Where Have We Been???

Orlando, MTB, Colorado, Europe, first place on the podium, third overall, relay wins, coaching Tri 101, leading Secret Miles and Java Warriors, Zumba-thon, becoming an aunt, training training training, trail races, stage races, duathlons, triathlons, Canada, California, buying men at auction.... Watch this to see the places we've been lately.

Laura McCrain

After a few years of sporadic running, Laura McCrain was quickly swept into Huntsville’s incredible running community upon her relocation to Alabama in 2008.  Through Fleet Feet, Laura completed both 10K and half marathon training programs in 2009. Inspired by her new friends and introduced to local trail running in Monte Sano State Park, she set a goal to finish a 50K trail race. To date, Laura has completed three 50K trail races, including the 2011 Mountain Mist 50K. In June 2011, Laura finished the RockCreek Stage Races in Chattanooga…“60 Miles – 3 Days – 3 Mountains.”

Laura is happiest exploring new trails with her wonderful running buddies, including her husband, Will Barnwell. Laura and Will are indulgent owners of two mixed breed, non-athletic dogs named Dixie and Scout. Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, reading, and traveling and is thankful for a very full and blessed life.

A native of North Carolina, she graduated from NC State University with degrees in Aerospace Engineering and works as a systems engineer in the military-industrial complex.

Melissa Lee

I am elated to have been nominated and chosen to be part of the Dixie Daredevils. Dixie Daredevil’s charity of choice had my undivided attention before I was asked to join their team. I am running to honor both my aunts, Carolyn Morris (colon cancer) and Judy Pricket (breast cancer), who are both currently in remission from their struggle with cancer. Cancer’s ruthlessness has definitely affected my family over the years and the American Cancer Society efforts have had a direct impact on my aunts’ well being. I am excited about raising money to support the American Cancer Society!

A little about me: My motto in life has always been “work hard and play hard” and I believe I live up to that every day. To be completely honest, these days I may even play harder than I work! I am number four of five children and four of us followed my father’s footsteps and became United States Marines. Although I only stayed in the Marine Corps for a four year tour the phrase “once a Marine, always a Marine” is definitely true. There is no such thing as a former Marine and if you doubt that at all, just ask one. I have been running as far back as I can remember, from running from the torment of my older brothers, to trying to catch and tackle my younger brother, to training in preparation of OCS, to the years of Marine Corps Training and to now…just because. My favorite past times include swimming, biking, running, drinking beer, traveling to race events (triathlons, duathlons, run races, etc...), hiking, reading, traveling, laughing, eating and spending time with wonderful family and friends. In my professional life I am merely one of the thousands of engineers who are, literally and figuratively, running around Huntsville.

Houston We Have a Problem...

I knew it was bound to happen.  With a team of 14 women (12 relay runners and 2 alternates/drivers) getting together more than a year before the actual race, raising $15,000 for American Cancer Society plus additional funds for travel expenses while at the same time training for a physically grueling relay race...there were bound to be some...challenges.

I know what you're thinking, fourteen women coming together...hello DRAMA!!  But that's not the challenge we've had to face.  The fact is, we've lost some members of the team for various reasons, and have had to recruit some new faces.  And...the challenge has NOT been the recruitment part of the equation, thankfully that has been "easy".

You had not even been introduced to the first person we lost.  She joined us as an alternate, but made the decision to back out fairly quickly.  We only had a couple of meetings before then so I just gave email hugs and thought to myself, "that happened quicker than I expected it to" (losing a team mate).  Little did I know we were about to lose two more, and have one voluntarily switch to an alternate/driver position.  Not to mention we have one member who is temporarily living in CANADA.

When Lisa stepped away from the team a while ago,  I put off making any kind of formal announcement,  mainly because I wasn't exactly sure how to write it up.  The fact is, it's hard to lose a member of the team.  We are working closely together for a common goal--the least of which is the actual race.  I don't know about the rest of them, but I feel like the longer we're together the closer we're getting.

