Annapolis Ambassador Team

Carrie Assar

Occupation: Pharmacist

Sports of choice: Running

How did you get into fitness? I began running in April 2011 and completed my first half marathon that September. When I first started, I couldn't run for even 1 minute, so I know what it means to start from the bottom. Now, running is part of my life! I love the mental clarity and physical fitness that I get from running and now I can't imagine NOT running. To date, I have completed 1 marathon, 23 half marathons, 2 10-milers and numerous 10K and 5K races (and more to come!)

Years in your sport: 3 years 

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: The helpful and and friendly employees and the sense of community!

Favorite post-race meal: Chocolate Milk

Fun fact: I honestly thought I had a better chance of going to the moon than running a marathon.It wasn't even a dream to do a marathon because it was so out of the real of possibilities. Well, I was wrong.

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Kristjana Cook

Occupation: Full-time mom to three boys (ages 8, 5, 3)

Sports of choice: Running, Triathlon, SUP and Yoga

How did you get into fitness? At age 25, I was a professional actress and hated the gym. I started running to lose weight and stay in shape. The first time I ran a mile, I was elated. I fell in LOVE. Then, after the birth of each of my three boys - running with my bob stroller helped me get back in shape. I've now started triathlons as a way to cross-train.

Years in your sport: 13 years 

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: Knowledge of staff! They not only know what they're talking about, they LOVE it!

Favorite post-race meal: Steak and martinis!

Fun fact: My family "modeled" for the City of Annapolis Visitors Bureau campaign on SUPs at Weems Creek! We got a pro photo shoot and it will be used throughout next years' marketing campaign!

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Lisa Garmoe

Occupation: Pure Romance Consultant

Sports of choice: Running, Sailing

How did you get into fitness? Well - running shoes are cheaper than therapy! I started running December 2013 with the Winter Warriors program to blow off some steam. I've met a great new group of people and I've made new friends who push me to be a better runner and are so supportive!

Years in your sport: 1 year

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and supportive of newbie runners!

Favorite post-race meal: Plant-based dark chocolate protein shake

Fun fact: I sailed under the bay bride before driving over it. 

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Josephine Ginsanti

Occupation: Account Manager for a software company

Sports of choice: Running, Biking, In-line Skating

How did you get into fitness? About 9 months ago, I was introduced to Fleet Feet Sports' No Boundaries: Couch to 5K Program. I met SO many great people who (like me) had never run before. Everyone was so supportive and encouraging. What was once a torturous activity had become FUN! I enjoyed meeting with my new friends three times a week and actually looked forward to it!

Years in your sport: 1 year

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: The people! Everyone is so supportive and helpful!

Favorite post-race meal: Breakfast food

Fun fact: Before I joined No Boundaries, the last mile I ran was in 1998. I was voted class laziest and now I can't sit still for a second. I can run a 5K without stopping pushing a baby stroller!

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Sean Harmer

Occupation: General Contractor: Hotel Renovation

Sports of choice: Cycling, Triathlon

How did you get into fitness? I wrestled for 12 years in primary/high school. After high school I moved to Fort Collins, Colorado and ended up on the Colorado State Triathlon Team. Post college, I spent a lot of time riding and racing around the state before I tried out for the Fort Collins Cycling Team. Ultimately I got a job offer in Annapolis and joined the Fleet Feet Tues/Thursday Fun Runs where I trained for my first Marathon..

Years in your sport: 15 years cycling and 5 years in triathlon

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: I met my girlfriend - and a lot of great friends through Fleet Feet!

Favorite post-race meal: Kilwin's Ice Cream (Extra Fudge)

Fun fact: I have two spirit animals. A polar bear and my black lab, Cassidy. 

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Julie Hester

Occupation: Grants Officer

Sports of choice: Running, CrossFit

How did you get into fitness? About 10 years ago, I set my goal to run the Quite Waters loop without stopping. That led to my first 5k, 10K, 10-miler, 1/2 marathon and marathon in 2009.

Years in your sport: 10 years

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: Friendly and knowledgable staff - and great products!

Favorite post-race meal: Eggs (after the celebratory beer!)

Fun fact: I'm one of four kids and I'm the only one that did not do track and field! Now as an adult - I'm the only one running!

