Plainfield Run Club

Mini Training Pace Group Leaders

9:30 Pacer: Kettie Mothersead

Greetings!! My name is Kettie Mothersead!! I’m a big fan of running and have been doing it for a good long time.. I coach middle school cross country and track and was also a part of the YMCA running program as a coach for several years.. I’ve worked with all ages in training for races from 3k all the way to marathon.. My heart overflows when I witness people making their dreams and goals a reality!!

I’m thrilled to be working with Plainfield run club to help more people accomplish yearly goals and also lifetime goals!! Can’t wait to meet new faces and see some who I have had the pleasure of training with over the years!! Let’s do this!!

10:00 Pacer: Danielle Williams

Hi! If you have ever been a member of the Plainfield Run Club (formerly the Plainfield Mini Marathon Training Program), you've likely run with me before. I'm excited to announce that I will be leading the Run Club as a whole as well as the 10:00 pace group! I have been a Plainfield resident for over 11 years now and have participated in the program for almost as many years. I did not begin running until after all 3 of my children were born - it's never too late to start! Since then, I've run everything from a 5k to a 50k. I hope to see all of my fellow long time program participants and welcome some newbies as well!

If you join my group be prepared for me to talk the entire time! That's right, I'm a talker who will accidentally tell 7 side stories while trying to tell a single story. But I guarantee the miles will fly by!

10:30 Pacer: Heidi Pifer

My name is Heidi Pifer and I live in Plainfield! I started running in college, but suffered a water skiing accident and had to stop while training for The Mini Marathon in 2014. I started running again after my first son was born in 2018 and have run quite a few 5K's since! I’m a sucker for good run/walk causes whether it’s for American Red Heart, Thanksgiving ones for families, or a great T-shirt like the Bubble Run.

I love the Town of Plainfield and as a nurse practitioner for the Hendricks Wellness Centers, I get the amazing privilege to serve so many right here in the community. I love my job and taking care of people who primarily care for everyone else but themselves. One of the things I’m passionate about is exercise and the opportunity to help others acheive their running goal was one that I couldn't turn down.

11:00 Pacer: Jeff Banning

Chris, you have got me motivated, sort of, to pass along a bio. Sorry for this being late Danielle.

I am Jeff Banning’s and I am 63. Happily married to Nettsie. We have 4 adult children and no grandkids. I know they are coming!

I have been running since I was in middle school. I competed for four years of cross country at Centerville High School and then 1-1/2 years at the University of Evansville. I have run in many races over the years from 5k’s to marathons.

Even though I don’t run as fast as I used to, I still enjoy the exercise part of the experience, I enjoy getting out in God’s creation and enjoying the many places I recreate, and I especially enjoy the camaraderie of our running friends.

Hopefully we will have the opportunity to train and enjoy together!

11:30 Pacer: Jill Lees

Jill Lees joined the Plainfield Run Club in January 2023 and has seen huge running improvement during the past two years. With the support of the club, Jill ran her first marathon in 2024. Jill has served as a law enforcement officer for over 30 years and is also an assistant coach for the Girls on The Run program at the Pittsboro Elementary School. She enjoys running and hiking but most of all, Jill enjoys encouraging others to share her passion for running and to follow their goals and dreams.

10:00 - 11:30: Amy O'Leary

Hi - I’m Amy! As a mom to three energetic young boys, I know the importance of staying active and embracing new challenges. I discovered my love for running after my second child was born and I quickly fell in love with the supportive running community associated with this program! Running has since become a passion and a way to stay connected to myself while balancing family life.

When I’m not lacing up my running shoes, you can find me exploring the outdoors with my family, hiking, biking, or reading. I also teach preschool and attend Plainfield Christian Church. I am excited to explore, run, and grow together!

12:00 Pacer: Thomas Kirkman

Hi, everybody! My name is Thomas Kirkman and this my fourth Mini training cycle with the Plainfield Run Club. I've been running off and on for almost 20 years, and I've run everything from the half-mile to a full marathon. I started out exclusively as a solo runner, but the camaraderie I've found in the Club has really helped me go further (figuratively and literally) than I ever thought I could.

Aside from running, I'm a big history / music / aviation / travel nerd. I'm always game to hear about somewhere cool you've been, are going, or interesting races you've run. There are a lot of great opportunities out there.

That being said, grab your shoes and let's go!

Walk Pacer: Chris Ropa

I am a 63 year old retired federal worker, with a wife, two children, and four grandchildren. I am not a runner, and have not been for many decades.

I am, however, an avid walker and have been for some time. My first race was Wine at the Line 5k in 2008, and at the time I was naïve enough to equate walking with hiking. I did the entire race in hiking boots, despite the fact that the entire course was paved.

In 2013, I had knee surgery, which sealed my fate as a runner. In 2014, I walked my first Indy Mini-Marathon. Based on the success I had training by myself, I signed up for the Plainfield Mini-Marathon Training program in 2015 and have been with that program or its successor ever since. Up until last year, I have walked at least one half-marathon race every year since my first Indy Mini. Last year, I started the Disney World Half Marathon, which was cut to 7.1 miles due to weather.

I have been a motivator/pacer for this program several times in the past, and have shared the experience with walkers with a wide range of paces. I believe that the exercise and comradery that we get through this program is year-round, and will still be here even after the Mini is over (or even Back the Badge).