We are like the Super Friends!!  I mean come on...we're the DIXIE DAREDEVILS!!  We even have cool super heroish name.  Yes, we are going to run individual legs of this race alone, but even in that we will be working together for a common goal-to finish before the cut off (31 hours).   However, the truth is, the race itself is a very small piece of the entire experience.  Think about it...it's the culmination of a fraction of what we're doing together, a very small fraction.  We have had one short fun run which lasted about 40 minutes, but we've spent countless hours working together to raise donations for American Cancer Society.

You can't be a part of something like this and not grow close.  So when someone decides to leave, or take a step away, it's hard.  At least it is for me anyway.  I know I'm not alone in that feeling.  At our last meeting when Vicki announced she was quitting, another team mate said we were like her family and she didn't want to lose anyone else.

I thought we'd have an issue with in-fighting, squabbles over how to best get the job done, what color to make the shirts, who has the best idea for a fundraiser, or even who's doing more or running fastest.  With fourteen women, there's bound to be drama...but I didn't expect to be crying over people leaving the team.  As we spend more and more time together, we are naturally growing closer so it stands to reason losing someone would become increasingly difficult.  I've got to tell you I don't like it one little bit!!

So...if you've been paying attention and watching closely...now you know why there are 15 of us on the "Who We Are" page.  As I understand it, we do have a new second alternate/driver, and I'll introduce her in short order...but not before I dry my eyes over the loss of the others.

Beth Whitworth

(Written by Beth)  Hi! I am Beth Whitworth (but I still refer to myself at times by my maiden name Barry – old habits are hard to break!). I am a Family Nurse Practitioner and former dietitian who loves the outdoors, coffee, and listening to live music on the front row. I am a Madison native, but moved away for years of school and work, then found myself coming back to the place I thought I would never return. It was almost two years ago that I moved back to Alabama to be near my now husband, Matt.

I am someone who thrives off the freedom to move whenever my heart desires and to plan for the next big adventure.  So, the thought of living back in my hometown permanently was something that I am still getting used to. But, with the help of new and old friends, I was introduced to the world of running. I am pretty sure if it was not for the next training run with friends or the thrill of the next race to keep me entertained, I may have driven myself and my husband mad! Last year, I went from having never run more than 6 miles, to running a full marathon, and then this year a 50K trail run. Other than my wedding day, I felt the happiest I have ever felt after crossing the 50K finish line!

To have the opportunity to run with such a great group of women and to use my abilities as a runner to support such a life changing cause is an incredible blessing. This is going to be one adventure I will never forget!

Carrie Wilson

My name is Carrie Wilson and I began running in the fall of 2008 a few weeks before my first 5K. I set my sights on a half marathon, then a full marathon while simultaneously training for a century (100 mile) bike ride. I thought why not swim a little and do a sprint triathlon! I enrolled in Fleet Feet's Tri 101 training group, had a blast and learned a lot. Most importantly, I began a fun, new lifestyle and met some awesome friends who I continue to train and race with! I am a member of Huntsville Track Club and the Vice President of Team Rocket Tri-Club. When I heard the Dixie Daredevils were looking for a few more runners for Hood To Coast 2012, I jumped at the chance! I look forward to the entire experience- fundraising, training, traveling, and racing with this amazing group of ladies!

Along with running and triathlon, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, traveling, yoga, sushi, coffee, cross-country skiing, the color green, awesome family, good friends and good times! I am completely obsessed with Glacier National Park, and the entire state of Montana! I was lucky enough to live in Whitefish and West Glacier, MT for a year and a half in 2005-2006. I spent 5 of those months living in a campground in West Glacier! Yes, in a tent- a three man backpacking one! It was one of the BEST experiences of my life. My first solo backpacking trip ever was 5 nights in Glacier's Grizzly country. Those trips are common practice for me now during my annual summer vacations to Glacier.

I am the Program Coordinator for the Both Parents Program at Family Services Center, which by definition makes me the Event Director for the Summer Sizzler Super Metric Century Bike Ride. This year's Summer Sizzler will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011. Mark your calendars, tell your friends. Be there! My goals for 2011 are to raise money for American Cancer Society, improve my marathon time, complete my 3rd Ironman 70.3 race, run my first 50k, and travel to Glacier... again! I am also looking forward to meeting my niece who is due in late June! 2012 brings more training and fundraising with the Dixie Daredevils, as well as a full Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run) and the Hood to Coast Relay, of course!

