Welcome Shariah Tollefson to Featured Runner Friday! Shariah has always enjoyed hiking and would often find herself fascinated when passing trail runners. She never thought trail running was something she could do, but decided to give it a try and quickly fell in love with it! “It’s like hiking, but you get to see more and faster!” We love that trail running gave Shariah a new way to enjoy something she already loved. Thanks for sharing your story, Shariah! 🏔️💚

🏃‍♂️ Featured Runner Friday: Shawn’s Journey From “Never Again” to Marathon Goals 💙In 2018, Shawn completed his first half marathon with minimal training and little preparation. After crossing the finish line, his grandmother asked, “When’s the next one?” His response was simple: “Never again.”Fast forward to today, and Shawn has completed 10 half marathons and three full marathons. Running has become so much more than a sport. It’s a way to challenge both his body and mind, push his limits, and find the balance that keeps him moving forward. Every mile is a reminder that the work you put in matters — because running doesn’t let you cheat the process. Shawn has learned that running is about 70% mental and 30% physical. When the miles get tough and you reach mile 22 of a marathon, your body may be tired, but your mindset determines what happens next. That mental resilience has carried over into every part of his life, teaching him discipline, clarity, and perseverance. Next up: chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time and taking on the challenge of completing all six World Marathon Majors. 🌎🏅

🏃‍♀️ Featured Runner Friday: Ian Holeman 💛 A little over a year ago, Ian started running as a way to improve her cardio after joining her local CrossFit gym. She never expected it to become such an important part of her life. Those mornings that once felt like a challenge have now become her favorite part of the day. Somewhere along the way, running became less about pace or distance and more about consistency, discipline, and showing up for herself — both physically and mentally. Some of Ian’s favorite moments have come from meeting up with friends before sunrise, road-tripping to races, sharing miles, conversations, and creating memories along the way. Running has quickly become one of the best parts of her week. Last spring, Ian ran her first race — the CLA 5K. This year, she crossed the finish line of the CDL Half Marathon. Looking back, she’s proud of how far she’s come and especially grateful for the support and encouragement she’s received along the way. Next stop: fall marathon training! 🏃‍♀️💛

Donna Senty’s running journey started with a few miles here and there, but one unexpected turn changed everything. Donna ran occasionally from 2015–2019 and even joined in when her kids were in high school, but running was never a major part of her life. Then, during a race in October 2024, a simple mistake turned into a life-changing moment—Donna accidentally turned right instead of left and ended up running a half marathon instead of a 10K. That unexpected extra distance sparked a new goal: running all 50 states. Since then, Donna has embraced every opportunity to explore the running world. A friend introduced her to trail running in 2026, opening the door to a whole new type of adventure. Timberline became her 16th state, and with Hawaii next on the list, her journey is far from over. She’s also taken on incredible challenges like the 30K at Antelope Canyon. For Donna, running is about much more than race medals and finish lines. It’s her happy place—a way to stay physically and mentally strong while exploring new places and creating unforgettable memories. What started as an accidental wrong turn became a path toward adventure, discovery, and a goal to run across all 50 states.

Laurie Allen found her inspiration in an unlikely place—her son, Tyler. Although Tyler was a varsity athlete in high school, running wasn’t always his favorite activity. While playing baseball, he had a habit of hitting the ball hard and then taking his time around the bases, earning him the nickname “Wheels” as his older brother cheered him on from the stands. Years later, Tyler’s running journey took a different direction. He recently completed his 7th marathon, and his dedication inspired Laurie to ask how she could take on a marathon herself. His advice was simple: “One mile at a time.” At 60 years old, Laurie decided to take her first step into the running world by completing her first race—a 5K. Not only did she cross the finish line, but she also earned 3rd place 🥉 in her age group. For Laurie, this race was about more than a result. It was about following inspiration, trying something new, and proving that it’s never too late to start your own running journey. With a little motivation from “Wheels” and a commitment to take it one mile at a time, Laurie is just getting started.

Running changed Adam’s life in ways he never imagined. In high school and college, Adam weighed over 300 pounds. Wanting to improve his health and with the hope of one day becoming a father, he decided it was time to make a change. What started as a commitment to get healthier gradually became a passion that transformed his life. Today, Adam is the proud dad of two boys, and one of his greatest joys is knowing they get to watch him accomplish things he once thought were impossible. From crossing finish lines to taking on new running challenges, every mile is a reminder of how far he’s come. For Adam, running has always been about more than fitness. It’s about setting an example, showing his sons that hard work, perseverance, and consistency can completely change the course of your life. The person who once struggled with his health is now inspiring the next generation through every race he runs. His journey is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, and that the finish lines you never thought possible might just be the beginning of something even greater.