HOLLY HALVERSON

Holly is 43 and has been married to Kurt for 23 years.  They have three children; Andrea 20, Lauren 18, and Hunter 13.  Holly was born and raised in Ogden, Utah.  Today Holly is a full time employee "working at the best place on earth STRIDERS"!

Here are a few facts about Holly when asked about running:

Years Running:  I started running 13 years ago after my last baby was born.  I started doing small distances one or two miles in our neighborhood with the kids, to get the baby weight off.  I became hooked!  I never thought it would lead to running a marathon.

Weekly Mileage: 20-30 miles

Favorite race distance or race:  I like the 10k distance

PR's (5k, 10k, 1/2, marathon, ultra) or proudest running accomplishment:  I have ran 3 marathons (PR is 4:12)  I hope to run Ogden this year in 4 hours!

Favorite training run:  The Hobbs Pond Cougar Run, with my running friends.  We have encountered the cougar two different times now!

Why run - (motivation, inspiration):  It makes you strong, body and mind.

GOALS:  To do an Olympic distance triathlon!

Favorite music to run to:  Any 80's music! Blondie, REO Speedwagon and Queen

Favorite Running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.):  Anything we sell at Striders!

Best advice you've been given as a runner:  This advice is from my husband Kurt "Plan your race, race your plan!"

Best motivational quote:  "Never doubt what you can do, no matter what the chore success comes when you care enough to do a little more!"

Your role model:  My parents are my role models in my life.  They have always taught me honesty, love and choosing the right!

Favorite food:  Mexican food and diet coke!

Hobbies or interests other than running:  scrapbooking, skiing, waterskiing, swimming, biking and spending time with my family.

Anything else the world might want to know about you:  I was a national Hula Hoop Finalist when I was in the sixth grade.  I also own two bowling balls, I used to think exercise was bowling on a bowling league.

KURT HALVERSON

Kurt is 45 and has been married to Holly for 24 years this May.  They have three great children; Andrea - 20, Lauren - 18, Hunter - 13.

Kurt is from Ogden, UT and recently retired after 23 years of government service to pursue his love of woodworking.  He works at Fieldcrest Cabinets and is in the process of launching his own business making hand-carved fireplace mantels.

Here are a few facts about Kurt when asked about running:

Years Running:  23

Weekly Mileage: 20-25 miles(more if training for a marathon)

Favorite race distance or race:  Favorite race is the Ragnar Relay because, just like life, it is a challenging, fun-filled, unpredictable, and often chaotic journey.

PR's (5k, 10k, 1/2, marathon, ultra) or proudest running accomplishment: 
2008 Ogden Marathon:  3:25:53 and the OV50: 9:16:17

Favorite training run:  Running from my house out to the Antelope Island Causeway entrance and back.  There are lots of convenience stores to stop at if I need refreshments or a bathroom.

Why run - (motivation, inspiration):  I have arthritis in my spine so I have to run and workout to stay healthy.  Friends and fun are a bonus from running!

GOALS:  Introduce as many people as possible to the running lifestyle and the joy and health benefits of running.

Favorite music to run to:  Any 80's rock and roll with a hard fast beat.  (when I run by myself)

Favorite Running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.):  Asics shoes, Garmin GPS, and my water bottle fanny pack from ultimate.

Best advice you've been given as a runner:  If you want to be a faster runner, you have to run faster.

Best motivational quote:  "You'll never know what you are capable of doing until you try."

Your role model:  I don't have a role model per se.  Every person I know has several admirable qualities that I have tried to incorporate into my life.

Favorite food:  Anything sweet.  Fazolis' baked Ziti.  Famous Daves Barbeque pork and brisket.

Hobbies or interests other than running:  Boating/wakeboarding with the family, triathlons, woodworking, gardening.

Anything else the world might want to know about you:  I always buy a new pair of socks before a big race.  On one sock I write my bib number and on the other sock I write my goal time for the race.  Remember, a goal not written is only a dream.  Also, I thnk that volunteering at a race once in a while is just as much fun as running in the race.  Everyone should try it sometime.