Sarah Tierney

My name is Sarah Tierney. I’m 26 years old and work as a Contract Specialist in Huntsville.  I’ve lived in this area most of my life. I was extremely active growing up through my involvement in multiple sports, but unfortunately I became pretty lazy in college. After graduating from UAH in 2007, I decided to get back in shape by running. It was difficult for me to find motivation on my own though, likely the result of my background in team sports. And so after running off and on for a couple years, I signed up for Fleet Feet’s 13.1 Program in 2009 and successfully completed my first half marathon in 2 hours and 4 minutes. The following year I completed Fleet Feet’s Tri 101 Program and again completed the 13.1 Program. This year I plan to start tackling some longer distances including the marathon and 50k.

I’m excited for this opportunity to run for a cause that is close to my heart. As is the sad truth with most everyone, I’ve known many people- coworkers, friends, and family members- who have been affected by cancer. I’ll be running this race in honor of my grandmother, Elizabeth Tierney, a very special woman that I miss very much.

Vicki Lundquist

My name is Vicki Lundquist. My family moved to Alabama12 years ago after we retired from the Army. I enjoyed our military life and the different states and countries I've lived and ran in.  It's been hard getting use to not moving every few years, but after 12, I think I'm finally getting the hang of staying in one place. I am currently working as a Systems Engineer.

I've been running on and off (mostly on) for almost 40 years. My introduction to running began when I joined my high school track team. Back then I thought running a mile was something you only did when the coach was mad at you. How things have changed. My reasons for running are always evolving: I've run because I had to (I was in the military), I've run to counter balance my food habit, I've run to meet new people and visit new cities, and I've run for the sense of accomplishment I get when I cross the finish line. Through the years I've run too many 5, 10, and 15K's to count (or remember). In 2000, I joined Team In Training and completed my first long distance run; the 2001 Disney World marathon. Since then I've completed nine more marathons, seven half-marathons, and with the help of Fleet Feet Tri 201, an Olympic distance triathlon. I'm a proud back of the pack runner whose goal is to have fun and to run smart enough to run another day.

My running life could not be possible without the support and encouragement of my husband of 29 years, Carl, and our two children Megan, 27 and Anthony, 21. They've always been there to cheer me on and to pick up the slack when I've returned home after a particularly hard run race. And I can't forget our dogs, Mischief and Sam Adams. Mischief kept me company during my early morning runs when I was training for my first marathon. Sadly, this past January, we had to let him go after 12 wonderful years. Sam Adams has been with us for 3 years. He's also is a great running partner...as long as no squirrels come within his eye sight. Sam has helped me run some great 5K times.

I joined this group of amazing women because I cannot say no the Caneilia...or a new challenge. The American Cancer Society is also a cause that is near to me. From co-workers and friends to grandparents and relatives, cancer has touched the lives of some many people I know. I am running for my Mom and in celebration of my Aunt Pat.

Robin Giles

My name is Robin Giles. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, dog lover and runner.

I started running as a way to kick a 31-year smoking habit. On July 14, 2006, I literally put down the cigarettes and picked up the running shoes - my goal was to run the Gate River Run 15k in Jacksonville Florida. I ran the Gate a year and a half after I started running and have run it every year since.

My husband, Jimm, and I have been married for 24 years. The first 20 years of our marriage Jimm was

in the US Navy and moved us from Wisconsin - where I grow up - to Rota, Spain, Virginia Beach, VA and Jacksonville FL. In August of 2008, after Jimm retired from the Navy, we moved to Huntsville Alabama where my running became a passion. Being a Navy wife helped me to become a stronger person, which I attribute to my ability to push a little harder during long runs.

As a way to meet people in Huntsville, I signed up for a training program and as a result of my new friends encouragement I completed my first half marathon in September 2009. With proper training and a lot of support from family and friends, I have now completed eight half marathons and on February 13, 2011, I will run my first full marathon.

