a family all decided to take on this challenge TOGETHER.  Marley Steele-Inama
Meet Marley:
Marley's 2015 goals: 1. Thinking of going for a BQ! If not, I'll go for a faster time in the Quad Rock 25 miler. 2. Heal my tight hamstring issues - grrrrr 3. More mountain biking, please! Marley's thoughts on our motto: 3W's motto really is a motto for life, not just running or not just operating a business. It's too easy to say, "I can't do this because..." or "If only I had this, I could...". You can't change the world if you are not a part of that change, regardless at what level. I make sure I tell my daughter this all the time. If she mutters "I can't", my immediate response is, "Well, what CAN you do, given what you know and what you ARE able to do?" Glasses half full are more healthy for us than glasses half empty.  Sarah Hudnall
Meet Sarah:
Sarah is a relatively new runner that tends to run solo. She prefers cake and wine to the alternatives, and plays co-ed softball in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Sarah's 2015 goals: 1. Improve my splits for shorter distance races--I would love to be able to regularly do 9 minute or less miles in a 5K. 2. Run the Westminster Women's Classic 10 miler. 3. Talk my husband into running a few races with me. Favorite race: Most recently I really enjoyed the Hot Chocolate 15K 2014.  Peter Keilman
Meet Peter:
Favorite charity to support: Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence. Peter is excited to be an ambassador because: I'm happy to represent a great organization, I like the camaraderie of the ambassador crew, and I'm looking forward seeing 3W grow in impact and reputation. Favorite race: Bolder Boulder. I worked hard for it and succeeded, but still have lots of potential improvement, and its really FUN!  Keith Langford
Meet Keith:
Keith's 2015 goals: 1. Run a sub 2:20 half marathon. 2. Improve my overall race times by walking less. 3. Continue working with my trainer to achieve the highest fitness level possible each day. One reason Keith wants to become a 3W Races Ambassador: Community. I would like to get to know the other ambassadors and 3W "regulars" better. Keith's thoughts on our motto: I see this motto in a lot of the things I do. There are ways in which it applies to my health and fitness efforts, my own community involvement, and especially in my leadership role at work. Transferring the motto a bit to the world of education has helped me plan better with my staff, and lead through the inevitable changes that come along with an administration change. This has also helped us develop new and better ways to work with "challenging" students.  Leah Miller
Meet Leah:
Favorite race: Platte River Half! Great scenery and my very first 1/2 marathon! Also for a great cause! Leah's thoughts on our motto: I believe it is all about making an effort. I started last year barely running a mile, and got all the way up to 15 mile runs without stopping. I believe if you set your mind to it you can do anything, and all it takes is one step at a time!  Niels Oomkes
Meet Niels:
Favorite local business: Agape Coffee Roasting Project - local coffee lovers creating a high quality coffee with every penny of profit going to charity. Niels' 2015 goals: 1. Qualifying for the Boston Marathon. 2. Break 20 minutes for a 5k. 3. Staying healthy and fit. Niels is excited to be an ambassador because: Friends (and fitness). I run by myself, and why not meet now folks of all walks of life promoting a common cause. I also want to get better, so finding a new friend that can kick my behind will give me more motivation to get faster.  Claire Sideri
Meet Claire:
Favorite race: Rock 'n' Roll Denver - love seeing the city from that perspective, running on streets usually only cars can touch, and the support from strangers, their signs and presence remind me that what I'm doing, no matter how far or how fast, is awesome! Claire's 2015 goals: 1. Run a half marathon in under 2:00:00. 2. Be able to do a headstand for 30 seconds without the wall. 3. I think I want to run a Ragnar... but that's effing scary. 4. I want to beat Brett. Every. Single. Time. Favorite local business: Olde Man Granola - great, great product and I wear the beanie every chance I get, and tell people to go get one too!!  Andy Tuthill
Meet Andy:
