Feedback from Great Striders

Dear Jack,

Not only are you an awesome brother, you are a fabulous coach. Never would I have dreamed that I could successfully complete a marathon in my 4-year-old running career. And you helped make it happen. You got me running in the FIRST place, inspiring me with your successes along with the tales of the destinations to which you and Missy traveled for your running. Because of your exceptional skills as a coach and runner, you turned a middle-aged, older sister into a marathoner on March 22, 2009 in Virginia Beach at the Shamrock Marathon. For this I am forever grateful!!

Your plan WORKS!! The weekly schedules, advice and encouraging words made the training fun. You took the guess work out of it and let me focus on running and having a great time. It just proves that by simply following your program and staying committed, ANYONE at ANY AGE can successfully complete a marathon as I did with a smile on their face. Running is now my sport for life and I look forward to the next race, then the next one, then the next one…

Seeing how your heart is totally embedded in this sport, I can't help but compare your methodical and meticulous traits to our Pappy. There is no higher compliment I can deliver. He would be SO proud of you and your accomplishments! Mom is very proud of you, too. Of course I can't mention genetics without comparing your humor and dedication to that of our Uncle Doc, our University of Oregon/Bill Bowerman connection. He, too, would enjoy your dead pan humor and be amazed at your dedicated and disciplined approach to coaching. It's just like his approach to his vineyard! And what amazing "wine" you produce!!

So that both of us never forget one of the major reasons we continue to and love to run, please post the attached image of Pappy. Although he never was a runner, except when Germans were after him in WWII, I know he's there every step of the way in our running lives.

Again, thank you for taking me off my running plateau and making me a marathoner. I could never have done it without you. What an honor it is to call you, in addition to "coach," but to call you brother.

Thanks for making my trails happy ones.

love,
Nank

L to R: Paige, Coach and Nancy after Shamrock

Van "Pappy" Heely - our running inspiration!