Aiden the Alien MascotBorn and raised on the planet Venus, I started running after relocating to the much cooler atmosphere of the planet Mars. Since then I have run all over the Milky Way Galaxy including Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus. Mercury is too steamin hot, Pluto too freezing cold. During my extra-terrestrial endeavors, I have met many friends, especially on the lush terrain of planet earth where my Martian buddies and I land in Michigan every spring to line the course for the Martian Marathon. I look forward to running for many more light years to come. See you on planet earth!
Francine Bangs
Francine Bangs10:00 S-Pace Leader
I started running when I moved to Kalamazoo in 1982. The Borgess 5k run was my first run and I was hooked! I have run many 5k, 10k, and half marathons since then and gained many friends through running along the way. I didn’t do my first marathon until the year that I turned 50. I just had to prove to myself that I could do it. I have been doing a marathon almost every year since that first one in Columbus. I think the number of marathons is 15. I ran Chicago last October and then did Boston Marathon in April of this year. What a thrill! I have been a member of the Kalamazoo Area Runners since the mid 80’s and I am amazed at the growth of that group over the years. It is so wonderful that there is such wonderful support and interest in running in the community. I have one married daughter who accompanies me to a lot of the marathons. She is a nurse so that comes in handy when I am feeling a little bit exhausted at the end of the run! I retired from Eaton Corporation after 30 years working in information technology and am now working part time at Gazelle Sports. This fits right in with my love of running.
Email: fbangs@maxxconnect.net
Marty BuffenbargerMission Commander, Course Master
There is a saying in Chariots of Fire that goes something like this, when I run I feel the pleasure of God is with me. This is the where my running has come to. I ran as a 1/2 miler in high school but believed it was a lot of work. I have run on and off as an adult but nothing steady until about 5 years ago. I got very serious into weight lifting but after five shoulder surgeries, I didn't feel the pleasure of God in that. So I began to run again so I could eat what I wanted. Now I run because as I run and train I do feel the pleasure of God in my runs and in the people He has put me in contact with thru running. I am a police officer. I am married to Carolyn and have 3 children, Bryce 21, Kelsey 19 and Forrest 13. As of this writing I have run 7 marathons with 2 being Boston and currently serve as Co-President of Kalamazoo Area Runners.
There is a saying in Chariots of Fire that goes something like this, when I run I feel the pleasure of God is with me. This is the where my running has come to. I ran as a 1/2 miler in high school but believed it was a lot of work. I have run on and off as an adult but nothing steady until about 5 years ago. I got very serious into weight lifting but after five shoulder surgeries, I didn't feel the pleasure of God in that. So I began to run again so I could eat what I wanted. Now I run because as I run and train I do feel the pleasure of God in my runs and in the people He has put me in contact with thru running. I am a police officer. I am married to Carolyn and have 3 children, Bryce 21, Kelsey 19 and Forrest 13. As of this writing I have run 7 marathons with 2 being Boston and currently serve as Co-President of Kalamazoo Area Runners.
Mission Commander, 9:30 S-Pace Leader
Deciding to get into shape about 5 years ago, Cindi took up running with her husband (Steve). After completing both the 5k and half marathon programs at the Borgess Run camp, she talked her husband into training for just “one” marathon. Now having run Cleveland, Chicago (3 times), Disney and Toledo, she has caught the bug and become a marathon addict.
Cindi has step children and two granddaughters, whom live in Battle Creek. Her life also encompasses two four-legged children – Kin a black lab/shepherd mix and Marti (short for Martini) a black lab/golden retriever mix.
Deciding to get into shape about 5 years ago, Cindi took up running with her husband (Steve). After completing both the 5k and half marathon programs at the Borgess Run camp, she talked her husband into training for just “one” marathon. Now having run Cleveland, Chicago (3 times), Disney and Toledo, she has caught the bug and become a marathon addict.
Cindi has step children and two granddaughters, whom live in Battle Creek. Her life also encompasses two four-legged children – Kin a black lab/shepherd mix and Marti (short for Martini) a black lab/golden retriever mix.
