Adam Lang

Adam joined the Runner’s Forum team in January of 2013. A native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in 2011. While at Stevens Point, Adam was a 4-time NCAA All-American in the 2009 and 2010 outdoor 800 meters, 2010 indoor 4x4 relay and national champion DMR (Distance Medley Relay) team. Afterwards, Adam was head cross country coach at Lynchburg College in Virginia. Currently, Adam runs for the Indiana Invaders, a professional middle distance track team in Indianapolis. His PR’s include a 47.9 400 and 1:50.03 800. In his spare time Adam likes to sleep, eat, run, and play the occasional video game.

Favorite Quote:"It is not never failing that measures greatness, it’s about how many times one can get knocked down and keep getting back up. One of my favorite verses in the Bible says, “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.” I have fallen many, many times throughout my career and I haven’t always been able to pop back up right away but somehow, through the grace of God, I have found a way to get back up. That’s where I am now, stumbling back onto my feet." - Ryan Hall

Alan Hemmelgarn

Alan joined the Runners Forum in February of 2011. Since graduating from Ball State in ’05, he has been a substitute teacher and a track and cross country coach. While at Ball State he was a member of the cross country and track teams, and continues to train for races of varying lengths. This winter Alan has gotten re-invigorated about the sport, his own training, and is excited about what his future in the sport holds for him.

Favorite Quote: “One should not pursue goals that are easily achieved. One must develop an instinct for what one can barely achieve through one’s greatest efforts.” - Einstein

Ali joined the Runners Forum team in the summer of 2010. She graduated from Purdue University in May 2009 with a degree in Movement and Sports Science. Ali has participated in a variety of sports throughout her life, including basketball, volleyball, and track. Her inspiration for running comes from her dad, who has been a runner for most of his life. She is also an aspiring triathlete, having competed in her first races this summer, and is excited to see where the sport will take her. In her spare time, Ali enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends.

Favorite Quote: “Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.” - Lowell Thomas

Recently relocated from Columbus, Ohio, Andie brings a diverse background in fitness and exercise to The Runners Forum. As a former nationally qualified competitive bodybuilder and a high school swim conditioning coach; she often used cycling to compliment her conditioning. But cycling soon became more than complimentary. So much so that she decided to step away from intensive weight training to focus on training as a triathlete where she quickly progressed to the half ironman (70.3) distance. She also enjoys long distance cycling and ultra relay racing. Her diverse fitness background also allows her to enjoy trail running, kayaking, and has a strong appreciation for nature. Her goal is to complete at least one full Ironman distance race.

Interests include spending time with her husband, daughter and dog.  She is passionate about health, wellness, nutrition, and researching allergen free nutrition alternatives to assist with her own food allergies.  She feels that exercise is the mental “fountain of youth”.

Favorite Quote: “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face……..Do the thing you think you can not do. “ – Eleanor Roosevelt

Fritz has been a team member at The Runners Forum for over two years. Fritz fills much of his time outside identifying flora and fauna, learning about our natural history, taking pictures, and training for local races. Fritz is married and enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife, Amanda.

If you really want to get Fritz excited talk to him about natural running...he will talk your ear off.

Favorite Quote: “Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.” ~ Cree Indian Proverb

Adam graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology. While at IU Adam was an intern for IU Athletics acting as a strength and conditioning coach for the track, soccer, and swimming teams. After graduation from IU, and teaching physical education for a few years, Adam took advantage of the opportunity to join the Runners Forum. Adam is the Manager for the Runners Forum and spends his time organizing team member training, overseeing daily store operations, managing store merchandise orders, and teaching Good Form Running. Adam’s experience comes from numerous triathlon and adventure races, his professional college degree, as well as his self driven interest in the field. Adam has also competed in several marathons and most recently completed his first 50K ultra-marathon and Ironman triathlon. In his free time, Adam enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, running with his dog, mountain biking, and going to the lake.