Jimm and I currently live in Huntsville with our Australian Sheppard, Socrates. While our daughter and granddaughter live in Jacksonville Florida, just a thought of them inspires me to push on when I would otherwise quit.

I am running for my dad who left us way too soon.

Casey Baird

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”  

This quote has given me the inspiration to make this dream, not only of running in this race, but being a part of a team that will use our unique abilities to give back to such a great cause (American Cancer Society) a reality.  We have all been effected by someone with cancer.    This is our time to touch those who have touched us.  

The first of many podium moments for Casey!

I have lived in the Huntsville area since November of 2009.  With the encouragement of my neighbor, Dana DeBardelaben, I soon found running to be a passion. During my running journey, I have meet a lot of great people through running programs offered by Fleet Feet. Running has jump started me into the healthy lifestyle I have always wanted.  Currently, I am an active member of CrossFit Huntsville, a member of the Huntsville Track Club, as well as a NOBO coach for Fleet Feet. 

For the past 5 years, I have been employed at BB&T, who I am proud to say, was the first to support our team with a donation of $2500 to the American Cancer Society.  I recently got married, to Grant, in October 2010.  

I am running in celebration of Jen Heisler, who was my college roommate.  

Dana DeBardelaben

1st Half!

First a little about me...I'm married to the man of my prayers, Dwayne.  I have two (almost grown) kids, who I naturally adore.  My son, Andrew, is 18 and currently considering joining the Marines!  My daughter, Ashely, is 16 and is college shopping.   My cat, Zorro, is still wrapped in the best robes and eating the fattened calf (click on the links for that to make some sense!).  I'd like to say I "stay home"...but that would be a total lie.  The truth is, I don't have a job that earns an income, but I work (out) very hard, and I do my best to make a home for my family. 

In December 2009, I decided I wanted to "get off the couch".  While most people were going from couch to 5K, and Caneilia Patterson was going from couch to Triathlon...I set a goal to go from couch to MARATHON.  My original goal was to run Rocket City 2010, but you've heard about the "best laid plans", right?  You can read more about the ups and downs of my training in my "running" blog (that has recently turned "tri"...but that's another story!)

As of today, I've run several 5Ks, an 8K, a 10K, and 2 half marathons.  I'm currently training for my first triathlon (with Coach Caneilia!) as well as my first really tough trail run (McKay Hollow Madness).  I coach NOBO and Next Steps for Fleet Feet.  I'm a member of the Huntsville Track Club, the Team Rocket Tri Club and the USMS/HSA.

I first heard about Hood to Coast last year and thought to myself, "those people are NUTS!"  Someone obviously slipped me some of the cool-aide, because by the time the movie was released, I was already trying to find out how to be a part of the insanity fun.  I went to the movie with Casey and told her we should think about doing the race in 2012.  Before the night was over, she had formulated a plan.  Not only were we going to run the race, we were going to join in with DetermiNation to raise money for the American Cancer Society. 

In less than 24 hours it went from "just" running a race, to racing for a cause.  (That's less time than it will take for us to actually run the race!)

Julia Troxtel

Julia Troxtel is 28 years old, and currently lives in Huntsville, AL.  She is a
Physical Therapist and loves, loves, loves, what she gets paid to do everyday!  Julia grew up in a small town, and has lived in Alabama her whole life.  From a young age she's always been very active playing sports, and participated in basketball and softball all the way through high school.  She also played tennis on her Junior College tennis team.

Julia has now been running for about 9 years.  To date, she has completed numerous 5K races, four half marathons, one full marathon, and one 200-mile relay race.  In addition to running, Julia just loves to be outdoors!  She gets a high from challenges and pushing herself to the limit!  Other hobbies of hers include mountain biking, lifting weights, playing tennis, adventure racing, and spending time with friends and family.

Heather Armstrong

My name is Heather Armstrong, I'm 33, a Mom, a wife, a bassoonist, a paralegal and an aspiring marathoner.  I have been running for 8 months and will have completed my first half marathon in February at the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon.  I have a BA from the University of Alabama, where I majored in Music Administration.  Currently I stay at home with our almost 3 year old daughter by day and teach bassoon lessons at night and freelance for various arts groups whenever I get the opportunity. 

