Ambassador Team

Amber

I started running in elementary school, and ran on my middle school and high school track and cross country teams. I ran my first half marathon in my late 20s and said I’d *never* run a marathon. I’ve now run 16 marathons and several ultras. I truly just enjoy running, spending time with others who enjoy running, and being able to eat whatever I want!!

I love the Brooks Hyperion Tempo shoes. They are so light, comfortable, and come in great colors.

I really like them all!

My goal is to run a marathon in a state I’ve never run in.

Ashley

I started running in April 2021. One of my best friends was going through a hard time and needed a win and I thought let’s try something hard! Let’s try running a mile! The first day we ran .7 miles and then I swore I would never do it again. It was not love at first run. However, we signed up for Chickfila 5k and started training. The first time we ran 3.1 miles without stopping was on race day. Needless to say, it was a PR. From then on, we just didn’t stop. I started training for the Crawlin Crab Half Marathon in the fall of 2022 and then I did my first marathon in the fall of 2023. Now I love long distance running and I couldn’t imagine life without it. 🙂

My shoes!! I’m running in Asics Gel-Nimbus and it’s my fifth time buying them! When I first started running I was hurting all the time and never understood why. Once I got fitted for the right shoes, all the pain went away! I tell everyone who starts running to make sure they have quality shoes that fit them well before they start! 

I love the Chick-Fil-a 5k! It holds so many memories for me now and it is just a fun run! I also love that there are multiple distances for new or experienced runners!

I am running Richmond Marathon this fall and we’ll see what happens after that! Maybe you’ll see me at One City in the spring! 

Cendy

I started my running journey in 2019 when I was deployed. All of the 5Ks at this deployment gave away free t-shirts so I had an incentive. I had gotten into a depressive funk so I was really unmotivated to do anything. I started running 15 minutes without stopping and went from there.

My favorite product are the Huma chia energy gels. They are easy to consume and yummy!

My favorite event is the Chick-fil-A 10K. You can’t beat getting a chicken sandwich at the end!

I am currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. I am hoping I can get to New York and London someday. I want to eventually run a sub 6 hour marathon so I have some work to do.

Christina

My running journey began seven years ago when I became a mom. Running with kids in the stroller became my happy place on some of the hardest days taking care of littles. Now that they are (mostly) sleeping through the night, I enjoy heading out the door solo in the morning and enjoying the quiet of a run before the day’s chaos begins. Earlier this year, I trained alongside a group of 5 moms and we all ran our very first marathon!

The staff at Point 2 recommended the Brooks Glycerin GTS a few months ago. The extra cushioning and support have helped me increase my weekly mileage and improve recovery between hard runs. I also love the salted watermelon Clif Bloks!

The Noland Trail Relay! I ran on a team with a group of moms (and their husbands). Our kids had a blast “camping” out during the race.

Run a BQ time (or as close as I can get!) in March 2025.

Clark

I started running in high school, when I found out that I liked running track and field more than soccer. I didn’t know much about running, so I didn’t make much progress in high school. I took a few years off running in college. A friend invited me to their Ragnar team, which rekindled my love of running. As I trained more, I got faster, and I liked running more. It’s been a virtuous cycle ever since.

The Saucony Endorphin Elite. It is very stable, and the foam is very compliant.

The Chick-Fil-A 10k is an amazing family event. My kids love the warmup with the cows. The post-race party also has so much for kids to do.

Volunteer every month with a focus on building the running community, run the Boston Marathon, PR in the 5k, 10k, and half marathon

Debbie

So I could “see” my son when he was running cross country.

ON shoes,  Rabbit shirts and Vuori shorts!!

Noland Trial 50k & Relay – running on trials surrounded by a family fun fall festival atmosphere what is not to love?

Waiting to see if I got into Boston.  I will apply for Chicago and NY Marathons when registration opens.

Ira

Started running in 2008 after I quit smoking. Ran my first race in 2009. Running completely changed my life.

Honey Stinger waffle snacks.

Chick-fil-A 5K. I like watching the kids race. They are so intense.

Work on my 5K times. Get more people interested in running.

