2021 GRP Run Team Announcement
We are ready to announce the first ever GRP Run Team! This team of runners will train remotely while receiving coaching and racing support from the Outdoor Center. The athletes will convene for training camps at the Outdoor Center throughout the year, and contribute to community projects both here in Vermont and in their local spaces. This group has a great variety of experience and expertise, and we’re excited to follow both their athletic and professional pursuits. Welcome, GRP Run! Athlete bios below - click on an athlete’s headshot to be taken to their bio.
Britta Clark
Canyon Woodward
Emily Harris
Katie Kellner
Andrew Tario
Annmarie Tuxbury
Natalie Cizmas
Jessica Scheriff
Bella Franz
Eric LiPuma
Mitchell Black
Mitchell Black
Running highlights: PRs: 800m - 1:48.03, 1500m - 3:47.29; 4x NCAA DIII 800m Champion, 10x All American, 12th Place USATF Indoor Nationals 2018; awarded the 2016 NCAA Walter Byers Scholarship for achievements as a student-athlete
Current focus: Training in Ann Arbor, Michigan to compete in the 800m at the US Olympic Track Trials
Work life: PhD Candidate in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan, where I work in Prof. Dimitra Panagou’s Distributed Aerospace Systems and Control Lab and focus on Safety-Critical Control under Uncertainty
Why GRP: To me the GRP represents a unique blend of training and lifestyle support. I look forward to the many learning opportunities which lie ahead as I get to know new teammates, coaches, and the Craftsbury community and work with them in unison to break running barriers and do good in our communities.
GRP work projects: I would love to do some outreach here in Ann Arbor. There is a vibrant running community, a part of which I know shares an interest in sustainable living, so there may be opportunities to synthesize these themes in a broader outreach project. More ideation to come, stay tuned.
Fun fact: As a Mainer, I feel that the people need to know that lobsters do not die of old age. Unless they are eaten, they would grow so large that they eventually die from the effort required to grow a new shell.
Natalie Cizmas
Running highlights: PRs: 800m-2:09, 1500m-4:15, mile-4:39, 3000m-9:19, 5000m-16:12; Eastern Michigan University school records in the 1500m and mile; first in EMU history to qualify for 4 consecutive NCAA Cross Country Championship; First Team All-American in the DMR (ran the 1600m leg)
Current focus: Training in Ann Arbor, Michigan to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the 1500m and to lower track PRs
Work life: After graduating from EMU in April 2020, I now work as a personal trainer and group fitness trainer, as well as a high school track and field coach.
Why GRP: I really enjoy how individualized training is now post-college, but I do miss being a part of a big team and running for conference championships and such. So it's fun to share a team uniform again and also be able to connect with people in other states that I likely would've never met outside of this group.
GRP work projects: I'd love to help organize an event where the GRP team could run with members of the local community. Members of the team have accomplished really amazing things, and it would be great for runners and fans of the sport to get a chance to run with these members and talk to them.
Fun fact: I love watching horror movies!
Britta Clark
Running highlights: Pemi Loop & Presidential Traverse FKTs in the summer of 2020; multiple time winner of the Catamount Ultra 50k and Trapp Mountain Marathon; winner of Moosalamoo Ultra
Current focus: Training at home in Goshen, Vermont this summer to prep for trail and mountain ultra races and FKTs
Work life: I am currently in my third year of a philosophy PhD program, and I am developing a dissertation that will focus on intergenerational justice and the ethics of climate change.
Why GRP: I am particularly excited to join GRP Run because Craftsbury’s sustainability mission brings these academic interests to life.
GRP project ideas: I am involved helping manage the Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center, a new non-profit owned and operated by my parents in Goshen, and I am excited to spearhead collaboration between these two organizations with the overall aim of growing Vermont’s outdoor community and our collective sustainability efforts.
Fun fact: I like microwaved bananas—it brings the sugar out!