Lisa Hall

Lisa Hall has been running since August 2009, and has completed two half-marathons and a full marathon. She is currently training for her second marathon. Lisa is very passionate about healthy living after reclaiming her life following a decade-long disability. Her story appears in the December 2010 issue of Runner’s World magazine.

Lisa works full-time as a human resources trainer, and she is also the author of the patient health care reference guide Taking Charge of Your Own Health (Harvest House Publishers: 2009).

To learn more about this book and Lisa’s amazing medical journey, please visit Lisa's website: www.theproactivepatient.com.

Sarah Coleman

Hello, my name is Sarah Coleman.  I'm an engineer/project manager and have lived in Huntsville for four years.  I'm originally from out west, but have also lived in Georgia and Washington DC.  I began running in high school and have been running on and off ever since.  In 2008 I ran my first half marathon and fell in love with the distance.  Despite saying "I have no interest in EVER running a marathon," I did my first in 2009 and another in 2010.  In an effort to diversify my training and do something different, I did my first triathlon in 2007 and then really got into the sport in 2009.  I completed my first Olympic distance tri in 2010 and hope to do a half-Ironman someday soon.

I don't have any kids, but have a dog that a few might say is more spoiled than some kids.  She makes a great running partner for speed training, but doesn't grasp the concept of "pacing yourself" for distance training.  I'm training her to be a Therapy Dog and hope to be able to work with in hospitals with sick children once she's old enough to get certified.

I'm super excited about doing this race.  Running as a team will be a new adventure for me, but I think it will only make the experience better to be able to share it with friends!  I've never been to Oregon and am really looking forward to seeing the beautiful state.

Thank you for helping us to support this great cause!

Caneilia Patterson

Caneilia Patterson has quite the unusal name, and she knows you're wondering "where did that come from".  So glad you asked...it was taken from the Cherokee Indian Midwife that delivered her paternal grandmother in a covered wagon in Oklahoma City in the early 1900's.  Her grandmother's middle name was Caneilia and the name was passed down. 

In 2009, Caneilia was a 55 lb overweight couch potato and ready for a change.  She shed 30 lbs and became a Triathlete in a matter 3 months and has been hooked ever since.  In that first year, she also completed her first 1/2 Marathon.  From the couch to triathlons and 1/2 marathons in 7 months!  In 2010 she evolved into coaching other women to take control of their lives and health and lead 24 new women to their first triathlon of April 2010; thus starting her coaching career and bringing her to the place that God has intended her to be to help others.  Caneilia now coaches triathletes and runners to complete 5K's and 1/2 Marathons.  Caneilia's number one goal has been to become healthier.  Since 2009 she has lowered her total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body fat percentage.  One thing she also hopes to have on that health list is being successful in preventing cancer, which she knows the major role that health and body fat play in the cancer factor.

In Caneilia's "spare time" she worked 10 years as a contractor for NASA on projects such as International Space Station and Ares Rocket.  She was recently employed by Qinetiq North America in August 2010 where she now works as a systems engineer.  Caneilia and her husband, Chris, live in Madison, AL with their 2 dogs, Abby and Sandy.

So why a cancer fundrasier for Caneilia?  Caneilia has been an avid support of Breast Cancer Research her whole adult life, giving a little each time the opporunity presents itself.  She has seen numerous friends and several family members with cancer...it is such a horrible disease.  Her maternal grandmother spent her younger years in the farm fields and the importance of sunscreen was not known.  As her grandmother became older, she battled numerous melamona skin cancers from those years in the field.  Thank goodness her grandmother could catch the spots before they ever took over her body and luckily she did not pass away from cancer.  Caneilia vividly remembers her grandmother saying "wear sunscreen" and has pictures of her in her wide-brim hat when she'd go outside to tend to her flowers.  She learned what caused the skin cancer, did what she could to prevent future cancer from forming, and did her part to educate others, including her grandchildren.  Caneilia has spent years herself in the sun and tanning bed.  She quit the tanning bed after 10 straight years of sunning and tanning at the age of 23 because of her grandmother's experiences with skin cancer and the likely risk Caneilia was putting herself in.

