Q: When did you first join R4R and how did you learn about us?
A: Gail: I joined R4R in 2017 and I heard about it from my sister-in-law, Tami Dokter. She was one of the original founding members of the organization.
A: Mark: I joined a year after Gail in 2018. My sister Tami, is a member of the group.
Q: After being aware of Runnin’ for Rhett for many years what made you decide to join?
A: Gail: A routine annual physical exam bloodwork results showing elevated cholesterol prompted me to do something about my health. My primary care doctor told me that due to my high cholesterol, he will put on cholesterol medicine. I told him NO! And I asked him to give me one year to do something about it. I started walking around my neighborhood and then decided to run as an exercise. To keep me motivated, I decided to join R4R because I already knew someone from the group, and I liked that the membership fee goes to support the youth fitness program. I chose MOVEMENT over MEDICINE.
A: Mark: I joined the group to support my wife and try to get fit and healthy.
Q: The two of you are involved in Runnin’ for Rhett. What do you enjoy most about being part of this group together?
A: M&G: The community of R4R welcomed us with open arms and seeing people from all walks of life come together for a common goal of getting healthy by moving into life. Every year we meet new people and see them achieve their goals, it’s so inspiring and that is what makes us keep coming back.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about being part of Runnin’ for Rhett?
A: Gail: Being in a very supportive environment, cheering runners during race day, being a part of someone’s running milestones as a pace leader and seeing their progress. I’ve paced runners and have seen them improve and run faster than me. Finishing the race with them fills my heart with joy.
A: Mark: The group meet-ups and making new friends along the way.
Q: How do you like to spend your free time? Any hobbies of note?
A: M&G: We both love to travel and go on hikes. Gail: I like to read and listen to music. I can stay home, be in my PJs and read all day if I want to.
A: Mark: I like to watch any sporting events, concerts and comedy shows, and gambling.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A: Gail: I belong to a church choir and I like to sing. I grew up in a city in the Philippines surrounded by water, but I don’t know how to swim. And I’m deathly scared of snakes!
A: Mark: I am now retired after working for 45 years and enjoying every bit of it.
Q: What has been your proudest moment since being a part of the R4R family?
A: Gail: I’ve had a few of them. One of my proudest moments is when I was part of someone’s milestones – running alongside Cecile Hong in her first 5K and first half marathon races (she signed up for the double header during the 2024 Shamrockin!) and ultimately running with her on her first full marathon in Honolulu, Hawaii. If Cecille can do it, I CAN!
Also, to date, after 9 years with Runnin’ for Rhett, my bloodwork numbers are normal, and I have not taken a single cholesterol medicine ever. Movement over medicine works!
A: Mark: Winning a $500 bet against my wife when I PR’d on my Shamrockin’ 5K race with limited training due to work! Remember, I like to gamble. I also placed 3rd in my age group at a charity race in Las Vegas.
Q: If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
A: Gail: This is a tough one. Spinach, I guess because I want to be strong like Popeye.
A: Mark: Habanero pepper because I like spicy food.
Q: How would you describe your Runnin’ for Rhett experience to a child?
A: Gail: Runnin’ for Rhett will let you experience the best moments of your life. Running is fun and it keeps the doctors away by being healthy!
A: Mark: Runnin’ for Rhett is like doing a good deed to other kids. You help other kids like you get healthy and fit by running.
