Meet The Team

After Jeff witnessed how much fun his disabled daughter, Chelsea, had being pushed and pulled through a triathlon in 2006, he decided to let go of some unhealthy habits and stopped smoking. Not long after, he and Chelsea began running. In 2007, Chelsea and Jeff ran their first race. The time they spent running together helped them to meet a great new community of runners and triathletes. After their first race together, they were hooked. 

 

Over the next few years, Chelsea and Jeff pushed their physical limits with marathons and triathlons in West Michigan. In 2013, Chelsea was forever healed of her Rett Syndrome, just days after her last Riverbank run with her father. Jeff will continue to run with Chelsea by his side in spirit, and he is now able to keep the memories of his daughter alive by giving back to the running community with his wife and their store.

I started running in 7th grade. I fell in love with the sport and became pretty dedicated to it through high school before running at Wittenberg University. Now I run for friendship, health, and to see what I can get out of myself as a competitor.

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I love the half marathon because I feel like I can get the most out of myself at the distance.

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My favorite part of working at Striders is providing products and knowledge and seeing that translate to customers achieving their goals, whether it be walking without pain or crushing a marathon PR and everything in between.

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My advice to young runners would be that consistency is key!

From Honolulu to Boston, I’ve been running all distances for the past 40 years. You’ll also see me on the roads in the Grandville area, so honk gently! :)  

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My favorite distance is the half marathon because it can push my limits, but training doesn't overtake my life.  

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The Striders staff from now and years past makes our store a fun place to be…that’s what keeps me smiling and working! 

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Advice: Running is supposed to be fun, so if it’s not, slow down and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. 

I ran throughout high school and then for two years at GRCC. After that I have focused on running for fun.

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My favorite distance is a 10k.

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My favorite part about working at Striders is the joy people have when they leave the store with a pair of shoes that will help them achieve their goal.

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I would tell a new or young runner to get a good pair of shoes, find a supportive group of runners and take the pressure off of yourself. When you have fun it makes it more enjoyable.

I started running later in life when I began to feel out of shape and am now working on running a marathon or longer in every state.

 

My favorite distances are either the half marathon or ultramarathon.

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My favorite part of working at Striders is getting to work with our amazing customers and helping them solve foot issues and maintain an active lifestyle.

 

My advice for other runners is: "Don't get so stressed about the finish that you forget to enjoy the journey."

I ran through middle and high school, and then for two years at Grand Rapids Community College. I now enjoy training for various races along with friends, and having fun doing it! 

 

My favorite distance at the moment is the half marathon, I also enjoy the 5k. 

 

My favorite part of working at Striders is the family-like community made up of the staff, the running group, and the great customers. I also enjoy helping fit customers into a shoe that works well for them! Plus, I love learning about new shoes and trying them out. 

 

My advice to young runners is to always do your best and work hard at it!

I started running in 5th grade after placing second to my friend in a race. That motivated me to get faster so that I could get first.

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My favorite race distance is the 1600m. I love its mix of intensity, racing tactics and endurance.

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My favorite thing about working at Striders is getting to help people find the shoe that works best for them for them.

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My advice to new runners is: "If something feels off, don't be afraid to take a break and recover because long-term injuries are the worst!"

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I started running when I was in elementary school with my parents. I ran throughout middle school and high school for cross country and track. 

 

My favorite race distance is 10k. 

 

My favorite part about working at Striders is that we are like a family, and I love having the ability to help people find the right shoe for them. 

 

Advice that I would give to a beginner runner is to take it slow and enjoy every moment. Running should be fulfilling and life-giving.

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