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Living the Mission
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| Doug Bostian | Emily Popma |
 "I was obese as a child right up to my senior year of high school. I had a lot of excuses as to why I was not healthy, but getting active has turned my life around. Even with two knee surgeries and osteoarthritis, I have now cast my excuses aside. Running has kept me healthy and alive."
Doug retired from General Motors and now works at Gazelle Sports, and on weekends loves directing local races. His race directing debut was with the Gazelle Sports Bridge Run. Doug lives in Grand Rapids and has two children. |
Emily laughs… a lot. While she enjoys running in Grand Rapids, you |
| Jeff Brown | Jill Bromley |
 "Several years ago I added yoga to my routine. It had an amazing effect on my core strength and overall wellbeing. I wish I had started my practice sooner!"
Jeff lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and two sons. To him, a healthy lifestyle also means enjoying the local Grand Rapids fare and nightlife. A little known fact about Jeff is that he was a subject in several NASA funded studies on the effects of zero gravity. He also loves to ride roller coasters. |
 "I have been running since I was 12, and I am a certified personal trainer. I have also been coaching track at Meadowbrook Elementary School for the past two years. I love living a healthy lifestyle because it gives the energy I need to keep up with my two active boys. It keeps me mentally, emotionally and physically balanced." Jill enjoys spending time with friends and family in addition to running, cycling, cooking and photography. A little known fact about Jill is that she can say the entire alphabet in less than three seconds. |
| Josh Reynolds |
Michelle Staal |
 "Running has become a central part of my life. I discovered that I was not a fast short-distance runner in middle school and I’ve been doing distance running ever since. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle has allowed me to complete multiple marathons, including Chicago and Boston, and races overseas in Belgium, Austria, France and Germany. If I could teach my two children two things it would be to live healthy and give back to other people." Josh is a school teacher and high school cross country coach who enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters in their big back yard or by reading adventure stories to them at night. |
 "Being active makes me feel better about myself. I am a better mother, wife, friend and co-worker when I am active. If I can do it, I believe anybody can! It just takes someone to believe in you and help you take the first steps. You don’t have to be fast or come in first to be successful. You just have to try."
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| Rob Andro |
Rodger Garner |
 "While there is not a race small enough for me to win, trail running is my exercise, my therapy and my meditation. Diabetes is prevalent in my family so I was raised to understand the benefits of an active lifestyle."
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 "My wife and I are very active. Pretty much every day centers on our workouts and coaching. Our favorite sports are soccer and tennis. I am currently an assistant soccer coach at East Kentwood High School."
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| Taryn Worst |
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 "I had a lot of health problems growing up. A healthy, active lifestyle has turned that around. Several years ago, I could barely run at all. Today I am proud to say that I have completed a marathon. My new lifestyle keeps me going strong in both mind and body."
Taryn loves to read and cook. Most people don’t know that Taryn has a twin, even when they meet her sibling. They do not look alike at all! |
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