Favorite local business: Westminster brewing = good fun. 4 Noses brewing = good fun. Big Choice brewing = good fun. Crystal Springs brewing = good fun. Wonderland brewing = good fun. One of the reasons 3W chose Andy: He is willing to do bike lead in weather the post office says is too crazy to be out in. Andy is excited about being an ambassador because: Honestly this is the best group I've ever been a part of and made more friends through being a part of it than I possibly could have dreamed of on my own. It's fun helping out at the events and I prefer that to racing in them.  Amy Young
Meet Amy:
Amy's thoughts on our motto: I love this motto - for fitness and life. In my business, I hear all sorts of excuses from people as to why they "can't". The motto is a simple reminder to just Do what you can! I also like the When you can and where you are - because it means it doesn't matter how old you are, how out of shape you are - there is always always always time to make changes in your life and live happy. It's a nice simple reminder. Life is too short! Amy is excited to be an ambassador because: My hope is that I would be able to encourage & inspire at least one "new runner" to participate in a 3W race and achieve their goal of finishing a 5K, 10K or Half. Watching someone achieve that for the first time - it's PRICELESS!! Love it!  Susan Person
Meet Susan:
One reason Susan wants to become a 3W ambassador: I love this group! We all have running in common - whether or not we're super competitive or just beginners. And everyone is so welcoming and friendly - I think it's great that so many friendships have formed between the various ambassadors around and outside of 3W events. We're doing good work in our community and having fun at the same time. :-) Susan's 2015 goals: 1. To do another half marathon - maybe one of the Colorado ones. 2. To continue to improve my times by doing more cross training. 3. To compete in a triathlon in 2015 - even if it's a sprint one. Favorite local business: I really love Jack's/Steamers in Five Parks. They are local, they have great food and coffee drinks, and have made a niche for themselves in that cute neighborhood. And the best part is that a large part of their staff are developmentally disabled. The restaurant is giving them an opportunity to work and get training at the same time as putting out great food. It's a win win situation!  Erin Settje
Meet Erin: Erin's 2015 goals:
1. Complete five 1/2 marathons. 2. Sign up for some trail races. 3. Climb three new 14rs with my family next summer. Favorite race: Marine Corps Marathon because it was well organized, the course was awesome and the end was brutal running up to the monument, but, the reward was getting the medal placed around my neck by a United States Marine. So cool! It was my second and possibly my last marathon because it was so awesome and I always want to remember my last marathon as the best and most fun. Favorite charity to support: Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue.  Tom Weber
Meet Tom:
Tom's thoughts on our motto: Extend the things you do by helping others through your normal activities. Basically, make the world a little better everywhere you go. Tom is excited to be an ambassador because: As a 3W Race ambassador I enjoy being part of a community. Meeting many runners and supporting them as they grow.  Antonio Perez
Meet Tony:
Antonio's 2015 goals: Ironman SanDiego, Grand Canyon half, and Ragnar relay in snow mass. Antonio is excited to be an ambassador because: To motivate people to get out to run and enjoy it as much as I do, be a positive example to others and encourage as well. To also let others know about 3W Races and what a great organazition they are. James and Michelle Bettis are wonderful people to be associated with. Favorite race: I really enjoyed the Prairie Dog Half in Castle Rock. The course had some beautiful views and I like the rolling hills.  Amy Kessel
Meet Amy:
Amy is excited to connect on a deeper level with her local running community. She prefers cheesecake and had decided that coffee is her drink of choice. Amy's 2015 goals: Run a 25K and another Ragnar...what a ride! Staying healthy enough to run the entire year! Favorite charity to support: Senior Stocking Project (working with my kids to stuff/deliver stocking for low income seniors)  Erin Anna
Meet Erin:
Favorite local business: Any local Brewery...Yes, I went there...because Beer is delicious :) Erin's 2015 goals: Run the Ragnar Trail Relay and complete all FOUR Prairie Dog Half Marathons. |
