Where Are They Now: Pete!

I learned a lot about running (and life) from Pete Goetsch.  He was a Manager and FIT Specialist at Fleet Feet Sports Gaithersburg from March 2011 to June 2013, and I’m certain he’s left quite an impact on the people he’s met and helped while he was here.

Pete Fun Fact:  He calls Cornell, Wisconsin his hometown, and has lived in Calgary and Victoria on Vancouver Island for 4 and 6 years, respectively.  (That’s in Canada for the geographically-challenged.)

Let’s find out what Pete’s been up to.

You’re now working at Fleet Feet Sports Severna Park.  How’d you end up there?

When I moved to the Annapolis area in 2013, Scott--the owner of Fleet Feet Annapolis--mentioned opening a new store very near where I was living.  The timing was great for me to work for a few months in the Annapolis store and then transition to helping open the new store in Severna Park.

How do you fill your days there?

I manage the store.  I get to hire new staff, order cool new shoes, fit guests for shoes and inserts, and coach 5k'ers and half marathoners.

What did you like about your time at Fleet Feet Sports Gaithersburg?

My favorite things included the busy Saturdays because I got to help so many people with their challenges.  The half marathon group holds a special place in my heart.  And most of all I was around GREAT people.

Speaking of GREAT people, do you miss me?  *Holding breath*

Sure! (Editorial Note: I added the exclamation point!)

Tell us about your recent trip to Jerusalem and running the Jerusalem Marathon.

An amazing experience.  I ran with Team Just One Life and toured their office before the race to see how they were helping expectant mothers.  The marathon course was the most challenging I have ever run.  Hilly from the very beginning, we ran up Mt. Scopus late in the first half and had a magnificent view over the old city.  Coming down the hill, I realized we were only half done.  A quick jog into the old city made it worthwhile again, and we even had a few miles of flat (roads).  At 36k, we hit a big hill and most of us were walking.  Finishing was a huge accomplishment.  By the next day I was recovered enough to scale the Mount of Olives and catch the sunrise over the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount.  Inspiring.  I would love to return for the race next year.

Mazol tov!  What's the rest of your race calendar look like?

You know me.  Nothing planned.  Something will happen, but most of the time I am just happy to be out there running on any given morning.  For that I am very grateful.

I know the answer to this, but tell us what you like to drink.

Coffee in the morning.  A nice IPA in the evening.  And lots of water to balance it out.  Life is good.

Canada, eh?  Why?

Why NOT Canada?  I moved to Calgary in 2001 as a pastor to help start a new church.  In 2004, I switched over to a different Sunday morning passion--running!

Amen Petey!  So if you ever find yourself in his neck of the woods, be sure to say hello and chat over a cup of coffee.  Pete would like that.  And so would you.

Pete’s Favorite Fleet Feet Colleague,

Joel

Q&A: Brian Sandusky on Being a Runner, and Wearing What He Wears

If you haven’t had the chance to meet and run with Brian Sandusky, you should!  You can find him at a Fun Run/Walk or possibly in one of Fleet Feet Sports’ many, fantastic Training Programs.

Brian embodies everything that we hope to achieve at Fleet Feet Sports--to inspire others to lead a more healthy, active lifestyle.  Brian reflected on it all during a one-on-one chat.

How did you start running?

I started running two-and-a-half years ago when Lisa (Wilcox) suggested that I try the No Boundaries (NOBO) Training Program.

What other Training Programs have you been a part of?

After that (NOBO), I took a summer of running 5Ks besting my time at each one and PRing at every following one.  This built my confidence greatly to lead me into making the decision to join the Beyond Boundaries 10K Training Program.  The opportunity unfolded for me to dovetail that 10K training almost immediately into the Half Marathon Training Program to complete the Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon in March of 2012.

And then you trained for and finished the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon, right?

The goal of a marathon was not one I had in any capacity beforehand, but there was a great support system of friends who we sort of made the decision together to do it.  And thus, I put in my bid to get into the Marine Corps Marathon and then signed up for the Full Marathon Training Program to be able to follow through.

[Sidebar]  Just curious, what do you like to drink?

I guess that depends on my mood.  Beer works, but I am kinda’ picky about what type with different seasons.

Best piece of running advice?

The major thing I can say is this--don't sell yourself short on what you can and can't do. The mind is as awesome and strong-willed as the body, and can be a determining factor as much - if not more so - than anything else when it comes to any running experience.

Tell me about your *ahem* unique running apparel?

Well, I guess I can say lots of things.  From a safety standpoint, it stands me out from the backdrop to keep from getting run over.  From a personal standpoint, it stands me out from the crowd as the extrovert I tend to be.  From a philosophical standpoint, running isn't uniform, so why should my outfit/ensemble be?  From a point of self, that is just what makes me feel comfortable and makes me happy, and in the end, a happy runner is a continuous runner.

How has running changed your life?

I have said it before and I will repeat it as it applies as the strongest answer--I like the people I have met and the relationships I have forged through these programs.  These are people and friendships that I can honestly say I would not have made otherwise. While running is an individual solo thing, the experience is a very shared thing.

Good on you Brian!  

Cheers, Joel