"I'm A Gorgeous Runner" is the motto of the Gorgeous Series.
Gorgeous Gurus are the ambassadors of the Gorgeous Series. They share the joy they get from running with others. And they want you to know that YOU are a Gorgeous Runner too!
Learn more about being a Gorgeous Guru!
Go to our How to Relay page to get the Gurus' advice on running your first relay!
Gorgeous Gurus are the ambassadors of the Gorgeous Series. They share the joy they get from running with others. And they want you to know that YOU are a Gorgeous Runner too!
Learn more about being a Gorgeous Guru!
Go to our How to Relay page to get the Gurus' advice on running your first relay!
Meet the Gurus
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Alexa Hasman
If you would have told anyone that I grew up with that I would be a running coach and trainer they would one hundred percent not be surprised. In fact, it would be all but expected. Running was my life for my entire childhood and up until college when I took a quick break to indulge in some other sports (rugby and boxing).
My name is Alexa Hasman and I am a Portland-based running coach and trainer and owner of Fit Life. My job is to help people find their goals, reach their goals and exceed their goals through running and fitness. It is pretty much the best job ever and incredibly rewarding to watch people realize things they never thought were possible or to push themselves to limits they never thought they could do. I got involved with the Gurus because, quite simply, they have the best community and events. The race directors, Traci and Kerry, make sure they know and acknowledge all their runners and team members. This in turn, creates the most welcoming and inviting group of runners. Outside of the community, the races are well run, creative, fun and unique. I am a relay running junkie and the Gorgeous Relays are my absolute favorites! I personally relay for fun, friendship and a great way to get in some quick leg turnover. The experience is unbeatable and the friendships that are formed while in a van and through competition are unbreakable. I am so looking forward to this Gorgeous Series season and posting some fun articles to get you RELAY READY! If you need any one-on-one advice or want to train with our awesome groups, reach out to us at www.thefitlifepdx.com Check out Alexa's Gorgeous Blog posts: Van Life! Pro-tip: Coming back to running in a healthy and strong way. Amy Mast-Morris
I started training for my first marathon in March 2010. After cheering on a friend at the Portland Marathon the following year, I decided I wanted to challenge myself and run it. I had done a few races before (5Ks and 10Ks), but nothing super challenging. Training for a marathon and completing my first is what made me fall in love with running. I have run four marathons, an unofficial ultra (the entire Wildwood Trail), six relays, and too many half marathons to count since.
My kids are what inspire me to run. I have two boys (a 3 1/2 year old and a 10 month old). Working full time as a teacher and being a mom, it can be a challenge to get in a run some days, but it's my "me time," so I make it happen. My husband is also a runner, which is how we met, and we run our long runs together on Saturday mornings. He pushes our boys in the stroller and they love it! It's part of our weekend routine. My tip for anyone wanting to get into running is to get a race on the calendar. When you have a goal, it gets you out the door with your running shoes on. Relays, like the Gorgeous Series, are a great way to start! You get to run with your friends, cheer each other on, and celebrate together when your team finishes. So get out there and I hope to see you on the road! Claude Richards
You'll often find Claude leading a group for a Gorgeous Pub Run, managing the finish party at a Gorgeous Series relay, or sweeping a steep muddy trail to run in the final runners. When he's not doing any of those, you'll probably find him getting in a run with the NoPo Run Club.
Where are you from? I am originally from Michigan and migrated West one winter 6 years ago…. I didn’t know Michiganders were supposed to fly South. Favorite Pump Up Song NEEDTOBREATHE “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now” I won my first ever race to this song, it came on with less than a mile to go in my 10k and it pushed me into 1st place!! Go To Snack Dates Favorite Non-Running Activity You mean there are other things to do in this world besides run? Jill Mingo
I started running in 2012 when my much younger neighbor, after a bottle of wine, convinced me that running was fun! I remember that first mile - it was so long. I remember my first half marathon - after being stung by a baldfaced hornet, not being able to run much after mile 7 because my leg was killing me, struggling through the rain on the trail and coming across the finish line crying - it was awful but I did it - I finished that race. Now I ponder that first mile and when we hit mile 6 or even sometimes further, I realize that I can run any distance I put my mind to. As they say the longest distance is the 6 inches between your two ears. Although I am not a natural runner, I really do enjoy it. I love the moment running across the finish line knowing that I did the race, training run all on my own two feet. I would encourage everyone to get out and try to run - every movement you make increases your health and your mind body strength. For me, I don't take myself too seriously when it comes to racing - I would really rather have a great time out on the course and run across the finish line with a giant smile then have killed myself out on the course.