Jeff

After retiring from the Navy in 2007, I said I was done with running. “I ain’t gotta, and you can’t make me. 10 years later an Army buddy of mine talked me into starting again. I said fine, but I’m not crazy like you and I’m not gonna do a marathon. Two marathons, a 50k, and a bunch of 5Ks, 10Ks, and trail races later, here we are.

The Run Local shirts are my favorites because of what the stand for. All the work that the Point 2 team puts in to supporting the local running scene and local community

One City Weekend. There’s something for everyone – the 5K, the half, the full, and the challenges when you just have to go above and beyond.

This year I’m concentrating on recovering from some injuries so that I can keep running for many years to come.

Jen

I began running as a way to relieve stress. Around 2021 I met some wonderful people who have become some of my best friends and are my running family. I love running for the bling (I consider myself a bit of a medal whore). I challenged myself this past October and ran my first marathon, Marine Corps. I am proud to say I finished and am signed up for my next one. I will train this summer for Richmond Marathon in November.

My favorite Point 2 products are Goodr sunglasses. I absolutely love the colors and special names of them. They are fun and great conversation starters!

My favorite Flat-Out Events race is the 5K on the Runway because it is flat and fast! It is a cool experience running on the tarmac.

I ran my first marathon, MCM in October and have signed up for another marathon. I will train this summer for Richmond Marathon in November.

Josh

I starting running in 2022 so that I could add to what I was already doing in the gym, and also because it really helped with mental health. I had always had issues with running, but once I got consistent and started to focus on my technique, I really fell in love with it.

I really love Hokas! They look super cool and just work really well for my feet, and I LOVE the way they feel.

I really like the glowing gobbler! Running on or around Thanksgiving is a newer tradition for me, but one that I really appreciate it. Gotta earn those extra calories!

My goal is to run a sub 25 minute 5k and a sub 2 hour half marathon.

Kerri

I began running in elementary school, where I first joined the cross-country team in 3rd grade. I was not fast as a young runner but always loved the challenge running posed and the friends I made along the way. My parents were runners and I remember wanting so much to keep up and then once I could, loving the time we spent running together. I worked hard and was able to be competitive in high school, where I really found my groove and fell in love with the sport.

In college I joined the triathlon team, where I met my husband. We were two runners who liked to bike and couldn’t swim; the rest is history. We competed in tris through college, culminating with an Ironman just after graduation. In the years following we lived it up, enjoying all kinds of running adventures together from Big Sur to Boston, to relays and trail racing.

Our lives now with jobs and 2 kids look different, but we still support each other’s training and racing and squeeze in time for runs together. As a mom to two young kids, running now is something I do just for me. It is my quiet time (I don’t run with music). It’s where I can think and where I can relax. It is also where I can push and challenge myself and set new goals that are exclusively mine. It is something that will always be a hugely important part of who I am and it definitely makes me a better wife, mom and friend. I am so thankful to be a part of the running community, for everyone I’ve met and everything I’ve learned along the way. Here’s to many more years of running adventures!

My favorite product at Point 2 is any Rabbit item. I love how soft everything is from that company!

The Noland Trail Relay, definitely. I love the fun race atmosphere both on the trail and back at base camp (Tortuga) where you get to hang out with and cheer on other teams, as well as your own. I’ve raced it as a 2 and 3 person team but love that you have the option of running it solo or dividing the distance between 6 friends. The energy of a relay is awesome and the post race festival is always a good time! Plus it comes at a perfect time of year, when that beautiful fall weather is just returning.

My goal this year is to run strong and stay healthy. After an injury sidelined me in the spring, I am working to build back a strong base so that I can have fun and race well at several of my favorite Flat Out Events – The Noland Trail Relay, Glowing Gobbler, Christmas Town Dash and the Chills in the Mill Half!

Kim

I started running in 2016. My first race was the Game Day 5k. A friend I worked with thought it would be fun to run some miles together. I have never looked back and keep pushing myself to goals I never thought I could accomplish.

My favorite product at Point 2 is being able to get my big bag of Skratch nutrition.

My favorite Flat-out event is the Christmas Town Dash. I run it with several friends. We dress up and have fun with it. We take all the pictures and enjoy each other’s company.

