I’m so excited to be able to welcome you to RunningU for our annual Zero to 5k program! This program is near and dear to my heart because it’s how I got started and probably saved my life. I’ve lost weight and even quit smoking through running, but more importantly I’ve discovered passion and joy and the most amazing support network of friends and fellow runners. I never thought I’d be one of “those” people running around at all hours of the day and night in horribly loud colors and mismatched gear, but now I can’t imagine life without it. I look forward to being able to share at least a small part of that passion with you!

Katie Quatrano

I started running in 2009 to run a half marathon.  I’ve now run 28 half marathon and a full marathon! The more I am able to run, the easier it becomes.  Sometimes life can be hectic and I find it hard to keep up. I need to keep up with running so I can keep up with my kids! I usually squeeze my runs in early in the morning or over a lunch break. Having a steady running partner also helps me!

Stephen Pretak

I have been running competitively since 2000 as a junior in high school.  I ran Cross Country, Indoor/Outdoor track for the remainder of high school and all of college.  After college, I continued running but on my own and focused mainly on road racing.  I would race 5ks – 10 milers and was part of a USATF-Connecticut road racing team.  Since then, I have moved to Colorado where I have fallen for long distance trail running.  I do occasionally hop on the roads for local races, such as the Firecracker 5k or Man vs. Machine 5k.  I truly hope my experience in this sport can help you achieve your goals with Running U.

Kate Schulte

I have been running since I was a teenager and I now enjoy running and racing with all 3 of my kids, 2 dogs, and one husband. I also compete in triathlons and duathlons, but love that you can almost always go for a run! I occasionally race with an Athletes in Tandem participant and love being able to share the joy of running with those who cannot run alone. When I am not playing outside, I work as a health coach empowering others to move towards a healthier lifestyle. If you see a woman running in south Fort Collins with a golden retriever and a brindled boxer mix, it is probably me, so say hi!

Andy Auer

I’ve been running with the club for around 3 years, ever since I moved to Fort Collins from southern California. I‘m a senior at CSU—this spring, I will graduate with a BS in geology and a minor in history. My pronouns are they/them/theirs, and I love dogs. In my free time, away from school and work, I enjoy running, reading, and knitting.

Dunja Widhalm

Hello and Welcome to Running U! My name is Dunja (doon-ya) and I have been running on and off since I was a teenager which is ages ago. I am not fast at all, but I have endurance and I that helped me train for a few Half-Marathons. My goal is to run a Marathon in the next 5 years. I signed up to be a mentor, because I love volunteering and be part of the Fort Collins running community, but also because I hope, it will give support/inspire some folks to go out and run – all you need is a good pair of running shoes and socks! Remember “It doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Confucius

Raquel Suro

Hi! I have been running on and off since I was in high school and started running with the Fort Collins Running Club when I moved to Fort Collins 2 years ago. Group runs have always helped me stay accountable, especially during the cold winter months. Knowing that there is a group waiting for me gives me the extra motivation to put on those running shoes, get out the door, and get those miles in! I signed up to be a mentor because I like helping people who are new to running or making a comeback and feel intimidated or overwhelmed with running in general. And even though running can be a “solo” sport I strongly believe running with a group gives you an incredible sense of community! Welcome to Running U!

Becca Blumberg

Hi everyone! My name is Becca, and I’ve got a running problem. This crazy journey started years ago when I needed a way to exercise both me and my border collie Gracie. She kept me motivated and away we went! We finished our first 5K together and from there came countless half marathons, short-course triathlons, a marathon and three half-Ironmans. No matter how much I tri, running will always have my heart. Like many others in this group, I’ve lost a great deal of weight as health and fitness have become my passion. This has led me to return to school at CSU to study nutrition and dietetics with the goal of health coaching. I can talk for hours about sports nutrition so feel free to pick my brain about what to eat before, during and after your runs.  I’m looking forward to sharing my love of running with everyone and helping you on your way to the finish line!!