Favorite Quote: “You get out what you put in.” - Ancient Sanborn Proverb

Becky graduated Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. She raced cross country and the 10,000 meter race for the Rock. She currently is attending the University of Indianapolis pursing her Doctorates in Physical Therapy. Becky enjoys reading, baking, watching Ohio State games, and spending time with her family.

Favorite Quote: "When you feel like you're 'drowning' in life's situations, don't worry. Your life guard walks on water." ~ unknown

Caleb joined the Runners Forum in August of 2012. Caleb ran cross country and track at Western Carolina University. While at Western Carolina Caleb ran at the U.S. National Championships as well as the NCAA National Championshipips in the 800 meters and 10,000 meters. Caleb has a three year old son named Cooper Crash Bailey who is his single greatest accomplishment.

Favorite Quote: "Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." - Jim Ryun

Chad Gleiser

Chad joined the Runners Forum in 2013. He and his wife Carrie enjoy raising their three awesome kids Emily, Ashley and Bradley. A friend challenged him to sign up for a 5K race in 2011. He took the challenge and has been hooked on running ever since. He ran the Geist Half Marathon in 2012, and the Cowtown Half in Fort Worth, TX earlier in 2013. He is currently training for marathons, with an ultimate goal of qualifying for Boston. “Don’t fall in love with the result…fall in love with running” is a theme for his workouts.

Chad loves little kids, and currently leads a children’s ministry for 1st – 6th graders at his church. In fact, when he is not working or running, you can often find him involved with some type of ministry through his church.

Favorite Quote: “God is most glorified in you, when you are most satisfied in Him.” –John Piper

Daniel is a junior at Carmel High School where he runs cross country and track.  He has achieved 3 varsity letters, and enjoys running the 3200 meter race in track.  Daniel joined the Runners Forum team in March of 2012.  Other than running he enjoys spending time with friends, and watching sporting events and movies.

Favorite Quote: "How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN."- Steve Prefontaine

Dave Fleck

Dave Fleck hails from Indianapolis where he ran as a Bear for Lawrence Central. Like Forrest Gump, Dave never stopped running as he competed for the Indiana State Sycamores in college and then went on to race the all-time greats of Indy, like Chuck Koeppen, Bill Gavagan, Rudy Chappa, and Dean Behrmann.

Favorite Quote: “Somebody may beat me, but they are going to have to bleed to do it.” –Steve Prefontaine

Doug started his 2nd career at Runners Forum in January ’09, retiring after 27 years in R&D with Eli Lilly. Doug began running about 15 years ago -- just for general fitness and pleasure. It wasn’t long before a hidden talent emerged and he started claiming age-group awards in local races. Recent highlights include winning the Southern Indiana Classic Marathon in Evansville (2010), winning the Seniors Division at the Marine Corp Marathon (‘08), and 2nd in the 55-59 age-groups at the 500 Mini and at Grandmas Marathon (‘08). Winning a marathon outright at age 57 is unusual to say the least. Only 3 times in the history of US running had someone else Doug’s age or older, won a marathon! Doug and his wife Deb enjoy traveling to different marathon destinations, and turning them into long weekend getaways. Doug brings a wealth of experience and enjoys helping runners of all ages and abilities meet their personal running objectives.

Favorite Quote: "Whether you believe you can or wheter you believe you cannot accomplish a goal, you are absolutely right!" - Henry Ford

Ellen is a junior at Carmel High School. She is a member of the 2011 and 2010 State Champion Cross Country team at Carmel and part of the 2008 State Runner Up team. She also runs Track at Carmel and finished her first Mini Marathon in 2011. Before she started running she swam competitively for 3 years. Ellen cohosts a weekly radio show on Carmel's student station. In her free time she enjoys playing acoustic guitar and finding new music.

Favorite Quote: “The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38

Jake is a former swimmer, cross country and track runner who has recently discovered his passion for the triathlon. Jake competes in various distances of road races and triathlons including his favorite distance, the half-ironman. You can find him in the store helping others make the transition from running to multisport, typically on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays.