I think a Gorgeous Runner is anyone who gets out there and runs/walks and inspires others to get out and do the same. If you want to follow some funny photos, great locations, fun people my Instagram is jillmingo. My mantra is Have Faith - you can do anything you put your mind to - I promise. Kelly Henry
Hi, my name is Kelly and I’m a stay at home mom to 3 kids, under 10. In addition, I have a mom owned gym specializing in small group training and personal training. No class is larger than 6 people at a time and you will get more individualized attention in a supportive and safe environment. [Check out Kelly's training at her Essential Fit Co. page - including Run Training, Strength & Conditioning, Circuit training, and other occasional health offerings.]
I have run on and off for the last 15 years but really started running consistently after my second child was born in 2013. I enjoyed the friendships I made and the discipline it took to train for races. Collecting fancy medals was fun too. I’ve run 5ks to 25ks and everything in between. In 2014 I ran my first trail race and I’ve had my sights on completing of a 50k trail run ever since. In 2017 I ran in my first gorgeous relay and ended up running my second a couple months later. I’ve been involved with other relays before but the thing that had me coming back to the gorgeous series was the well organized relay, the awesome fellow runners, and the fact that you get to sleep in your own bed at the end of the day! There is no doubt in my mind that one day relays, specifically the Gorgeous Series are the way to go! If you are looking for your first relay experience then look no further! The gorgeous series offers the whole package. These one day relays are packed with camaraderie, gorgeous views and fun finishes. I hope I get the opportunity to see you on the course! Check out Kelly's training video on the Gorgeous Series Blog: Strength Training for Runners Maria Berglund
As a kid I spent my recesses running. I loved track, and sprinting down the court for basketball. As I got older I ran on occasion to clear my head, with the occasional 10k race on the books to push me to run a little more than usual. And I’d do these races often with the anticipation of socializing with friends at the end. I never tracked my pace or time. I just wanted to try my hardest and see what happens.
Last September I injured my knee which required surgery in December. After that I was very worried about my recovery and knee function. I have 3 busy boys running around my house, so being sedentary isn’t an option! My boys were also worried for me. I wanted to show them how strong I was, and get back to normal as quickly as possible. I did strength and flexibility exercises regularly to get myself back in order. In April I was well enough to jog an 8k race and things just snowballed from there. I started taking running as more of a challenge. Goals for new distances and times became fun and interesting and the curiosity of how I might do if I tried really hard took over. I began to enjoy the physical and mental aspects of running more and more. I love the freedom and “me time” it provides. In 2018 I ran two half marathons, two 10k’s, a relay and several Gorgeous Pub runs. Relays are awesome because of the social aspect. The positivity and encouragement you receive from cheering each other on is the best! Nikki Mueller
If you know me, you know I run. Like, a lot. But I spent almost all of my 20’s unhealthy and depressed before I found myself welcomed into the running community. After my first marathon in 2006, I never stopped running for that next goal. I’ve completed lots of marathons, 50ks and half marathons, but I have a deep love for relays because they truly embody that saying about the journey being more important than the destination. I’ve been a fan of Gorgeous Series relays for a long time because they are clearly organized with love and purpose behind them. The community there truly feels like family, and each experience is a memorable one which is what running should be all about.
A few years ago, I started my own business, Healthy Girl Fitness LLC. I’m an AFAA certified group fitness trainer as well as a personal trainer, and I am a RRCA certified running coach. I hold a certification with ACE as a Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and I am constantly learning and growing and doing everything I can to support health and fitness in whatever way I can. I write for the Run Oregon blog and am a race director with the ORRC. I am a wife and a mother to two active boys and we love to camp and get outside as much as possible. Check out Nikki's Gorgeous Blog post: Runner Tips: The most common questions I get asked as a running coach. Paris Wahlstrom
Reilly Loveland
Hi! I’m Reilly. I moved to Portland 4 years ago and started officially running only 3 years ago! I have always been into sports or athletics of some kind but had always thought running was miserable and never understood why anyone would want to do it. However, I am never one to shy away from a challenge and a friend of mine challenged me to do the Shamrock Half Marathon in March of 2018. I picked a plan and coerced an experienced running buddy into doing the long runs with me and decided to just start running. Of course, that is now too what I tell everyone – just get out there, keep going, it’s ALWAYS okay to take breaks and soon enough you will find that moment where you realize how amazing running can be. Since finding that moment I have been fortunate enough to find a wonderful and supportive running community through groups such as the Gorgeous Series, the Badass Lady Gang and Run Oregon. For anyone struggling with their running I encourage you to tap into a local group or email me and I will help you find a squad – or be your running buddy!
If not running, you can also find me out horseback on my beloved Buckshot, hiking every corner of this state I can or trying every plate of hashbrowns this city has to offer. I got involved in the Gurus to help represent what a support group can do for your running and believe that the relay format and the local community connection that Gorgeous Series provides is truly unique. See you out there! Ryan Yambra
I wasn’t born a runner. In fact, I never stepped foot on a track until I was in college. But it didn’t take long for me to become hooked. That moment came after I finished my first race, a 5K fundraiser organized by my college fraternity. Ever since, I’ve been running and racing nonstop.
