Meet Sue. She’s a mom, a Vie coach and a former engineer. She’s smart as a whip and has a smile that lights up a room. She’s also a runner, and we aren’t talking about a casual “goes for the occasional jog” type runner. This girl has a passion and dedication to the sport that is unmatched—a passion that she shares with our community as the Washington lead for Vie Run Club. Where did this super woman’s dedication come from, and how can we channel some of it for ourselves? We decided to sit down, ask a few questions, and find out.
Sue (Susan) was born and raised in a small town in Michigan (hence that midwestern hospitality that we all love). Sue went to Michigan State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. After college, she worked for Chrysler Corporation for 13 years. During this time, she received her Master of Science degree in Controls Systems Engineering and her MBA from University of Michigan (remember that part about her being smart as a whip?). While working at Chrysler, Sue met her husband, Craig. They had two children, Finley and Diesel. Sue loved being an engineer and probably would have continued in that career indefinitely had her husband not received an amazing job opportunity in Washington State. When they moved, Sue shifted into a new role as a stay-at-home mom.
She loved being home with her children, but Sue knew she needed another outlet. So, she decided to pursue a certification in personal training and began teaching fitness classes.
In March of 2018, Sue was working at a fitness facility when it announced it was closing its doors. A day after finding out about the closure, Sue was contacted by the manager of Vie Bonney Lake who wanted to know if she was interested in joining their team as a coach. Sue says, “It was one of those cases where one door opens just as another door closes. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.” Sue was quickly promoted to Bonney Lake Team Lead.
Those who have taken classes with Sue know that she is an incredible coach whose enthusiasm for fitness is contagious. This passion extends beyond the walls of Vie and is rooted in a life-long love of running.
Sue ran her first organized race when she was just six years old. She ran track in school and clearly had a talent for it. But when her high school coach noticed she had potential as a distance runner and suggested she switch from sprinting to distance, Sue balked. There was no way she was racing a full mile! She quit and she started running just for fun and fitness.
In her twenties, Sue decided to enter a 5k. She was hooked. A couple years later, she found herself running her first marathon. It was in that very first marathon that Sue qualified for Boston—a feat reserved for only the most accomplished runners. In 2001, Sue ran the Boston Marathon in a time of 3:21 (for those who are unfamiliar, that is FAST). Since then, Sue has completed 10 marathons, including one that she ran solo when the 2020 Boston Marathon was cancelled due to Covid. It turns out, that high school track coach knew potential when he saw it.
Now, even as she approaches her late forties, Sue hasn’t slowed down—something she largely credits to Vie Athletics. Working out at Vie has made her legs stronger. “Strength exercises not only help with speed, but they also help prevent knee injuries by strengthening my quads and glutes,” says Sue.
Vie has also been a lifesaver as she nursed an injury this year. Last summer while training for a marathon, Sue injured her hamstring. She couldn’t run, but she could come to Vie and still get a good sweat by modifying her workouts. For example, instead of doing explosive hamstring movements like kettlebell swings, she would do hip bridges. For an athlete like Sue, still being able to workout while she healed made a huge difference mentally and physically.
Sue is now sharing her passion for running with our community as the lead coach for the Washington Vie Run Club.
“I want everyone to enjoy running like I do, there is so much you can get from it…friendships, health, mental release,” says Sue.
With all the cardio incorporated into Vie workouts, Sue says members should be confident that they have what it takes to start running or walking today. “If you can do a Vie workout, you can run!”
Sue suggests starting with small goals. For example, start running/walking one mile 2-3 times a week. Do that for two weeks then up the mileage. When Sue is not training for a race, she does three Vie workouts and three runs per week.
Vie Run Club is a great place to start. Even if you are not a runner (or have no desire to become one), Sue still encourages you to come. “Run Club isn’t just for runners; you can walk too. Run Club events are based on time, not mileage, so everyone starts and finishes at the same time. Participants can run, walk, push a stroller, walk a dog, whatever! It’s really just about enjoying some exercise, making friends and being outside with our community,” she says.
We feel so fortunate to have Sue on the Vie coaching team pushing us to be our best selves and leading by example. To check out more of Sue’s running adventures follow her on Instagram at @suekeighron.
Be sure to sign-up for our Run Club events in Washington and Arizona. Learn more on the Vie Adventures page.
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Is there a running Via group in Bonney Lake?
Hi Marsha! Run Club is on break during the winter months, but will be picking up again this Spring. Most runs happen in the Puyallup area.