Bella Franz
Running highlights: PRs: 1500m 4:31.96, 1000m 2:56.56, 800m 2:11.5; Top 10 USATF Trail Marathon Championships 2019; Highline Canal FKT (supported, 2020); Mt. Sanitas 1 lap FKT (unsupported, 2020); Top 3 finisher Dead Horse 50k 2019; 7x NCAA Track & Field Qualifier, NCAA 1500m Finalist; Connecticut College record holder in 7 events from 400m-Mile
Current focus: Training in Boulder, Colorado for longer road and trail races, with the ultimate goals of qualifying for Marathon Olympic Trials & Western States
Work life: Strava Technical Support Representative
Why GRP: I am excited to join GRP for the community instilled at Craftsbury, for the amazing coaching staff, for the environmental advocacy and care, and to reach my potential as a runner at the most elite level!
GRP project ideas: I would love to create a strong community of women in the outdoor sports the Outdoor Center already represents through local group events, and to participate in local climate change initiatives.
Fun fact: My childhood dream was to ski in college and eventually make the US Alpine Ski Team
Emily Harris
Running highlights: Raced at multiple NCAA national championships for Williams College, finishing 14th in the 5K (PR: 17:26) during the indoor track season and 15th in the steeplechase (PR: 10:58) during the outdoor season her senior year (2019)
Current focus: Training in Boston, Massachusetts, and transitioning to longer races, with the goals of running a fast debut Marathon and competing in the 50k US Trail Championships this August
Work life: I am a research assistant for two studies on aging. I’ve spent the last year talking with centenarians and their families about their health and well-being, and have particularly enjoyed when participants cite time spent exercising outside as a factor contributing to their longevity.
Why GRP: I’m especially excited to be a part of a team of runners from around the country who are invested in supporting each others' pursuit of cool athletic feats even if they're not training in the same geographical place. I am happy to have found a group of people who are committed to being good athletes as well as actively contributing to the broader running community.
GRP project ideas: I’m looking forward to sharing my love of running with elementary school girls as a head coach for a local Girls on the Run team.
Fun fact: I listened to Carl Hiaasen’s Flush (the same guy who wrote Hoot) so many times on audiobook when she was younger that she could recite the first few minutes of the story from memory.
Katie Kellner
Running highlights: PRs: 2:41:06 Marathon, 1:14:39 Half Marathon, 33:05 10k Road, 32:58 10 Track, 15:56.42 5k; placed 57th at the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials and 28th at the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials; NCAA Division 1 XC All-American and 2 x NCAA Division 1 10,000m All-American for Cornell
Current focus: Training in Boston, Massachusetts with the primary goals of getting faster in the marathon, placing in World Marathon Majors, improving 10k track PR, and qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials
Work life: I own my own online coaching business called Forward Focus Running. I coach any level runner, with clients all over the country.
Why GRP: I am excited to join the GRP Running Team because I have a passion for both running and the environment and I love how this team combines the two.
GRP project ideas: I would love to work on a clean-up effort along one of the common routines in Boston where I run.
Fun fact: I once rescued a drowning man and his dog from the Chestnut Hill Reservoir in Boston while out for a run. Article here!
Eric LiPuma
Running highlights: 2018 USATF Road 50k National Champion; 2019 Team USA Member for the Road 50k; 2:58 50k PR
Current focus: Training in Richmond, VT for trail races and FKTs up to 50 miles, with the long-term goal of getting back into 100 milers.
Work life: I work full time as the graphic designer for Stowe Cider in Stowe, Vermont
Why GRP: I am excited to join GRP Run because it is the first group that I know of with its primary focus on sustainability. Being able to run on a mission-driven team based in Vermont was a huge draw for me.
GRP project ideas: I'd like to show people that cars are not as necessary as we think. Human-powered adventures are a fantastic way to get outside and help reduce your carbon footprint while you do it. I'd like to show that by promoting riding your bicycle to your run. My first human-powered adventure this spring will be riding my bike from my home in Richmond, Vermont to Mt. Washington, summiting on foot, and riding back.
Fun fact: I am the co-founder and past champion at the Boulder Seltzer Mile.