Favorite Quote: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just soft people.” - Bill Bowerman

Jason joins the Runners Forum team after growing up running the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Southeast Ohio and West Virginia. Having run for over 18 years, he has run a wide variety of distance events from a 5k to the marathon and beyond. Jason has developed a passion for trail ultra marathons and recently completed the Land Between the Lakes 60k in Grand Rivers Kentucky. Jason and his wife Heather live in Carmel with their dog Ellie Mae and are expecting their first child.

Favorite Quote: "Keep on keeping on." Gary Prater

Jason has been a team member at Runners Forum since March of 2012. Jason is currently a Physical Education/Health teacher at Muncie Central High School. Jason has definitely been bitten by the triathlon bug. Jason has progressed from his first sprint triathlon last June to completing Miami 70.3 this past October. Jason has many local races planned including his first full Ironman in August; Ironman Louisville. Jason has also run a couple half-marathons and a full marathon. Other than teaching and working at the Runners Forum, Jason is also an assistant football coach and member of Muncie Multi-Sport race team. Jason enjoys training, doing anything outside, and traveling when he is not working. Jason is getting married on June 29th!

Favorite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Jenny Gillespie

Jenny Gillespie, born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana, began running cross country in middle & high school. Although she did not run competitively in college, she did run "just for fun."

Jenny has a passion for health, fitness and running. Her parents are both tri-athletes and her dad has competed in multiple Ironman’s. Even her children have picked up on her passion and have completed several "fun runs" and kids’ triathlons.

Jenny enjoys training others and for the last four years, has been a trainer at Connection Pointe Church for the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon. Jenny has run multiple short distance races as well as half-marathons and three full marathons. Although she enjoys racing, her love of running goes deeper. The training, friendships and overall health benefits keep her pounding the pavement most days of the week.

Josh Puccinelli, a junior at Fishers High School, runs both cross country and track for Fishers. His favorite track event is the 800m. Josh aspires to podium at state with his team for cross country and the 4x800 in the 2013 season. In addition to his goal of running at Purdue University, he plans to become an engineer of technology. In his free time, Josh enjoys everything sports and hanging out with his small group. Josh has been a member of Runners Forum since May 2012

Favorite Quote: 1 Corinthians 9 24-27

Kettie

Kettie started running at age 10 and her passion for the sport took off when she began running cross country in high school. Kettie has participated in events from 5k to marathon distance and has also participated in triathlons up to half Ironman distance. Her current goal is to run a marathon in each state and is often seen running through the neighborhoods in Avon where she trains. Kettie coaches the Junior Runners (4th-6th graders) program in the spring and in the fall she coaches the Avon Middle School South Cross Country team. When not out running, she’s cheering on her son Colin at the pool, her daughter Kelsie on the Cross Country and track teams and her son Cameron in whatever activities he is in to. With her love of fitness and helping others attain their fitness goals, Kettie realized that joining the Runners Forum would be right down her alley. Kettie says “Stop on by and let’s talk!”

Favorite Quote: “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step!”

Lynne Bir

Lynne joined the Runners Forum team in January of 2013. She has been a competitive swimmer since the age of 7. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Lynne was a 4 time All-American Swimmer. Currently, she still swims with the Indy Aquatic Masters swim team. In the past few years, Lynne has enjoyed participating in triathlons - mostly sticking with the sprint and olympic distance triathlons. She graduated from Indiana University in 1993. Lynne and her husband, AJ, have three daughters.

Favorite Quote: When God encounters a door that's been shut, God doesn't just open a window; God busts through the door like it's not even there. ~AJ Thomas

Matt Wire

Matt is a graduate of Indiana University where he earned a BA in Political Science and is also a licensed Secondary Social Studies teacher. In addition to his duties here at The Runner’s Forum, where he began in February of 2013, he also works as a Wellness Instructor at the Fishers and Indy Bike Hub YMCA’s and as a Varsity Assistant Girl’s Cross Country Coach at Carmel High School.

