Athlete Ambassadors
Meet our ambassador team, the heart and soul of Active Soles. These athletes exemplify the Active Soles mission of being the best version of themselves. These individuals have agreed to and are promoting health and wellness by connecting with our community and expanding the Active Soles mission. The partnerships between Active Soles and these talented ambassadors have created a collaboration to hold one another accountable. Learn more about these unique individuals here:
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Hunter Hayes
What inspires you?
Goals! I love to set goals for myself and work hard towards reaching them! I want to be the best that I can be.What do You enjoy when you are not training?
Anything outside! I love to snowboard, snow machine, dirt bike, hunt, fish and go camping. -
Ailey Hill
Ailey was born in Palmer, Alaska at Valley Hospital, nearly 15 years ago. She is adventurous and enjoys doing anything physical, whether indoors or out. She has ran track since the 4th grade, placing first and second in nearly every event! She enjoys playing soccer and basketball, and has ran many 5K's mostly in Alaska, but one or two out of state as well. Her biggest accomplishment was participating in her first kids Tri at only 11 years old!
What/who inspires you?
"im inspired to be fit and stay healthy. It's always been a natural thing for me, staying healthy and being active is something I've always been taught growing up. People around me in my community inspire me to be active as well as the many famous athletes we see today."What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?
My go to mantra for living a healthy life would probably be "you know your limitations and you know how to push them, never be afraid to try new things and follow your dreams"When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
when I am not training for races and running activities I enjoy playing basketball and soccer. These hobbies help me stay in shape and are also a fun way to stay in shape while having fun doing it -
Zach Cheyette
Zach is a 13 year old runner whom has been running races since he was 6 years old. At the age of 10 he ran two ½ marathons and plans to run a full thi year. Zac was born and raised in Palmer, Alaska and has run for his elementary and middle school teams. He has completed two equinox relays and various other distance races throughout Alaska. He is a competitive soccer player, competing for both Valley Revolution and the Alaska State Team. He plays hockey for the Jr. Avalanche. In his free time, he loves to read, play outside and solve Rubik’s Cubes.
Go-to mantra
"just keep moving"Who/what inspires you?
My mom, who is a very good distance runner and Dave Johnston who I run withHobbies when I am not training
Soccer, hockey, reading, Legos, Rubik’s Cubes -
Gabe Black
Gabe is a very active 9 year old Alaskan. He has competed in the full course Crazy Lazy Mountain race since he was 7. This past season Gabe competed in the Nunataq Snowshoe Challenge series. He is also a member of Birchtree Charter School’s cross-country and track team.
What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?
“Think positive and just get out there”Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by the entire active soles community.
The view from the top.When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
Climbing mountains, SprocKids, Junior Nordics, alpine skiing, outdoor sports, Happy Run, and playing outside. -
Ian Naylor
Ian Naylor is 9 years old, lives in Wasilla, Alaska, and is finishing 3rd grade. He loves to adventure and spend time outside with his friends, family, and dog. He likes to travel to new places and try new things. His favorite color is green, his favorite food is pho, and his favorite animal is a dog.
MANTRA:
"If it were easy, everyone would do it." Loki from Thor: The Dark WorldWHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU:
I like to go outdoors because it's fun, there are awesome views, and I enjoy being with my friends, family and my dog, Rudy.When you are not training, what are your other favorite hobbies?
Biking, hiking, skiing, reading,Taekwondo, playing chess and legos -
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Ed Milbradt
Ed grew up in Portland Oregon playing almost every sport he could possibly get into. Ed was never a great athlete, he just enjoyed the game. After graduating, he joined the Air Force and was soon jumping out of airplanes and helicopters as a Combat Controller. He married his high school sweetheart. She had captured his heart at the tender age of 13 and has had him chasing her around the house like a teenager for the last 28 years. He left the military in 1987 and has been with the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller for the last 28 years. He recently retired from talking to airplanes and can be found in the beautiful town of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas where he and Monica enjoy swimming in the lake and hitting the pool up for for speed work or running and biking the beautiful hills of East Texas. Triathlons came many years later in Ed's life than what it should have. Had he known then what he knows now, he would have started a lot sooner. With many Ironman 70.3’s under his belt, he decided to tackle the 140.6 this year in Cozumel. Ed is amazed by the human body and it’s ability to overcome the intense training we put ourselves through. He enjoys inspiring others into his newfound sport, and looks forward to coaching others to succeed in their own journey toward fitness, be it an Ironman or a 5K.
