Meet our endurance athletes

So… what is 1%?

It’s not just a number. It’s the edge. The effort. The extra. It’s showing up when no one’s watching. It’s the first mile and the discipline to keep going. Small in the moment. Massive in the long run.

1% Stronger. Every Day.

A senior woman wearing glasses and a baseball cap stands with one hand on a white structure while holding a sign that reads '26.2'. She is dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt with 'THE 1% PROJECT' printed on it, promoting strength and resilience.

Tina Strimbu

Marathoner & Boston Qualifier

Tina didn’t always love running—but now she’s all in, pushing limits and chasing progress with grit and purpose. After crushing a PR in a full marathon, she ran the Kalamazoo Half Marathon just four weeks later without walking once. She’s back for her second round with the team because she knows the science works and wants to keep improving without breaking down. And now, with a spot secured in the 2026 Boston Marathon, she’s more motivated than ever. Tina’s here to remind us that results don’t come easy—they come from showing up, staying consistent, and trusting the process.

A smiling woman in a tank top and shorts stands outdoors with her hands on her hips, surrounded by green foliage.

Nancy Packovski

Marathoner & PR Achiever

Nancy used to run just for race day hype—now, she runs because she truly loves it. With help from Misty, she didn’t just get stronger—she learned how to run. Whether it’s the quiet, the camaraderie, or the post-run high, Nancy shows up because she knows the feeling afterward is always worth it. Her mindset? “Just do it—you’ll come out 1% stronger because you did.” After crushing a PR at Mt. Charleston and learning to love the long, slow grind, she’s now gearing up for a dream race: the NYC Marathon this November. She’s proof that showing up changes everything.

A woman running in a blue athletic shirt with sunglasses, holding a water bottle, during a race.

Liz Liberto

Marathoner & PR Achiever

For Liz, running started as a way to stay active and social—but now she’s focused on running smarter. After years of training on her own without seeing much improvement, she realized it was time for a change. Seeing others’ results and attending a marathon seminar led by Coach Misty gave her the push she needed to join the team. Since then, she’s embraced the structure of long runs and speed work, building momentum with solid races like the Lucky Charm 5K—her fastest pace in years—and the Sunburst Half, where she ran under a 10:00 pace. For Liz, it’s all about showing up, giving real effort, and remembering that every run matters.

A smiling woman wearing a gray athletic top and black shorts stands outside, holding a race booklet. She has a race bib number 8530 visible on her shorts.

Katie Vermeer

Marathon & PR Achiever

For Katie, running is all about freedom, growth, and finding joy in the process. After stepping away for a while, the longer runs have become proof that she’s coming back stronger, and learning to enjoy the journey. Whether it’s a full marathon or a tough speed session, she reminds herself: “Not everyone gets to do this, every run is a gift.” Misty’s steady support has been key in every stage of her comeback. Katie stays motivated with true crime podcasts on solo runs (even if they scare her a little), and keeps her mindset locked on progress, not comparison.

A smiling man with a beard wearing a gray athletic shirt standing outdoors with greenery and a distant bridge in the background.

Grayson Sutherland Biehn
Marathoner & Future Ultramarathoner

For Grayson, running is a way to stay fit, stay sane, and stay grounded, especially while traveling the country working race cars. With a goal of building up to ultramarathon distances, he’s focused on being consistently good over occasionally great. Whether it’s trail runs, long slogs, or speed work, Grayson knows missing a workout feels worse than just getting it done. Referred by a friend, he’s here for the long haul, leaning into patience, consistency, and the process it takes to go farther, not just faster.

A young woman with long hair and a headband smiles while standing outdoors, wearing a black t-shirt that reads 'THE 1% PROJECT STRONGER EVERY DAY - EVERY MILE MILES WITH MISTY COACHING'.

Erin Redmon

Marathoner

For Erin, running is more than miles, it’s about grit, faith, and showing up even when it’s hard. She runs to prove to herself (and her kids) that discipline beats motivation, and that doing hard things is possible with the right mindset. With the 2025 Chicago Marathon on deck, a dream 15 years in the making, she’s tackling training one mile at a time. Her mantra? “You can do hard things” and “Yet not I, but through Christ in me.” Erin finds purpose in every step and joy in the outdoors, and she’s here to remind us: progress might feel slow, but 1% better every day adds up to something big.