Running inspires me to be my best self. When I’m preparing for a Gorgeous race, every training run helps me become more resilient and build skills that help me overcome all obstacles. On race day, all those early morning runs pay off and the energy from the amazing Gorgeous community carries me across the finish line. I wouldn't be running if it wasn't for a person who inspired me. And that's why I want to be a Gorgeous Guru. Running has helped me grow. It's taught me so many lessons, introduced me to such an amazing community, and challenged me in ways I never thought could happen. But if I wasn't welcomed into the world of endurance sports to begin with, I wouldn't have been able to have those experiences. As a Gorgeous Guru, I want to show people that running is a sport for everyone. Sometimes, a person just needs someone to show them they're welcomed. Shelly Atwell
Hi I am married, one son and a Siberian Husky, Honu.
I love running, it helps clear my head, release stress and I get to see some really cool places. ALSO, I have met some really cool and fun people whom have become friends. I like Gorgeous Relays because they are through beautiful areas and it is one day, no multiple days of travel, no sleeping on the gym floor with 50 of your closest friends. Shay Graham
I started running in 2004 (in my 30s) with my sister. Running for me is social with the added health / fitness benefit. I love race day... to be up early with SO many people that are out of bed and ready to take on the course is always exciting. I am inspired by runners who have overcome some kind of adversity (health, age, life, etc) and get out and run and hope to be able to inspire others to do the same. I have done PTC and HTC for the past 10 years and have started including smaller relays as well. I love the time spent with the team cheering each other on the course and building relationships in the down time. And I love pushing my body to see what it is capable of. It is the BEST feeling when it is done too. The tip I have received and share is to show up and finish... whatever happens in the middle is going to vary by day / run. Showing up is sometimes the hardest thing to do - getting out of bed, getting off the couch, getting out the door is tough somedays. Finishing is a great reward and sense of accomplishment, and allows me to expand my thinking on what is possible. The Gorgeous Series events I have attended have been SO much fun and so inclusive of all types and talents of runners. I always want to share things I enjoy with my friends, and I love that I can invite them to the events and know that they will be welcomed, included, and supported wherever they are in their running journey.
Tiffany Stewart
I started running in March of 2014 on a whim, walking my dogs in the A.M. as normal. I decided to see if I could run to the end of the block. After almost dying, I made the commitment of doing a 5k within 6 months and downloaded the couch to 5k app.
The funny thing is I still have not done a 5k, my crazy running friend got me to do the Gorgeous Relay in September of 2014 and that was my first running event ever! I fell in love with the camaraderie of runners. No matter if you are fast or slow you are all doing what you LOVE, and everyone is so supportive. It also was a blessing that the Goregous Series was one of my first events, as the vibe is so chill and supportive. I went on to do my first half marathon in Bend in 2015 (also a Gorgeous Series event) and have been a half marathon junky ever since. I find that I can be challenged and enjoy the time I have to myself with this distance, but not miss too much of my family time. I am the mother to two teenagers and have a wonderful supportive husband as well. We enjoy backpacking/hiking/ boating when I am not running. I love relays as you get to hang with your friends, have a ton of laughs and get your miles in. Virginia Fenstermaker
While I have only been running seriously since 2018, my two years have been bold, fierce and unforgettable! I love running outdoors to experience beautiful moments that I would have otherwise missed – from seeing bald eagles on the river to deer grazing in the fields, every run offers something special. Running has also brought my family together in an incredible way that I never could have imagined: my husband and I, along with our two daughters (ages 8 and 3), have completed numerous races together!
Further, my parents, brother and sister-in-law joined forces with us to be a Gorgeous Relay team last year and I will never forget crossing the finish line together! In my short time running, I can honestly say that the adage is true: lacing up your shoes is the hardest part. Everything after that is amazing – the people, the growth, the strength, the achievement and the journey to find the best version of yourself. Without a doubt, the Gorgeous Series Relays are a “must do.” The beautiful routes combined the electric energy of the teams, make for the most positive and unforgettable running moments. And, the monthly runs in between relays creates a wonderful community that I am so glad to run with! |
Who is a Gorgeous Guru?
Gorgeous Gurus are runners who have participated in one or more Gorgeous events and love what they stand for -- running in beautiful parts of Oregon with a fun, relaxed vibe and supportive community. Gurus share that message with other runners through social media, representing the races at various events, sporting Gorgeous gear, and running and volunteering at Gorgeous events!
Want to know more about becoming a Gorgeous Guru? We'd love to talk to you!
Gorgeous Gurus are runners who have participated in one or more Gorgeous events and love what they stand for -- running in beautiful parts of Oregon with a fun, relaxed vibe and supportive community. Gurus share that message with other runners through social media, representing the races at various events, sporting Gorgeous gear, and running and volunteering at Gorgeous events!
Want to know more about becoming a Gorgeous Guru? We'd love to talk to you!