Ron Siemens

I started running in 2012 after two friends visited to run the Miami Half Marathon that January. After driving them to the race and witnessing the spectacle of 25,000 runners taking over the streets of Miami, I thought, “Well, if they can do it….” I went ahead with training and successfully completed my first (Miami) half marathon in January, 2013, followed by the Fort Lauderdale half three weeks later, and I was hooked. After inadvertently signing up for half marathons in consecutive weekends in 2015, I figured a full marathon was the next step. The New York City Marathon had long been a goal so that was the obvious choice. A friend told me about Friends in Training so I signed up knowing I wouldn’t be able to make it thru the hot summer months training on my own. Needless to say, I made it through the training and completed my first full marathon. This was supposed to be a one-and-done scenario, but the group was so friendly and supportive that I couldn’t wait to train with them again. Seven marathons later (and I think close to 30 half marathons) I am now entering my sixth season with FIT and once again can’t wait to see and support my running friends. This will also be my fifth year running with the FIT Race Team, which has been a great thrill, and tremendous motivator when it comes to training and overall health. A little bit more about me…. I grew up in the suburbs of NYC in Spring Valley, NY. Graduated with an engineering degree from Penn State. I’ve been a Fort Lauderdale resident since 2003, and work for a general contractor based out of Hollywood (yes, lots of high rise condo experience). I’m also a bit of a Star Wars nerd, and have run every Disney Star Wars half marathon to date (three in California, four in Florida, and one virtual). See you on the streets!!!