Though Matt enjoys running and cycling (extreme commuting) and the “process” of training, he rarely competes, choosing instead to live vicariously through the athletes he coaches. In thirteen years as either a head coach or assistant coach at the high school level, Matt’s teams have competed in the state championship meet in 12 of 13 years with 3 sixth place finishes, 1 fourth place finish, 1 third place finish, 2 runner-up finishes and 5 State Championships!

As Co-Director for the Indiana All Star Running Club, Matt has also coached boys and girls Junior Olympic Cross Country teams since 1999, in addition to organizing and promoting the annual Middle School State Cross Country Championship, the largest event of its kind in the nation.

Matt is married to the love of his life, Kelly, who is also an assistant girls cross country coach at Carmel. They enjoy a very active lifestyle involving the outdoors and travelling as often as their busy schedule allows.

Favorite Quote:“We will either find a way or make one.” Hannibal

Megan Ernst

Megan Ernst is a junior at Carmel High School where she runs both track and cross country. She has been running since sixth grade and has loved it ever since.  She joined the runners forum team in February of 2012.  In her free time, Megan enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music and spending time outside.

Favorite Quote: "You can fight without ever winning, but never ever, win without a fight." Rush (the Band)

Mike Feldman

Mike Feldman is an avid runner, cyclist and triathlete. He graduated from Carmel High School in 2004 and went on to study business at Indiana University. Mike has worked at the Runners Forum since January 2012. Some of his racing accomplishments include Escape from Alcatraz triathlon, Mens Health Urbanathlon, several half-marathons, multiple sprint and olympic triathlons and 2 half Ironman races. He is currently training for the Chicago Marathon and would someday like to qualify for the Boston Marathon. When Mike is not working he enjoys traveling, cooking, Indians/Colts games, ice cream cones and wine tasting.

Steve "Huck" Huckstep

Huck joined The Runners Forum in 2013 after retiring from Eli Lilly in March of 2012. After a long basketball career, Huck decided to take up running and became a veteran of 36 1/2 marathons, 8 full marathons, and 2 1/2 Ironman Triathlons. He helped carry the 1996 Olympic Torch to Atlanta. Huck spent 15 years training participants to run the Indianapolis mini marathon, and is currently the head basketball coach at Plainfield Middle School. One of his biggest passions is taking & leading Mission trips. One of his future goals is to ride his bike across the United States.

Vince is a junior at the University of Indianapolis where he runs cross country, track, and studies exercise science in preparation for physical therapy while earning a Healthy Diploma®. After running all 8 seasons at Carmel High School for the great coaches Koeppen and Bell, Vince decided to continue his Greyhound career for another 4 years at UIndy. Vince is a veteran employee of the Forum having started in November of 2007. With 5 years of experience under his belt, only the monsters under his bed can scare him. During the school year, you’ll typically find Vince at the Carmel store on Sundays. In addition to many years of racing tri’s, the trails have become a particular favorite racing environment for Vince. Outside of the store, Vince enjoys climbing, napping, frisbee, nutrition, snipe hunting, and shoveling snow.

Whit has been at Runners Forum since 2002. His PRs include a 1:12 at the Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon and a 2:34 at the Marine Corps Marathon. Whitney is married to his high school sweetheart Marcy, also a runner, and they have two sons, Warren and Teddy. In addition to his duties here, he is a math teacher at Carmel Middle School.

Favorite Quote: “Dream as if you are going to live forever; Live as if you are going to die today” - Garrett Gerloff

JB has been devoted to cycling since his years in high school.  A mechanic since 1983 and working in several area bicycle shops, JB was heavily involved in theLittle 500 (mens and women's races) while at IU, a USA Cycling Mechanic, and USA Triathalon Head Mechanic from 1990 to 2006. In addition, JB has been a race mechanic for many top caliber events including:

• Pan American Games (1991)
• Pre-Olympic Events (Barcelona 1991)
• Triathlon World Championships (1992-2005)
• Good Will Games (1990)

But wait...that's not all! JB has also been a race official for both USA Triathlon and USA Cycling. He now enjoys helping local riders with proper bike fits as well as providing a different resource for bicycle repairs.

Favorite quote: "Life's an adventure. Live it!"