So it was no surprised when asked "do you want to do this crazy challenge of Hood to Coast with us" that she thought for about a second, maybe 2 seconds, and quickly committed to fundraise for cancer in memory of her grandmother, Estelle Everett, and train for a very challenging race.  She believes that our entire country can only benefit from helping organizations such as the American Cancer Society reach their goals in prevention programs and cancer cures but that takes the help of the community, so Caneilia is committed!

The picture (above) of Caneilia (in red) and her long-time friend and triathlete buddy, Christy Cantey was taken at the Frantic Frog Triathlon in September 2010.  Christy has been one of Caneilia's biggest fans and sources of support and motivation...she was there for Caneilia's first race, from start to finish and 7 months pregnant!

Shari Crowe

Shari Crowe - age 40-44 ; ).  I have been running for about twenty years, but ran mostly for recreation and fitness until a few years ago when I ran my first marathon.  First marathon?  Chicago 2007.  Thought I would only do the one, but it changed my world.  Fell in love with the 26.2 and then began the search for better times, better races, more friends to run with.  With the advice of my running coach, Jill, and lots of friends I have met through running, I have set all my personal bests in the last year.  Crowning achievement?  3:37:37 in Rocket City this year.  Most fun I've had running?  The Ragnar Relay in Tennessee in 2010.  Nothing like being in a van with 6 people for 36 hours to bond friendships quickly.  So I am so totally psyched about Hood to Coast:  11 more ready made friends.  My favorite things about running?  The rush I feel when I hear someone yelling my name during a race, the friends I have met, the peace I have felt, the laughs I have had, looking down at my Garmin and seeing that I am Super Fly on a run.

Beyond running?  Though it sounds like running is everything, it is really not.  I have two wonderful sons (11 and 13) who are the smartest, kindest, funniest children you have ever met . . . no, really, mine truly are.  I am a nurse and have recently transitioned to the field of Patient Safety, which satisfies my nerdy need to run statistics and fix processes.  I love to read and to discuss books and drink wine with my book club.  I adore my friends and my family and believe that our one true purpose in life is to show unconditional love to everyone we meet.  All the rest is just details.

Regena Moore

Regena Moore

Age 35, Married w/2 boys (ages 4 & 9), Homemaker/Volunteer
Born in FL, has lived in Big Cove for 5 yrs.

Been running since 2009 (to lose baby weight)

Completed the following Fleet Feet Running Programs:
NOBO – Spring 2009
Next Steps – Spring 2010
13.1 – Fall 2010

Huntsville Track Club Member.

I joined the Dixie Daredevils to challenge myself even further and
to give more back to the community. I lost my Mother, Aunt, &
Uncle to cancer so raising money for the American Cancer Society
is perfect for me. Please, help us reach our fundraising goal and
support us on our Journey to the Hood!

Ashley Casiano

Ashley Casiano (formerly Hammann) has been running since high school when she was in the middle of the pack in JV Cross Country.  She graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2003 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and immediately moved to Huntsville after graduation.  

Nicknamed “Beast” by her running buddies, she has run a lot of half marathons, 5 marathons, and 5 50ks in 9 states since Fall 2008, when she got “serious”.   

Ashley enjoys yoga, hiking, experimental cooking, and organizing.  She despises scary movies, pickles, swimming in the ocean, and trips to the post office.  She loves traveling with her mom - who also runs half marathons - and girlfriends to participate in running/shopping/eating weekends away from home and, while in town, frequently rollerblades and runs with her husband Matt, who enjoys competitive inline skating, on the Aldridge Park Greenway.  Having rollerbladed one marathon in Italy and come in second-to-last place, Ashley would much rather go the distance on foot instead of on wheels but loves being out and being active none the less.   

In her less exciting but necessary non-running life, Ashley works at Bechtel National as a Configuration Manager on the Ground-based Midcourse Missile Defense Project.