Lifelong runner
Favorite Team Ortho Event: Minneapolis Marathon, Monster Half Marathon (close second)

Willie Tibbetts is a wife, mother and full-time employee—and she would definitely add runner to that description. She credits Team Ortho with helping her bring back her passion for running and the camaraderie that goes with it. “Regardless of what kind of day I’m having, it’s always better after a run,” Willie says.

Willie began running in high school and college. Injuries caused her to take a break, but she has since made a comeback, “I wanted to be a good role model for my daughter.” One of the first events she did with Team Ortho was the 100% Irish for a Day race. She became Facebook Friends with John Larson, Team Ortho’s Executive Director, and she was hooked. “It was like being on a team again.”

A Connection with Team Ortho

She describes Team Ortho as having a special and more personal relationship with its runners. This spring Willie was part of the free marathon training group organized by Caleb Olsen, Director of Operations and Training Director for Team Ortho. “Training runs each week really helped me be accountable. It gave me the motivation to do well.” She says these training runs not only helped her prepare for the rolling hills of the Minneapolis Marathon course, but she also met other runners; one, she says, she still talks to today.

Willie says there were actually 26 best parts about the race for her; the quotes posted at each mile along the route were great motivation. “Going through Fort Snelling I was losing momentum due to dehydration and wanted to find a nice spot on the side of the trail,” Willie said. “Until I came to the flag that quoted ‘Pain is temporary. Quitting is forever.’ No way was I going to quit. I looked for each flag to keep me going.”

The Next Races

Now her eyes are on the races before her: Minneapolis Duathlon on August 30, 2009 and the Monster Half Marathon on October 31st. She also signed up for next year’s Minneapolis Marathon already. “This is the first time I’ve ever committed that far in advance. I wanted to be a part of it.”

You too can be a part of all of the races Team Ortho organizes. Do it like Willie did: get active, get into a race and get hooked!