Meet the runners
Wade Snowden
Age: 20 From: Milwaukee Profession: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student, studying nursing; also a resident assistant at Sandburg Hall Running resume: Three half-marathons, including PNC Running Festival half-marathon in 2016. Pace: 7:30- to 9-minute miles
I run because: “I like to go and do my own thing, and that’s why I think running is so great for everyone. Whenever I see someone — I don’t care if they’re running at a 13-minute pace or a 5-minute pace, I’m like, ‘YOU GO!’ You’re both doing great because you’re off the couch. I do it for the runner’s high.” I want to run a marathon: “I lost 50 pounds four years ago as a result of becoming an avid runner, and I am finally ready to prove to myself that I can do a full marathon.”
Stephanie Nottling
Age: 32 From: Town of Genesee Profession: Nurse practitioner at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital Kids: Two, ages 6 and 3 Running resume: Nine half-marathons since 2012; age group medal winner in / Silver Circle 5K trail runs; Ragnar Relay 2016. Pace: Between 8- and 9-minute miles
I run because: “Of my sons. I want to take care of myself to be around for them. I want to make sure I’m not just a ‘sideline mom.’ I want to be active in their lives as they grow up. “A sideline mom to me is not being able to participate in the things your kids want to do. I want to take them places and have the energy to keep up with them.” I want to run a marathon: “I have to say I’ve done a full marathon. I just have to check it off my list.”
Grace Kassander
Age: 33 From: Cedarburg Profession: Physical education teacher at First Immanuel Lutheran School in Cedarburg, and owner of Cedarburg Storage. Kids: Three, ages 7, 5 and 3
Running resume: Won First Call half-marathon of the Chilly Willy Winter running series in 1 hour 32 minutes and 31 seconds; numerous 5Ks. Pace: 7:03-minute mile
I run because: “I normally run to win. … And I love to run because it’s my ‘me’ time before the kids get up. It’s a way to stay physically fit. I want to be a good role model and I enjoy it.” I want to run a
marathon: “I wanted to try last year … but you have these thoughts. So I saw this Lakefront Marathon. This is a good one, it’s in October, after the summer season. I can train for it. Let’s do this. It’s a bucket list item.”
Ronetta Watson
Age: 41 From: Wauwatosa Profession: Does claims and pensions for veterans and survivors at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the regional office Kids: One, age 14 Running resume: Track and cross country at Rufus King High School; three half-marathons, several 5Ks and 10Ks. Pace: Anywhere from 8:28to 11:15-minute miles
I run because: “When I joined Black Girls RUN! they quickly challenged me to run longer distances when they noticed my endurance and affection for running. They made running fun and taught me things about shoes, running gear, wellness and nutrition through meet-ups, workshops and activities they offered with membership. I met many well-rounded women whom I could relate to and supported my running goals.” I want to run a marathon: “When I’ve run a half-marathon before, I’ve always said, Can I do this twice? I’ve always been afraid to run a marathon. I just said to myself — it’s time.”
Riley Enright
Age: 56 From: Brookfield Profession: Employee benefits consultant at R&R Insurance Services Kids: Two, 23 and 21 Running resume: Three half-marathons, Madison Marathon, Brewers Mini Marathon and Nashville Rock ’N Roll Marathon. Pace: Just under a 10-minute mile. “In other words, if I had hair, I don’t go fast enough to mess it up.”
I run because: “Bryon Riesch sustained a spinal cord injury at Marquette University. I work with Bryon. … He is cheery every day, he’s helpful every day, he’s an absolute functioning — more than most — member of society. I have biked across the state to raise money because of Bryon, and I could picture Bryon in his chair next to me, thinking he would love to do this.” I want to run a marathon: “Being 56 years old means there aren’t as many ‘firsts’ in life. Doing something like running my first marathon is exhilarating to prepare for, both mentally and physically. I just hope my body parts can hold out!”
Bill Lamers
Age: 67 From: Town of Lisbon Profession: Retired teacher, Brookfield Academy, eighth grade Kids: One, 27 Running resume: Ran for 40 years but never more than 3 to 5 miles and never in a race before the summer of 2016. Has done a handful of half-marathons since. Pace: Ranges from 8:20- to 10:12-minute miles I run because: “It is good for the heart and good for the soul. My wife says it heals me.” I want to run a marathon: “I think I kind of like the challenge of saying, what’s next? One, I haven’t done a marathon. And now I should. If you’re thinking about it, you should. I hate to sound this way but … time. You know? I’m 67. I just want to see if I can do this marathon.”