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Paul Hodapp

Occupation: IT Work

Sports of choice: Running, Skiing, Paddle Boarding

How did you get into fitness? I took up running in middle school and it's been a part of my life ever since. Now, in addition to running for beer, I'm targeting to get an 18 minute 5K.

Years in your sport: 15+ years

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: The location and the people that work there.

Favorite post-race meal: Beer.

Fun fact: I've actually ran underwater. To hear more - you'll have to come ask me.

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Megan Mcquillan

Occupation: Pediatric ICU nurse

Sports of choice: Running, Trail Running

How did you get into fitness? I was an avid soccer and basketball player for most of my adolescence. I was first introduced to running in high school where I ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track. I then ran cross country and track at Juniata College. Post college, I began to participate in the fleet feet fun runs and decided to become more involved as time went on!

Years in your sport: 11 years

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: Welcoming running community and fun, relaxing atmosphere! I have made amazing friends and met my boyfriend through the group!

Favorite post-race meal: Nachos!!

Fun fact: I love hiking and exploring national parks! I've been to half in the US!

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Connie Musgrove

Occupation: University of Maryland Environmental Policy

Sports of choice: Running, Yoga, Sailing, Kayaking

How did you get into fitness? In November 2011, I signed up for my first Fleet Feet Sports No Boundaries Couch to 5K program because I didn't want to enter the holidays being a slug and eating a ton. I continue running and training with Fleet Feet since then, and now I'm a mentor for the 10K program.

Years in your sport: 15 years (sailing), 10 years (yoga), 2.5 years (running)

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: The community, energy and support

Favorite post-race meal: Pancakes and beer

Fun fact: I raced through a rain swollen river in an old Toyota pick-up to get back to the airport after watching Mt. Yasur volcano erupt on Tanna Island, Vanuatu

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Jillian Mcvae

Occupation: Scientific Consulting

Sports of choice: Running

How did you get into fitness? I started running cross country in high school, then just ran in college and got more serious about racing since I graduated. 

Years in your sport: 12 year

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: The very knowledgable staff - and the committed group of the weekly group run is awesome!

Favorite post-race meal: Egg and cheese on a bagel

Fun fact: My life running goal is to race as many different distances as possible. So far: 1 mile, 5K, 10K, 15K, 10 mile, Half, and Ragnar. Next stop: marathon!

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Kevin Miller-Ihli

Occupation: Engineer

Sports of choice: Running, Scuba Diving, Gym

How did you get into fitness? My wife signed up for the couch to 5K program, and I thought it was a good idea - so I did too. I then followed with the 10K training program - and now I'm a mentor for the No Boundaries program.

Years in your sport: 1 year

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: The training programs Fleet Feet does - and of course, the staff!

Favorite post-race meal: An omelette

Fun fact: Some day, Bart (our lab) will run with us.

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Nancy Miller-Ihli

Occupation: Nutritional Consultant

Sports of choice: Gym, Running/Walking, Scuba Diving, Kayaking

How did you get into fitness? I was significantly overweight and really enjoyed being active after I lost close to 200 pounds. I stopped into Fleet Feet to get shoes, and Laura invited me to participate in the Couch to 5K program they had going on. Since then my husband and I have been running and really enjoy it!

Years in your sport: 1 year (running), 15 years (scuba diving), 2 years (kayaking)

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: The knowledge of the staff and the welcoming atmosphere.

Favorite post-race meal: Veggie omelette

Fun fact: My cousin Rosemary Harris was "Aunt Mae" in Spiderman; My grandmother lived to be 105; I was the National Program Leader for Nutrition for the US.

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Jessie-Lee Nichols

Occupation: Art Director at Quintain Marketing

Sports of choice: Running!

How did you get into fitness? I was a field hockey player at Lynchburg college for four years. Three years after graduation I decided to get back in shape. I joined the summer 2012 No Boundaries: Couch to 5K program, went on to the fall 2012 half marathon program, and mentored the spring 2013 No Boundaries program. I then went on to complete my first FULL marathon in October of 2013! Currently, I'm back coaching at Fleet Feet!

Years in your sport: 2 year (running), 10 years (hockey)

Favorite thing about Fleet Feet Sports: Everyone knows me! It's a nice feeling to be greeted by your name. And the training programs are AMAZING!

Favorite post-race meal: Chocolate Milk

Fun fact: I complete my first marathon less than a year later of doing my first 5K with the No Boundaries: Couch to 5K program!

 

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