9:30 S-Pace Leader
began recreational running at age 31 while living in Ohio. I was amazed at all the running groups and support I found when I moved to Kalamazoo. I ran my first marathon after training with Gazelle several years ago and I am now planning on running my 4th marathon this fall. I am a Certified Personal Trainer. I started up Stroller Strides of Kalamazoo last June and I am finishing up my third year as Girls on the Run Coach. I have two children, Jesseca 14 and Victor 12 both of which have a few 5k’s under their belts already. I look forward to a fun winter of running and cameradie!
Email: vmergen@yahoo.com
Katie Nelson10:30 S-Pace Leader
I started running distance when I was in 8th grade. At the end of high school, I needed something to motivate me to keep running, so I signed up for the Disney Marathon. Some people say that one is enough, but for me I couldn't stop. So the following October I ran Chicago and this past October I ran Detroit. I will be a Senior at Western in the Spring. I am majoring in General Math and getting a minor in Statistics. If you ever see me in Portage gear, that is because I am from Portage, Indiana. I am a projectionist at the Kalamazoo 10, and have been working for Goodrich Quality Theaters for about 4 and a half years. I don't know what lies in my future, but I am willing to face any challenge that comes my way
Email: katie.l.nelson@wmich.edu
Bonnie Sexton
Beyond Director, Communications, Day Sponsors, Socials
Beyond Director, Communications, Day Sponsors, Socials
I am looking forward to another white and wild season of winter running as the Beyond Marathon Training program blasts off to its second year, hopefully this time around without blizzard warnings and truck trapping snow drifts. I grew up in a suburb outside New York City, and ran track for Liberty University as a sprinter in the late 1980’s. After my sophomore year, I “retired” from competitive running. In 2002… fourteen years, a husband (Jeff, who very tries hard to comprehend my running addiction) and three wonderful children (Michael (12), Steven (10) and Paige (8)) later, I returned to the sport of my youth, this time as a distance runner. In the 5 years since, I have completed 15 marathons including Boston twice. I love to share my joy of running with others though training programs. My escapades include co-organizing the 2005 KAR/SHufflers Boston-to-Bayshore Marathon Training Program, founding with KAR friends the 2007 KAR Beyond Marathon Training Program, serving as KAR Coordinator for the 2005, 2006 & 2007 Safari, and as half marathon coach for the 2006 Borgess Run Camp. My “real” job is as a Human Resources Officer for National City. I am looking forward to a wild winter adventure of running, training, slipping and sliding, and encouraging each Beyond Shooting Star to achieve their marathon goal while at the same time making the journey a fun-filled and life changing experience!
Email: besrun2003@yahoo.com
Phone: 269-492-4192
Phone: 269-492-4192
Julie Steeby9:00 S-Pace Leader
I began my love of recreational running 25 years ago while going through the rigors of nursing school. As fellow classmates turned to smoking to relieve their stress, I decided to become addicted to a healthier lifestyle and purchased my first pair of running shoes! I don’t consider myself to be a “competitive” runner but have always enjoyed the camaraderie of running in groups. I participated in 4 years of the Borgess Run Camp and two years ago in the Gazelles Summer Safari to prepare for the 2005 Chicago Marathon. For health reasons I was side-lined in 2006 and couldn’t run for 18 weeks which meant no return trip to Chicago Marathon that year! This past Winter I ran with the Kalamazoo SHufflers and utilized the “Galloway” method for training to run in the 2007 BayShore Marathon. I am happy to say that I completed that and qualified for the Boston Marathon! I work full-time as a nurse at K-Valley Orthopedics. I go into work early every morning to workout. It’s important to me to be a living example to my patients and I want to continue to be a role model not only to them but to my family as well. I’ve been married to Jon for 26 years and we have 2 adult children who are college students at WMU. As a family we have always enjoyed an active life-style.
Email: Julio_lpn@yahoo.com
Phone: Home (269)679-4581, Cell (269)547-0068
Phone: Home (269)679-4581, Cell (269)547-0068
Brenda Stoddard, R.D.