Goals for 2018:
I’ll be training with Monica for Indian Wells Ca 70.3 in December, with scattered races around Texas and Louisiana in the meantime... if the heat doesn’t kill me first :)What is your go-to mantra for living an active lifestyle:
Create a life you do not need a vacation fromWho/What inspires you?
I am inspired by older age group triathletes who race and still have a desire to win, not just complete the race.When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
When I am not training for an Ironman, I can be found in the woods hunting or on a boat fishing. -
Monica Milbradt
After watching her husband complete in several Ironman competitions around North America, Monica decided to stop being a spectator and to join him. Her 'a' race for this this year is a 70.3 triathlon in December in Indian Wells, CA. With both her children grown and her husband retired, she enjoys training with him on a daily basis.
What is your go-to mantra for living an active lifestyle:
Be positive, patient and persistentWho/What insprires you?
My husband and all he has accomplished. Seeing others in action and learning their stories. each has something, someone or an event that propelled them to want to achieve more.When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
I love to hang out with my family, cook, try new foods, travel and learn. -
Niall Linden
Niall grew up in Belfast, in the occupied area of Ireland. He started running at about the age of 11(mostly from the authorities), he ran for Northern Ireland as a juvenile in both track and XC but moved more into middle distance track as he got older. He won the Irish University Championships twice over 800m and represented Ireland over the same distance having placed 5th in the Irish National Senior Championships. Niall sustained a very bad ankle injury which forced him to recover for a long time however, during those years he organised many running events and had achieved many accolades for those specific events. Amongst many other things, he now uses his knowledge and ability to write websites to give something back to the running community and to get back to more structured training. Niall now lives in Palmer and feels lucky that he entered into a sport full community where the desire and ability to run up and down a mountain is revered, not ridiculed, as it is in Ireland. He hopes to be able to give something to the running community and if he can help one person stay fit and injury free he feels all his time has been worth it.
What is your go-to mantra for living an active lifestyle:Better to have and not need, than to need and not have. (This applies to having fun in Alaska and being prepared for its elements)
Who/What insprires you?By nature I am quite competitive. My first triathlon was inspired by a $10 bet, and promptly spent 100 dollars on training nutrition. I am inspired by Kenyan runner or other lanky runners, Steve Cram and Wilson Kipketer were inspirations growing up and the stories my coach (also my dad) told me of Alberto Juantorena winning olympic gold over 800m after multiple foot surgeries running less than 30 miles a week kept me inspired during injuries.
When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?Reading, spending quality time with my friends E. Bay and Amma Zon. Also like trying to learn to ski (all types, downhill, skate, AT and even biathlon) and ice climb are big on my list of hobbies. -
David Johnston
David Johnston from Willow, AK started running, and he just keep running. I think it is safe to say Dave has the drive to do the unthinkable. Dave is an ultra runner who has competed in hundreds of races around the world that push him mentally and physically. He recently completed the 2018 Boston Marathon for the umpteenth time. In 2016 Dave made is fourth win in the foot class of the ITI (Iditarod Trail Invitational) by running 350 miles to McGrath. In 2014 Dave shattered the previously held ITI record by running the race in 4 days, 1 hour, and 38 minutes - (an average of 87.5 miles a day, that’s over 3 marathons in a row for 4 days straight)! Did we mention that he carried a 30 pound sled with survival equipment along that journey through the Alaskan wilderness? Yup, pretty dang inspiring! He has done many notable ultra runs and he continues to inspire all of us. David is a simple guy, he enjoys spending time with his wife Andrea, two sons David Jr. and Miles and all of his other family and friends. He is positively involved in the community, and oh he also really likes….. Running.
