Laura Devine - President

Laura has been running since the 8th grade and joined Team Athena in May of 2007, just after she moved to Portland from Florida. She started running to train for soccer and quickly grew into a competitive runner at the University of North Florida, competing nationally and gaining scholarships. Laura is a personal trainer and coach, so when she is not training herself, she is helping her clients reach their individual fitness goals.

When asked about her Team Athena experience, Laura says, “For me, running has always been about community; it is where I have made my closest friends for the last fifteen years. There is something so pure and true about a relationship formed while working hard side-by-side with someone, all pretense stripped away by miles and sweat. You see one another at both vulnerable and triumphant moments. Being there to support or sympathize makes those moments of celebration that much sweeter. TA is more than my running community, it is a group of dear friends who continually challenge me to be better. Better at running, better in friendships, better at life.”

Laura is motivated through the camaraderie and energy of the track and the enjoyment of working as a team. She enjoys the rewards and accomplishments that running brings as well as having a body that is fast and strong.

Laura’s biggest challenge is also her biggest blessing. She and her husband, Brian, recently welcomed their first born, Clara into their family and Team Athena is just eating her up! “I am already grateful for the support and tips from fellow TA members on returning to running post-baby, as well as advice on how to continue running without maternal guilt,” Laura shares.

When asked about her favorite Team Athena moment, Laura shared, “My favorite TA moment happens every week. On our two mile warm up through PSU, the group checks in about the week. Those miles go by quickly, but it always takes me back to being on a HS and college team. The difference that might make TA better: We are all there because we want to be. We make time in busy schedules and other sacrifices to be on this team.”

Hillary Reed - Vice President

Hilary has been running since 2005, when a fanatical running buddy of hers told her to put down the cigarettes and ice cream and get out there. He jogged patiently next to her while she huffed, puffed, and complained. Though that was the year of her first 10k, she says she became a "real" runner in 2007 when she trained for and ran her first half-marathon.  Hilary spends her days working in the wine and restaurant industry and calls herself her worst enemy when it comes to a training schedule. 

When asked about Team Athena, Hilary says it, “keeps me honest and working hard. It forces me to stop making excuses. It allows me to meet other women who are fast and intimidating and live to tell about it! The camaraderie gets me to that track (almost) every week, as I continue the transformation from "fat kid" to athlete.”

What motivates Hilary may surprise you, “am motivated to run by many things, mostly by a desire to live a long and healthy life. Simply put, running makes me feel good about myself. It's about self-love and creating a positive relationship with myself, something that isn't always encouraged for women. My friends and teammates keep me motivated. Ten years ago I was a sedentary, overweight smoker. I am motivated by the person I have become and the person I hope to become.”   Unbelievable powerful.

Hilary explains some her of favorite Team Athena moments as bittersweet moments, “those that are seemingly traumatic but hilarious in retrospect, such as the winter practices in the pouring rain with flooded lanes. I think overall, the friendships I've made are the best part of the team. I grumble and complain every week, but once the workout is over, I feel amazing and proud.”

Marianne Falk - Secretary/Treasurer

Marianne has been running since she was 8 years old and was heavily influence by her father, who took her out on her first races in the 5k distances.  She works for a local non-profit as a fundraising professional and spends much of her free time with friends, doing yoga and swimming.  Marianne finds her biggest challenge is incorporating all the extra components that hard training requires: stretching, nutrition, iron levels, rest, cross-training and strength training. 

When asked about Team Athena she says, “Team Athena has changed my life, both athletically and socially.  Many of the team members are some of the strongest runners I have ever been around and are now some of my dearest friends.  The support from the team and our Coach Nikki have carried me through many personal bests and many extremely challenging workouts and races.  I wouldn't be where I am with my running or life without these women.”

Marianne is motivated by track night (annnnnd Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, too).  Rain or shine, the group gets together and motivates each other to reach new levels.  With each experience, Marianne is inspired to improve, learn and run faster.

Marianne’s favorite TA moment:  “At the 2011 Portland Marathon, a big group of us ran around the course cheering and running with many of the runners at the same time texting and tracking runners at the Chicago Marathon.  The team love and strength was spread all over the country, we were out in full force and the camaraderie and excitement was incredible.”

Andrea Skufca - Social Director

Andrea has been running consistently for a strong 5 years, since 2006.  She started running because her mother was a runner and it was a way for them to spend time together.  As a recreational soccer player, Andrea began to run as part of her training.  She spends her days working full-time, managing a household, cross-training at the gym, running with friends, reading and sleeping.  Andrea finds her biggest challenge is making training a reality while raising her son and working full time.  “Nevertheless,”  she adds, “training makes me focus on organizing my time and commitments [which] takes everything up a notch!”

Andrea finds her motivation through the sense of community she feels from connecting with other runners, which is the reason she joined Team Athena.  “I feel that running is very challenging, but training together every week, having a time to focus on making yourself better makes it JOYFUL! I also get insights into managing other aspects of life like nutrition, injury prevention and keeping a positive attitude in difficult conditions. “

Andrea’s favorite TA moment? Was hearing that Nikki would be coaching us again this year!

Marni Renison - Website Coordinator

Marni started running in 2005, after the birth of her first child.  She claims she could not run fast or far enough away, but upon every return, she was renewed, ready to be a mommy.  She spends her days juggling work, yoga, writing, crosstraining and raising her two girls with her amazingly supportive husband.  Her biggest challenge is balancing everything there is to do in a day. “Staying engaged and present is very important to me.  I can’t live a life where my body is in one place and my mind is somewhere else.”  But, with the support of her friends and family, Marni somehow meets the needs of every day. 

When asked about Team Athena, Marni shares, “This team really is a great example of unconditional support.  Good race, bad race.  Good workout, bad work out.  It doesn’t matter.  We believe in doing the best we can to reach our individual potential.  The runners on this team are incredibly talented and I am blessed and honored to be a part of it.   They make me want to be better at everything I do.  On and off the track.  The girls have truly become my closest friends and I love that I get to combine friends and running – it’s like fitness candy.”  (Insert: laughter).

Marni is motivated by other women and being an example to her two girls.  Sometimes that means learning from others of life’s possibilities and other times that means being the example.  She is passionate about living a healthy life and truly believes it’s possible for everyone. 

When asked about her favorite Team Athena moment, she says, “Every six months we meet for a goal setting session.  I love watching everyone dream, set goals and get feedback from our team coach, Nikki.  It is here where the magic begins and it’s at track where we work for it.  And we remind each other of those dreams because it makes race day that much sweeter.”