A runner smiling after a race, wearing a medal and a bib number 3596, with bright green sleeves. In the background, there are tents and other participants.

Darren Richards

Half & Full Marathoner

Darren runs for his health, body and mind. It’s his way to stay fit, relieve stress, and keep moving forward. With two half marathons each year, his long-term goal is clear: to still be crossing finish lines at 70. He’s the kind of runner who shows up no matter what, whether it’s a smooth training day or a tough race where finishing means gutting it out. For Darren, consistency is the key, and progress starts by simply getting out the door. A long-time student (over 10 years!) and believer in the process, he credits Coach Misty for guiding him through setbacks, comebacks, and milestones he never thought possible.

A smiling woman wearing a tank top with 'The 10% Project' printed on it, standing next to a car with a bicycle attached to it.

Michele Deegan

Ironman & Marathoner

For Michele, running is where she reconnects—with herself, her thoughts, and her family’s legacy. What began as a Thanksgiving tradition has evolved into a way of life, one that clears her head, fuels her growth, and keeps her chasing new challenges. Whether it’s dreaming of Big Sur (like her dad) or setting her sights on an Ironman, Michele runs with purpose. She’s learning the value of slowing down to train smarter, not just harder, and believes growth comes in many forms: mindset, movement, nutrition, or simply showing up. Her mantra? “Do better, be better, be yourself.” And yes, the coffee really is better after a run.

A smiling male hiker wearing a HOKA cap and a black athletic outfit, using trekking poles while walking on a trail surrounded by green foliage.

Eufe Caesar Bargamento

Half Marathon, Trail Runner & Future Ultramarathoner

Eufe started running to get fit, but stuck with it because it taught him something deeper: real progress takes time, and you have to earn every bit of it. From barely finishing 1K to completing a 30K trail race, he’s learned that consistency beats shortcuts, every single time. His eyes are now on the big goal, running a 100KM ultra, and he’s showing up daily to make it happen. Whether it’s indoors at the gym or out on the trail, if it’s on the schedule, he’s doing it. Eufe runs with a simple mindset: Trust the process. No excuses. Just growth.

A woman smiling at the camera, wearing a white sleeveless top, with long brown hair and greenish eyes, against a light blue background.

Bridget DeYoung

Marathoner

Bridget DeYoung is a dedicated marathon runner, full-time professional, and proud mom of four. As a member of the 1% Project Team, she brings grit and purpose to everything she does, on and off the course. Life gets hectic, but with a strong support system and relentless drive, Bridget keeps showing up and pushing her limits. She believes deeply in the power of friendship and draws strength from the running community she loves.

A smiling woman wearing a black hoodie and shorts, holding a cardboard box and a medal, standing in front of a floral arrangement at an event.

Katy Nims

Marathoner, Mountain Runner & Boston Qualifier

Katy is the true definition of a dedicated runner driven, focused, and full of unstoppable energy. A lover of all things Colorado, she thrives on elevation, dirt trails, and pushing her limits in nature. A Boston Marathon qualifier and master of mountain running, Katy brings both grit and passion to every mile. She cares deeply about the sport, the people in it, and the joy that running brings. As a proud member of the 1% Project, Katy is all-in—not just for herself, but for the community she inspires along the way..

A smiling couple poses for a selfie at a marathon event, surrounded by other participants in a crowded street. The woman is wearing a blue headband and a running shirt, while the man is wearing a black t-shirt with a project logo. They both appear excited and ready to participate.

Andrew Knies

Marathoner, Ultra Marathoner

Andrew Knies is a dedicated marathoner, ultramarathon runner, and proud member of the 1% Project Endurance Team. Known for his steady grit and calm confidence on race day, Andrew thrives on the long stuff, from road marathons to challenging trail ultras and brings a blue-collar, “put in the work” mentality to everything he does.

When he’s not logging miles, Andrew is the Broker/Owner of Brokerworks Group in Northwest Indiana, where he’s built a reputation for his deep market knowledge, integrity, and commitment to helping clients and agents succeed. The same discipline and focus that carry him through the late miles of an ultra show up in his leadership, coaching, and problem-solving in the real estate world.

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