What/ Who Inspires You
My parents and wife constantly inspire me, they are tough as nails!What is your go to mantra for living an active lifestyle
GET OFF THE COUCH!When You are not training what are your other favorite hobbies
Golf!Social Media:
Instagram: David Johnston -
Andrea Hambach
Andrea has always been active, playing a lot of team sports through childhood and into college. Once she moved to Alaska, she started running because she didn't have time for anything else- she worked busy, long hours at her job and trying to organize joining any team sports was just too difficult. She moved to Willow, and with a good friend, they started running together, setting bigger and bigger goals for their selves until they both finished their first Marathon and training for the Little SU 50K. Around that time, she met and started dating, her now husband Dave. Given his running resume, the rest was history- from a marathon to the Little Su 50K. Then on to the Resurrection Pass 50-miler and after that they finished the Susitna 100 in 2011. For a few years, Dave and Andrea had joked about signing up for the Iditarod Trail Invitational. In 2012 they decided to go for it and finished in under 9 days. Interspersed among all those races were 5Ks, half-marathons and other marathons. Since then their lives changed, for the better, with the birth of Miles, their now 2 year old son. They take him everywhere with them in a sled or a jogging stroller. It's been hard getting back into shape, she said, after having a baby, but workouts are more fun with him along. The next big goal- Susitna 100 2016!
What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?"We are all half crazy, and all at least half alright." Josh Ritter, Me and Jiggs
I think this became a common thought in my head somewhere between training for the marathon and 50K.
Who/what inspires you?Dave is certainly my biggest inspiration- always supportive and positive and just watching what he can accomplish makes anything seem possible. I'm also inspired by people who overcome big obstacles just to get to the starting line, whether it is weight loss, addiction, post-baby, chronic disease or childhood difficulties
When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?reading and making pottery -
Sarah Palenske
Sarah was born and raised in AK. As a young adult she struggled with her weight and balancing work and life. She grew up watching IRONMAN on TV and was always so in awe of the athletes and never thought she could compete in a triathlon. Her sister convinced her to do the Gold Nugget Triathlon and she was hooked. She immediately decided to do an IRONMAN 70.3. Since then, she has fallen in love with the sport, strength training and supporting others on their fitness journey.
What is your go-to mantra for living an active lifestyle:"A.M.F.S.-Always, Moving, Forward, Slowly. No one is going to let you drown out there, so just keep going and you've got this." I always think of what a fellow competitior said to me, A.M.F.S. We all have those days we want to give up completely. No one who loves me ever let's me drown, and if I always keep going, keep trying and put one foot in front of the next than its better than no progress at all, and its all progress to whatever end goal we're working towards.
Who/What insprires you?People who have overcome adversity. Veterans who go through battles we will never know, who have sacrificed it all for our country and still come home and do a triathlon on one leg! Now that is an inspiration! The people who have been knocked down by life. But true grit and determination still gets them to the start line.
When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?I Iove my time with my family right now. Our two little girls and my hubby are my world. But I absolutely love trail running, mountain biking and snowboarding. I am a beach fanatic, the ocean is my hearts second home. In my heart of hearts, its not a good time until I've gotten so tired that I've bitten it on my mountain bike and come home dirty!
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Mari Troshynski
Mari began training for her first half marathon in 2014. She didn't believe she could run more than four miles, and was shocked and pleased to discover that not only could she run 13, but she even enjoyed it. Her love of the sport was accelerated when she adopted her first sled dog Hooch, who is an amazing running partner, as well as a five-time Iditarod Veteran. Now Mari and Hooch head up ATAO Kennel, home to 13 other sled dog friends. ATAO Kennel is working towards running Iditarod in 2021. This coming summer, Mari will participate in the Equinox Marathon in Fairbanks to train for the coming mushing season. During the winter, Mari and the other ATAO teammates will participate in mid-distance races, hopefully ending the mushing season with the Copper Basin 300
What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great." - Jimmy Dugan, A League of Their OwnWho/what inspires you?
