“Esta es mi vida”. In the Spanish language this means this is my life. As a child I came with my family from the barren regions of southern Mexico plains. We came, the seven of us, with nothing but the clothes on our back. It is said that desperation is the best motivator, and I have found this to be true. In Grade school, elementary school and High school, when other children where playing games I was working in the forest to help support my family. We planted trees, picked mushrooms, salal, berries, moss and fern to survive, still, with seven mouths to feed there was never enough.
I vowed to do better. I worked hard in school and got good grades, but my real opportunity came at Hoquiam Middle School. All the hard physical labor I did as a child transformed me into a skilled and muscular athlete. I joined the school track team and I knew I had found a way out. I was introduced to PEAKING by my coach in Middle school. There I learned the importance of being consistant and attentive to my goals. That year our goal to specifically peak at the district meet to break an old record of 4:47 in the mile, I trained hard and met that goal. This approached worked and I took it to the high school level. In high school I won 4 state track championships at Lincoln Bowl and one cross country championship in Pasco, gaining national recognition. By this time my father managed a crew in the forest thinning industry so I would put in a full day of logging and planting trees and then run the five miles in dirt roads. It was hard work, but it paid off. This was my ticket out, a full ride running scholarship to Montana State University.
At MSU I continued to succeed with the same philosophy, winning Five Conference Championships which included the 1500m, 3000m steeplechase (8:39), indoor mile (4:01) and one cross country championship. This would earn Two All-American honors in the 3000m SteepleChase at the NCAA Division IA championships.
As an Asics sponsored athlete for 6 years I was priviledged to have run and competed in many road races and national cross country championships. Road races included Marathons, Half Marathons (1:07), 10k (30:10 road) and 8k (24:08).
After MSU I would end up Working one year at Super Jock and Jill in Seattle where I got addicted to the lifestyle of running. After the one year I opted to go south and work at the local running store in Olympia, South Sound Running would be my home for the next 8 years.
My mission today is to continue to TEACH, ADVISE and EDUCATE the sport that has been so great to me. Thank you for your support.
Alexa Martin
Alexa (originally from Gig Harbor) joins with an extensive running experince. While spending time in Olympia and Portland, Alexa started a women's only trail run group and plans to start one in Gig Harbor. We welcome her home!!
Joe Churchill
Picture and bio coming soon...
Kristi Houk
Staying active has always been a passion of mine. Ever since middle school running was a great outlet for me to work hard and achieve goals. I did not start out as a great runner unfortunately, but after miles of dedication I found myself continuing to improve. Though never reaching it to state in either cross country or track in high school, I managed to make it make it to NCAA Division III cross country nationals three times and became an All-American in indoor and outdoor track in college. My success as a runner is largely due to the wonderful people who have and continue to support me in this lifestyle of mine. Without them, I would not be the athlete or the well-rounded individual I am today. These days, I run for Club Northwest in Seattle and train with the top athletes that the west side of the state can offer. I love surrounding myself with those who share the same passion in running and life in general. Whether with my teammates in Seattle, at a local race with my family and friends, or with Kris and Miguel at Route 16; I very feel blessed to have such amazing company in my life.
Jeff Bauknecht
Come by Saturday's and talk with an expert! He's the tall one ......
Jeff joins us with an extensive running resume. As the District Director, Jeff worked with the Muscular Dystrophy Association from 1997 to 2004, brining mass attention to a great cause.
From 1988 to 2000 Jeff was a race event and marketing director ranging from Austin, TX, Flagstaff, AZ to Colorado Springs, CO.
This will be a great benefit for Route 16 as we proceed to bring events to the Peninsula area.
From 1985 to 1988 Jeff was an assistant store manager of Rooster Andrews Sporting Goods in Austin, TX.
From 1981 to 1985 Jeff was the assistant store manager for the Eastbay sports giant catalog company in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
With a degree in Physical Education/Biomechanics (emphasis) and author of Technigues in running shoes a study of Biomechanics, Jeff certainly brings experience and knowledge of our sport.
Jon Phillips
Joined Route 16 on February 2010 with an great experience as an athlete and former employee at Run 26. Pictured here ready to win the local Chapel Hill Burma 5k (Red Route 16 Singlet with white compression socks)
Come by and let us help you!
6745 Kimball Dr # E & F GIG HARBOR WA 98335 ¤ 253·851·2226
Mig and Micah
Jeff Bauknecht 