My running goal for this year is to complete the Richmond Marathon is 5 hours. I was on goal last year, but got injured. I am currently training for it and being smarter with my training.

Marcy

I ran on and off in college but did not start running regularly until my mid 20s. I mostly ran as a way to stay in shape. Over time running has become a crucial part of my overall mental and physical well being. In December of 2008, I ran my first 5K and I was hooked. I have been racing ever since!

I enjoy the variety of nutrition products that Point 2 offers. I go there for all of my long run needs!

I absolutely love the Glowing Gobbler! I have run that race every year since it started and I always enjoy running the brisk fall air through the beautiful lights in Newport News park. It is an amazing way to see the lights and celebrate the season!

In the next 12 months, I would like to run an ultra marathon and I would also like to add another world major marathon to my list.

Marnie

I’ve been running off and on for about 20 years. I started as a thing to do with friends which became a love. I’ve had some injuries that kept me down for about 11/2 years, but I found my love again. I love the running community because it’s so welcoming and not everyone is focused on times, but the journey.

I love Sprints hats and Brooks shoes! The hats are lightweight and super comfortable! They have so many patterns and colors, they’ll match practically everything! Brooks shoes have been the shoe that has fit me best coming off of injury. They have the right support and are comfortable.

Chick-Fil-A 10k. It’s a fun course. I love the views of the James River. Plus the out and back I get to see all the participants having fun.

Increase mileage safely and enjoy the ride!

May

I started my running journey in May 2020 during Covid. I decided to start running because I was worried about my health and my mental strength.

I love the Point 2 BOCO hats and visors.

Glowing Gobbler and Christmas Town

New York City Marathon 2025

Megan

I ran a few 5Ks in high school, but then took about 5 years off from running. About 3 years ago, one of my good friends randomly asked me if I wanted to start running with her and to be honest, I wasn’t very excited, but it quickly became one of my favorite things to do. My husband and I were going through infertility and it was very empowering for me to push myself and run longer and longer distances. I was training to run the Crawlin’ Crab half marathon and the week before we found out that our IVF cycle had worked and we were pregnant! I paused running and then this year got to run the One City half with my miracle girl waiting at the finish line! I love how strong running makes me feel and being able to see how far I’ve come in my running journey. The running community is unmatched is also one of my favorite parts of running!

Shoes! I love buying my shoes at Point 2 because of how personal the experience is and I always know I’m getting a shoe that’s going to work best for me, no matter what the brand.

Christmas Town Dash! The atmosphere is so much fun and everyone is so friendly.

To run my first marathon in Richmond in November!

Renikka

I started running in high school (really really long time ago) and really enjoyed it. It was my peace and I was naturally good at it. More than running though, I loved my team and the energy in the sport. My mom has always been into fitness and she’s the reason i start running races as an adult. When I moved to Virginia she encouraged me to connect with a local running group she was familiar with, BGR.
From that point on I was addicted to collecting bling and growing my run family!

Goodr sunglasses. Love the colors and styles.

One City! The cheer sections and route through the Peninsula! Nice to have a long distance race on the peninsula side.

I’m running the Crawlin’ Crab half for the third time so I would like to set a PR. I would like to stay more consistent throughout the year and incorporate more strength and flexibility training. I’m also running my third marathon with approx. 7,000 other women at the Every Women’s Marathon and I would like to set a PR.

Angela

Running began simply as a way to lose weight, but quickly became a community that I couldn’t live without. The people I’ve met keep me grounded and moving forward. And it all started with a shoe fitting and gait analysis at Point 2.

There are so many favorites, but the one thing I buy monthly is a tub of Huma electrolyte powder – usually coconut pineapple. It is low calorie with a great flavor and just the right amount of electrolytes.

Christmas Town Dash 8k is my favorite – hot cocoa, festive music, the scent of pine trees inside Busch Gardens and some tickets to use after the race. It is such a great start of the December holiday season.

There are so many miles planned. I’ve got several marathons on the schedule along with some timed races. The goal is always to get them done gracefully without injury and if I set a PR in there, then that is awesome.

Brandon

Found running in my 30s (after some medical challenges in my 20s) as a way of proving I could overcome adversity and providing a goal to work toward. Now in my 40s I still love to compete but I also love running with others to help them achieve their goals!

