1. How long have you been a runner and why did you start running?

Phil: This will be my 4th marathon. I started running soon after we moved to Chicago. My wife wanted to do the Shamrock Shuffle to beat her friends in a step challenge; then she said she wanted to do the marathon. I didn't want to be stuck at home on Saturdays to clean the house so I decided I would run one too. 4 years later here we are.

Julia: I've only been a runner for about 3 1/2 years! I picked it up as an adult to work toward health and fitness, and developed a real passion for it.

2. What marathon are you training for this Fall/how many have you completed in the past?

Phil: The Chicago Marathon and I have completed 3 so far.

Julia: I'm training for the Chicago Marathon, which would be my third!

3. How did you find BWRC and why did you join?

Phil: I started with CARA at Busse and got to know Jim there. Then, one morning at Starbucks, Jim and crew said they were starting BWRC, so I think I have been here since the beginning.

Julia: I found BWRC online after seeing some tank tops while running in the woods. I wanted to find a running club community that I could run with and make more running friends! It's been even better than I imagined.

4. Why did you decide to be a pace group leader this year?

Phil: I have done it in the past. Jim sent Julia and I a Facebook message asking us to be group leaders.

Julia: Jimmy messaged me asking if I'd be interested in leading a pace group, and after a little thought I agreed! I really love the community and although I've only run two marathons, I've learned a lot and would love to share all the lessons I've learned.

5. How are you staying motivated to train during these uncertain times? Any advice you would give to our participants?

Phil: I am never motivated. I lay in bed for an hour debating whether or not I should run every day. It is a very love hate thing for me. Then I think about a poster I saw at the gym when I was a kid. Some Olympian said, "You only have to work two times to achieve your goals. The times you want to and the times you don't." So, my advice to this year's runners: buy Gu, body glide, and Band-Aids; use them often and never run out. If you feel like skipping a day or two do it. But the training plan has gotten this 290lbs, bad knees, and unmotivated runner to cross the finish line 3 times and counting.

Julia: Training right now is certainly not easy, but for me running is therapy. I love scheduling my weekly runs, and even if the marathon gets cancelled, I really enjoy following a plan and executing the runs. I see it as a summer running program in addition to marathon training!