Mission Commander 8:00 S-Pace Leader
Running has been a huge part of my life for over 25 years. For many years, I stayed in my comfort zone, and enjoyed training by myself (or pushing my sons in a jogging stroller) and running "tons" of 5 and 10k races. Then, in 2002 I caught the "marathon bug". Since then, I have completed 11 marathons (including 4 Boston) and let me just warn you, I'm still contagious….once you get exposed to this illness, it’s tough to find a cure! Thanks to KAR/BCRR I had the great fortune of being introduced to group running in 2004. While I still do appreciate solo running, group running introduced me to a whole new meaning, level and love of running! One of my biggest motivators to keep going is: OTHER RUNNERS! I truly appreciate and cherish the positive camaraderie, instant respect and sincere understanding that runners share! It is relationship that is a rare find! Along with my love for running I also have a vested interest in nutrition. I am a Registered Dietitian at the VA medical center in Battle Creek and love it when I get the chance to combine two of my favorite passions into ONE! So, when you see me before, during or after a run; feel free to "Ask the Dietitian" any nutritional related questions and I will be more than happy to try to help!
Mission Commander 8:00 S-Pace Leader
Running has been a huge part of my life for over 25 years. For many years, I stayed in my comfort zone, and enjoyed training by myself (or pushing my sons in a jogging stroller) and running "tons" of 5 and 10k races. Then, in 2002 I caught the "marathon bug". Since then, I have completed 11 marathons (including 4 Boston) and let me just warn you, I'm still contagious….once you get exposed to this illness, it’s tough to find a cure! Thanks to KAR/BCRR I had the great fortune of being introduced to group running in 2004. While I still do appreciate solo running, group running introduced me to a whole new meaning, level and love of running! One of my biggest motivators to keep going is: OTHER RUNNERS! I truly appreciate and cherish the positive camaraderie, instant respect and sincere understanding that runners share! It is relationship that is a rare find! Along with my love for running I also have a vested interest in nutrition. I am a Registered Dietitian at the VA medical center in Battle Creek and love it when I get the chance to combine two of my favorite passions into ONE! So, when you see me before, during or after a run; feel free to "Ask the Dietitian" any nutritional related questions and I will be more than happy to try to help!
Above all, my wonderful husband Jim and our 3 very active boys: Evan (soon to be 15), Trevor (11) and Brendan (6) are truly my biggest motivation and inspiration! Many people ask me" How do you manage to run, work full time and still have quality time with your family and friends". My answer is: "Desire, determination, and hard work on my part but what is even more important is the love, understanding, support and patience that my family provides me!" Even though there are those times they think I'm a bit NUTTY, they know and appreciate that being a runner is an important part of who I am. (Plus it helps that they have experienced first hand how running cures EVERYTHING for me…not to mention it is my instant mood enhancerJ!!)
As a Mission Commander and S-Pace Leader this year, I'm looking forward to getting to know you and learning what your goals are (we will have plenty of good quality time to talk during our runs) so that I can help guide, motivate and encourage you towards reaching your personal best! Also, I've have been known to provide some comic relief from time to time (without even trying)! So, we should have a lot of fun along the way!
Scott TaylorMission Commander, 8:30 S-Pace Leader
What’s to know about Taylor?
I am married to Kathy; we celebrated our 10th anniversary recently. I have a daughter named Erin who is working for a cardiologist in Grand Rapids. She is a recent Grand Valley graduate. I teach high school biology at Galesburg-Augusta as well as coach track and field. In the fall I can be found on the Portage Central football field coaching the JV team. I have been running pretty much most of my adult life. I have completed 18 marathons to date and have been to Boston four times. The last time was 2002. Shortly after that I had one of those foot problems (plantar fa-nasty) and had to cut way back on my running. It has just been within the last two years that I have been able to train for marathons again. Last May I completed the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati for my first post injury marathon. A little older and much slower but a return to Boston is not too far fetched. All I have to do is get 15 years older or 15 minutes faster.
Email: sctaylor75@verizon.net
Peggy Zeeb 7:30 S-Pace Leader
I've been married to Eric for just over 30 years. We have two children, Shannon and Neil, both married and living in the Grand Rapids area. Eric and I have both been running since 1996. I've ran 12 marathons and one ultra marathon (Kal-Haven trail). My fastest was Detroit (3:11). I'm plan on running the Flying Pig in the spring. I have been an assistant coach for the Colon Varsity Cross country team for 8 years. I am the Varsity girl's track coach for the last 4 years and before that I was the junior high track coach for 5 years. I helped with the Borgess Run Camp Marathon Training in 2006.
Email: pzeeb2000@yahoo.com