OS1st socks, soft yet supportive
Rabbit apparel, great fit and fabric
Honey stinger waffles and gummies, great taste
Maurten gels, easy to consume during runs

Richmond Half in November

Cheryl

I began running more than 20 years ago, inspired by the Chicago (my then-home) running scene and a back-of-the-pack runner in the local marathon.

Ironically, my favorite Point 2 product is Gu. I say ironically because who really likes running gels—I don’t—but Gu has been a crucial part of helping me nail my paces in long-distance runs. And Point 2 has lots of flavors to choose from.

The Chicago Marathon is my favorite race because it was my first marathon, and the training for it and the race day experience were life changing.

I want to run well in the 2024 Chicago Marathon and set a PR in the 5K distance.

Christian

I’ve always ran in some way my whole life. From playing soccer as a young kid to switching to track and cross country in high school and college. It’s always been a part of me but running has always been amazing because of the community it brings. Such a diverse group of people but yet so similar. After college I took a 13 year break from running and got back in to soccer but after volunteering at the CG Marathon last year and seeing every runner leave it on the course I was so inspired. Now one year later I’m one marathon in and a half and a few other races in and so happy to be back.

Running shoes for sure! It’s crazy the way technology has changed the game for footwear. Especially to what I used to run in back in the day. Its so hard not to buy a bunch of shoes with the benefits for runners!

My favorite race distance would have to be the marathon. Just an amazing show of fortitude and determination. But my favorite race I ran would be the Square Classic. 12 laps on a track with likeminded people was amazing. Second would probably be the crawlin crab half. Such a great course and finish area.

To stay healthy and have fun. Get plugged in more to the local community.

Dannalynn

I started running about 13 years ago to get in shape for my wedding even though I was not a runner. In high school I would find any excuse to get out of gym class or running. To my surprise I fell in love with it. It’s been my outlet durning the different seasons in my life. Durning and after pregnancy I continued my running journey. Learning how to run with a single stroller to years later running with a double stroller and now running with a single while my older two ride their bikes. Back in 2019 I injured my foot during the Marine Corps marathon. Over the last few years it’s been an ongoing issue and eventually made my running miserable. So last Christmas I was put into a cast as a last precaution to see if I can get my foot to heal itself before attempting foot surgery for plantar fasciitis. So my season in running right now is healing and working my way back. Running has been a huge life changer for me. I have made the most amazing friendships along the way due to run groups and races.

Inserts! Last year Michelle fitted me for inserts along with shoes and they have helped me with my plantar fasciitis. The process behind finding the right insert is really cool.

To not get injured , to heal and I would love to run a new distance such as a 50k.

Dannette

I started running back in 2014. I had joined the navy, was at A-School and was going through a lot. I was missing family, adjusting to a new way of life and to top it all off- was going through a divorce. So I registered for a half marathon and thought “how hard could it be?” Fast forward to 10 years later- and I’m so thankful & grateful for that crazy idea! It has helped me and my family adjust whenever we have been stationed, 3 deployments, 1 kiddo and lots of ups and downs of life!!

My favorite product would be Brooks GTS shoes!! Always have a few pair in my arsenal for training! A close second would be Sprints hats! They are perfect for any run, easy to clean and so fun.

My favorite race is the half marathon!! It’s a great distance to really challenge your body without destroying it! You get done and are full of so much pride and joy and still have enough strength to CELEBRATE!!

My running goals for the next 12 months would be- PR so shorter distances, knock out a good half in the fall and build up some marathon distances this spring. Most of all stay healthy & injury free through it all.

Eddie

Easy! Anything to do with hydration! I seem to dehydrate quickly, so I like to try in my routines different hydration methods to see what works best for me. Point 2 has a large variety of top tier hydration products!

Motivate! Yes I’m training for my first marathon in November and that’s an extreme goal for me but I use a lot of local runners for motivation and I wanna carry on the tradition for others.

