PAULA CASSIDY
I started Run 101 because I want to share my love of running with others. Eight years ago, I was overweight and unhappy with my body. One day I decided to change my life. I had no idea where to begin, so naturally I started running. I struggled at first but I kept at it and before I knew it I had lost 40 pounds and I was winning my age group in races. During my journey I made amazing friends, some of whom have become my best friends. I changed careers, leaving the legal field to become a personal trainer. I will never look back. Now I want to share my journey with other runners whether beginners or veterans. Run 101 is a place where we can all be elite.
RYAN SMITH
“To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.”
-Steve Prefontaine
Ryan has run a 2:32 marathon, a 1:11 half marathon, and a 15:52 5K. He has always been a runner, but didn’t truly dedicate himself to running until 2009. That year he won the 2009 Sugarland 30k, which is part of the Houston Marathon Warm up Series, and was awarded a local elite invitation to run the Houston Marathon for 2010. Since then Ryan had earned other local elite invites and finished 25th overall at the 2013 Houston Marathon.Ryan is a self-coached runner. Training alone has given him the ability to drive and learn to push himself. Ryan wants to share this drive and focus with his Run 101 athletes in order to help them reach their goals. Run 101 is an open environment where no one feels intimidated and there are no “stupid questions.” Running is an individual sport that is about constantly learning and pushing the limits of the mind and body. Run 101 is about creating a community of runners and friends to help each person reach their goals.