I'm inspired by my dogs, who are much better at running, and who keep dragging me out for another mile.When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
Mushing sled dogs, boxing, hiking, watching Netflix, reading, and writing.Social Media
www.ataokennel.com
www.facebook.com/ataokennel
instagram.com/ataokennel
twitter.com/ataokennel -
Carrie Koso
Carrie first was introduced to, and inspired by endurance athletics by volunteering for an annual wheelchair and handcycle race starting at the age 11. After 10 years of watching these incredible athletes do the impossible, Carrie finally worked up the courage to run her first race, a half-marathon in 2013. After that race, she had the bug and has since run a few more half-marathons but her real passion is in the mountains. Carrie is excited to see where mountain running will take her in the future, because the sky is truly the limit!
What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?
If it doesn't Challenge you, it will not change you.Who/what inspires you?
My amazing husband, Travis, and my crazy, adventurous family and friends. Also my very energetic dogs, who would eat the house if they didn't get out and run!When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
Snow machining, playing hockey, fishing, hunting, camping, adventuring in the mountains with family, friends and dogs.Social Media:
Instagram: carrie_koso
Facebook: carrieglatz23 -
Coleman Ahrens
I was born and raised in Palmer, always loving the outdoors. During my high school and early college years I was primarily a football player. I played 2 years of football in college at Chadron State College, a Division II school in Chadron, Nebraska, before injury shortened my career. I then decided to pick up mountain climbing and that quickly escalated to trail running. I recently completed my first 50k race and have plans to run a 50 miler before the end of 2018. I am currently working on my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, KS. Balancing training and school is one challenge that has been fun to figure out, but it has worked great so far.
What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?
Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.Who/what inspires you?
I find inspiration from both of my parents. They raised me with strong morals based off faith, work ethic, and humility. Without them I would not be the man I am today. I also draw inspiration from people around me in the running/adventuring community. They have my back and continue to encourage me to push myself, whether they know it or not.When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
I enjoy hiking, backpacking, ice climbing, mountaineering, biking, snowboarding, traveling, archery, and trying new adventures.Social Media:
Instagram: cj.ahrens
Facebook: coleman.ahrens -
Amy Bushatz
Amy and her family moved to Alaska in 2016 from Clarksville, Tenn. after her husband, Luke, left the active duty Army. A full time news reporter and editor, Amy first started running regularly in 2010 as part of the military family support organization wear blue: run to remember. She has since completed three marathons, several half marathons and over 10 sprint distance triathlons. Amy and her family love spending time outside exploring Alaska and enjoying the Palmer community. Amy is currently working on a book project that examines what happens when a person spends at least 20 minutes outside every day for a year.
What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?
"Enjoy the struggle" -- it reminds that the challenging parts and the battle to finish are why running and racing are so rewarding.Who/what inspires you?
My veteran and military family member friends who have used runningand fitness as a way to recover from the emotional and physical wounds of war are a constant source of inspiration.When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
I love to spend time with my family in the outdoors simply enjoying creation.Social Media:
Instagram: amybushatz
Facebook: amybushatz -
Marko Cheseto
Born in Kapenguria, Kenya and now residing in Alaska, Marko Cheseto is a professional runner who also loves to hike, fish, and coach children’s soccer. He came to Alaska on athletics scholarships.
Former Seawolf All-American
Cheseto concluded his collegiate career as one of the most prolific runners to don the Green & Gold, capturing a combined six All-America certificates.In cross country, Cheseto became first male runner to claim three GNAC individual titles and the first Seawolf to win two West Region titles – earning him West Region Male Athlete of the Year honors in 2009 and 2010.
On the track, Cheseto earned two All-America honors in 2010, finishing sixth in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters. In 2009, he became the first UAA track & field athlete to garner two All-American honors in the same season. Currently Cheseto wears Össur’s PRO FLEX XC, which allows him to carry out his daily activities with ease. His prosthesis has also enabled him to compete at higher levels in running, something he thought he would never be able to do after losing both feet as a result of severe frostbite. He also works on helping other amputees believe in themselves and life positive lives, and is inspired by people who try their hardest despite their immediate circumstances without making excuses. He believes it’s important to “be thankful for what you have at the moment and striving towards happiness every day.”