Hannah

I grew up a dancer and a diver actually… long story short I entered my first Half marathon Senior year of high school for the sole purpose of being alone with my brother for 2 hours before he disappeared into fatherhood (My plan worked quite well actually). Turns out I wasn’t AWFUL and had a lot of fun. As an adult I started swimming (there were no dive teams where I moved), then biking, then running again. I found community in the sport(s). I made friends, gained strengths I didn’t know I had, and found a new ways to interact with my new home state. If I could live outside I would, so what a better excuse to soak up the sun? Or get soaked as I’m quickly learning here. (We don’t get much rain in California)

I love to run with Bill at Cal Elite sports… because I get to Run with my Grandad and Mum on the sidelines 🙂

Oh… did you mean distance?! I honestly have no idea I think I love them all for different reasons.

Make more friends, get stronger as a human and an athlete, and to show others that if they want to run (or swim or bike or dance) they should… it’s not that serious! You just need a pair of shoes 🙂

Jeff

Over the years, I had become less active, more lethargic, and increasingly unhealthy. In 2020, the additional stress and weight gained from dealing with the Covid pandemic and shutdowns pushed me to a breaking point. I made some lifestyle changes to incorporate healthier eating and regular exercise. I started participating in a local run club and quickly fell in love with running and the run community. I completed my first half marathon in March of 2021, and my first 100 miler in May of 2022. I enjoy the accomplished feeling of running hard for a half-marathon. But, if given the choice, I would rather run far than run fast.

Aside from the great shoes, comfy running apparel, and excellent customer service, I really enjoy using my Sprints car seat towel to keep my ride dry after a run.

Christmas Town Dash 8k – you get to have all the fun and run the race AND get vouchers for park admission at a later date.

Continue to gain fitness and attempt to break some lifetime running PR’s for various distances.

Kevin

I enjoy running for the solitude and calmness it brings and the people you meet and get to know. My best thinking is done when my mind gets lost during a run. It doesn’t matter whether it’s short, long, trail, road, or a race. A run is often the best way for me to work through problems. Or to spend time with family (Wendy and our two grown kids) and friends. The people I have shared miles with know me better than those I only know through my work as a Navy Civilian or some other organization. In addition to being an Ambassador for Point 2 Running Company, I am involved with the Tidewater Striders and run with the Kempsville Run Club. It was great to see all the running clubs that have blossomed as folks sought an escape and sense of community during COVID. I now find myself enjoying conversations with new runners about all the great opportunities that are in the local running community. So many races, so many clubs, so many chances to meet new runners. In short runners are awesome and often willing to share a post run beer.

Laura

Everyone tells you that when you’re pregnant, you can eat whatever you want! No one tells you that the extra baby-love blubber stays with you forever!!!

My son was the motivation I needed to run but the military lifestyle is the reason why I continue to run.
We moved every 18 months and it took months for us to adjust to a new area. No matter where we lived, running was the only thing that allowed consistency and exploration with my family! It brought happiness no matter where we were in the world.

Point 2 and Rabbit apparel! It’s so soft and so comfortable when running long distances!

Seashore 50k will always have a special place in my heart.

Before I incorporated running into my life, my significant other took me to first landing for a “long” run and proposed! It was the first 50k I signed up for and I accomplished so many personal goals that day! It made me realize that I am capable of doing anything if I just keep going!

I’d like to run a Ragnar relay race with my husband and son!

Matt

I started back 2009 for weight loss. Successfully lost over 100 pounds. In 2019 I got serious about running and started getting interested in the Ultra distances. Last past April I successfully completed 100 miles in under 24 hours!

Hoka Cliftons. They are the most consistent shoe on the market in my opinion. Honorable mention to the Hoka Mach X!

I would like to run one of the big 100 mile mountain races.

Wendy

I began running in high school as a sprinter. Once around the track was far enough for me. That didn’t last long though. I was soon recruited for the Cross Country team. I have been running ever since. My favorite place to run is on a trail, especially along the water. I enjoy long runs with friends which help the miles fly by. I also enjoy the competition at our local races and meeting other runners.

My favorite product is the Surf-n-Turf shorts, but really anything made by Rabbit.

Surf N Santa is one of my favorite races. I love that it’s in the evening and through the lights.

Run pain free! I would like to reach the 100k distance at the 24 hour race this year.