The first winner of the Team Ortho Ambassador Award is Dan Gierok from Apple Valley! Dan is a strong advocate for Team Ortho Foundation and actively recruits many of his friends and colleagues to our races; especially for the Minneapolis Duathlon. We are excited to hear about his passion for staying healthy and active! So we asked him a few questions about his passion for being active.

TO: How long have you been running and biking?
Dan: My first event was the 2003 Urban Wildland 5k, and my goal was to finish in under 30 minutes. I cranked it up in 2005, when I ran two half marathons. In 2008, I trained for and ran the Twin Cities Marathon. I've pretty much biked my entire life! When I bike today, I'm usually pulling an extra 75 pounds - my kids behind me!

TO: What was your first Team Ortho Foundation race?
Dan: I signed up for the entire 2009 Monster Series when I heard about the Minneapolis Marathon. I've participated in every event since!

TO: Why were you so eager to invite people to the Minneapolis Duathlon?
Dan: I wanted to be a part of the largest duathlon in the world. I'm part of our wellness committee at work and I was able to spread the word to my entire division. I knew lots of people would enjoy it as much as I did. I saw riders with all styles of bikes, which told me this was an event anybody could participate in.

TO: How do you encourage people to have an active/healthy lifestyle?
Dan: I say, do it for your kids. “Every Body” can run! “Every Body” can bike! When your kids see you doing it, they will learn to love it growing up!

We’re sending Dan a Minneapolis Duathlon fleece as a thank you for being such a great ambassador for Team Ortho Foundation and a healthy and active lifestyle.