What/ Who Inspires You
Nick Vujicic has always inspired and humbled me, I also love trying to conquer new challenges in life!What is your go to mantra for living an active lifestyle
The Limits you set for your active lifestyle are only mental -
Steven Blades
Steven started his fitness journey in 2010 when he joined Crossfit in California. He received his CF-Level 1 coaching certificate in 2015 when he moved to Alaska. He has participated in 15 + Spartan races and too many 5k’s to count ( he has a very extensive race shirt collection!) He has many hobbies, is extremely outgoing, teaches fitness classes at Active Body Gym in Palmer and is a licensed Realtor!
What is your go-to Mantra for living an active Life?
“This too, shall pass”. This was passed onto me by my late husband, and he believed that everything was temporary and we would always move past “it”. Whether it was a simple task or a daunting challenge, he taught me, that we will always get through it, as we are tougher than we think.Who/What inspires you?
I have two people that inspire me- 1) my Mother’s strength and determination. She has the brute power of men half her age. She started her healthy lifestyle from simply purchasing a fitness band, and she is now going for her first Spartan Trifecta this year at the young age of 59. 2) My late Husband and his incredible intelligence and his ability to understand, literally everything. His “smarts” were truly remarkable. It’s because of him; I have a passion for pursuing knowledge.When you are not training, what are your other favorite hobbies?
In my “off-time”, I enjoy learning. I’m always looking for new information on coaching, training, nutrition, and general knowledge on how the world/universe works. I also have a passion for helping businesses with the goals, and when I’m truly in relaxation mode; a good beer from a local Palmer brewery, paired with some Anime on Netflix, curled up with the pups. -
Melanie Redington
Melanie was raised in Austin Minnesota, attended college in a traveling field studies program and came to Alaska to work as a Naturalist in Denali. She is a lifelong competitive athlete spanning sports from figure skating, dog mushing, running, coaching, bodybuilding, fitness writer, and most recently mountain trekking and rock climbing. She met her husband, Joee Redington in Manley where they raised their son before moving to the valley in 2009. She works full time as a special education teacher and volunteers when not involved in athletic pursuits.
What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?- Marianne WillansonWho/what inspires you?
Honoring my mother, being a good role model to my son, a good wife to my husband and a good friend is what I inspire to be most. Moving comes easy to me. The legacy of the Redington family in Alaska is a huge motivator to live life to its fullest.When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
I enjoy travel, writing, volunteer work and spending time with my family.Social Media:
Facebook: mel.joeredington
Facebook: Natural Pro athlete Melanie Redington
Instagram: melanieredington -
Kate Evans Arnold
Kate moved to Alaska to further her experience in glacier travel, mountaineering and mountain running. She has since raced in many Alaskan races including six ½ marathons and her first full Marathon in 2014. She has also competed in her first 100mile century ride and her first Ironman in New Zealand in 2015. Kate has recently become an Ironman Certified Coach, Cycling instructor and Personal Trainer for Active Body Downtown Gym. She loves the Outdoors, being motivated by others and working hard to become the best athlete she can be.
What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?
Train Hard or Go HomeWho/what inspires you?
My Husband as well as reading/ watching documentaries of mountaineering, climbing or people completing amazing feats with the human body.When you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?
Hiking, Biking, Mountaineering, Backcountry Snowboarding, Kayaking, Ice Climbing, Backpacking, Traveling, Cooking, PhotographySocial Media:
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Anne Thomas PT, OCS, FAAOMPT, CPED, CSCS
Anne’s journey to Palmer covers several continents. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, she completed a BA in Biology in Indiana and then a BSc in Physical Therapy in Aberdeen, Scotland. Since completing her physical therapy degree she has become a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, completed an orthopedic residency program through the Ola Grimsby Institute and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Pedorthist. When not in the clinic, Anne enjoys outdoors adventures with her husband and two boys. She is also the owner of Active Soles Performance Footwear, Active Body Downtown Gym and Body In Balance Physical Therapy
What is your go-to mantra for living an active life?Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.Who/what inspires you?My family, the potential of the human mind, body and spirit and my three legged dog RingoWhen you are not training what are your other favorite hobbies?Adventuring with my husband and children, learning to play the violin and reading -