Jessica Scheriff
Running highlights: PRs: 10:09 in the 3k steeple, 16:37 in the 5k; 4-time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion; Indoor ECAC runner up in the 5000 meters; 3-time NCAA D1 Regional qualifier in Outdoor T&F and 2-time NCAA D1 Championship Qualifier (3k Steeple & Cross Country)
Current focus: Training in Denver, Colorado to qualify in the 3k steeple for the US Olympic Track Trials, with long term goals of running PRs in longer track events and trying out road racing
Work life: I am a litigation paralegal living in Denver, Colorado, by way of Long Island, New York.
Why GRP: In addition to the incredible coaching, flexible scheduling and race support, I am thrilled to join GRP Run for the community it provides, and the values that the Outdoor Center upholds. It is amazing to find a group of like-minded individuals all working towards similar goals in both running and life.
GRP project ideas: Being new to the Denver area, I am excited to start working with the local community. I plan to assist in trail maintenance and clean-up projects to help keep Colorado looking as beautiful as it does. I am also looking forward to volunteering at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center whenever I can.
Fun fact: Although I have never been to the United Kingdom, I am a British Citizen by blood and hold two passports. I also have an MA in History with a focus on Middle Eastern/Southeast Asian history.
Andrew Tario
Running highlights: PRs: 14:17 for 5k track, 29:49 for 10k track, 23:50 for 8k XC; two-time conference champion for Iona College (Cross Country and 10k track)
Current focus: Training in Denver, Colorado and moving up in distance to focus on longer road races (Garden of Gods 10 miler and Colorado 10k Road Championships), with the long-term goal of becoming a marathoner and qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Trials Marathon
Work life: I currently work in clinical research at the University of Colorado Hospital
Why GRP: GRP Run offers the fantastic opportunity to train remotely while receiving top-tier coaching and support. That, coupled with the mission statement of environmental stewardship, resonated deeply with me, and I could not be more excited to be joining this team in its fledgling stage. I think it is rare to find a team that so closely aligns with both your athletic goals and personal ethos as this team does, in combining high-level athletic performance with an environmentally-conscious mindset.
GRP project ideas: I hope to volunteer doing trail maintenance and park cleanups, to help maintain the stunning natural beauty that Colorado has to offer. It is the least I can do to give back to the parks and outdoor spaces that I am fortunate enough to recreate in every day.
Fun fact: I am the proud father of a cattle dog named Olive.
Annmarie Tuxbury
Running highlights: PRs: 2:39:05 for the Marathon, 1:12:41 for the Half Marathon; placed 9th in the 2018 US National 20k Champions; finished 35th at the 2020 US Olympic Marathon Trials
Current focus: Training in Rhode Island for distance events on both the track and the road
Work life: I work full time under the Director of Research and Principal Statistician at Warren Rogers Associates located in Middletown, RI
Why GRP: I am excited to join the GRP and meet new people who share a similar interest and a passion for a healthy and active lifestyle.
GRP project ideas: I have a dual passion for both sports and math, and in my spare time I am excited to share this through volunteer coaching youth sports and tutoring.
Fun fact: I have always lived in New England and I am a big fan of the summer - my weather of choice for running is hot and humid. I can often be found doing a long run at noon on a weekend in July.
Canyon Woodward
Running highlights: Podium finishes at numerous trail races in the southeast
Current focus: Training in North Carolina for the Cruel Jewel 100 in north Georgia and another FKT attempt of the 70+ miles SCAR (Smokies Challenge Adventure Run)
Work life: I am a political organizer, climate justice activist, writer, potter, and outdoor educator.
Why GRP: I am thrilled to join GRP and build a new community of runners connected by a shared love of running and showing up for each other and all the communities we call home.
GRP project ideas: I am working on furthering the GRP mission through my political work writing and organizing to carve a new path forward for environmental and progressive politics in rural America.
Fun fact: Canyon has siblings named Rivers, Forest, and Autumn, was born in his parent's clawfoot tub, and homeschooled - not a hippy per se, but not exactly your clean shaven suit and tie politico.