The Story Behind The Faithful Runner

The Faithful Runner truly began back in the fall of 2004 at a small 5K in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. That day, brother and sister — Brett and Heather — lined up at the starting line for their very first race together. It wasn’t just about running. It was about encouraging each other, spurring one another on, and sharing something meaningful side by side.

That moment sparked the beginning of Heather’s incredible 20+ year running journey that continues today. For Brett, it lit a fire that would burn brightly for a season, then fade, only to be reignited years later with even greater purpose.

As siblings — along with their brother Doug — Heather and Brett have always shared a close bond. Ecclesiastes 4:12 captures it best: “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” From childhood through adulthood, the three of them, supported by loving parents, have walked through life’s highs and lows together.

In 2025, Brett approached Heather about helping grow a ministry outreach Brett started with his daughters called The Joy Box, which serves girls battling cancer. However the two sensed God was leading them in a new direction. As they prayed, talked, and dreamed, a newer vision began to form — one that would help people not just run races, but run the race of life with Christ at the center.

They imagined something that blended the physical with the spiritual — a space where runners of all levels could find motivation, encouragement, and community grounded in faith. That dream became The Faithful Runner.

After months of calls, texts, and planning sessions, their shared vision came to life. Today, The Faithful Runner exists to help you grow in both your endurance and your faith — to cheer you on in every mile, and remind you that you’re never running alone.

Meet Heather

Hello, I’m Heather—a business professional, runner, and goal digger.

In 2004, the company I worked for went out of business overnight. After the initial shock wore off, I found myself feeling anxious and unsure of my next steps. With unexpected downtime and a desire to get in better shape, I decided to go for a run—something I hadn’t done since high school.

Not long after, I literally ran into a friend who was also out running. She told me she was training for a marathon. I had started a groove with a couple of miles here and there, and I was instantly inspired. I set a more realistic goal: run a 5K. Nervous about doing it alone, I asked my brother, Brett, to join me.

Fueled by that spark, I kept going—tackling more 5Ks, a 10K, and eventually a 10-miler. In the spring of 2005, I ran my first “big” race: the Cleveland Half Marathon. The sense of accomplishment was addictive, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the full marathon.

By the summer of 2006, I had a training plan and a local running group to support me. I committed to the Akron Marathon, and on a cold September morning, I achieved my goal and crossed the finish line! Susan Sidoriak once said, “I dare you to train for a marathon and not have it change your life.” That quote rings true. Crossing that finish line changed me. All the effort—proven in sweat and discipline—was worth it. The process unveiled a mental toughness I didn’t know I had.

Nineteen years later, with countless 5Ks and 10Ks, 55+ half marathons, 12 marathons (including one with my brother, Doug), and one ultramarathon, I still think back to finishing my first marathon.

With my involvement in running, I was asked to serve as a coach for Girls on the Run at a local middle school. The program equips young girls with tools for goal setting, self-respect, and confidence—all through the lens of running. My favorite part of coaching was running alongside the girls in their first 5K and watching their faces light up as they approached the finish line. It was a powerful reminder of why I love this sport.

I grew up in a Christian family and knew of God from an early age. I was baptized in my early 20s. In the years that followed, my walk with Him became anemic. One of the greatest blessings in my life has been my brother’s decision to pursue ministry. Over the past decade, his unwavering dedication to sharing the love and hope of Jesus has been a beacon to our family. His example has inspired my husband and me to draw closer to Christ, and today we walk more deeply in our faith.

Running has taught me that confidence isn’t found in perfection—but in consistency and showing up for yourself. Whether it’s one mile or 26.2, there’s no greater fuel for your mental well-being than simply choosing to start—and trusting God with the journey!

Running and walking in faith with Christ are a beautiful parallel: one is a journey toward a physical finish line, the other, a journey toward a heavenly one. That’s why my brother and I founded The Faithful Runner: To live fully and finish faithfully!

Meet Brett

Hi, I’m Brett — a pastor, designer, runner, and encourager at heart.

For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in pastoral ministry — working with kids, youth, and adults. Today, I serve as the Pastor of Care at a church in northeast Ohio of around 3,000 people, walking alongside individuals through some of life’s most challenging seasons.

My running journey began in my early 20s during a time when I was battling addiction and depression. Hitting the pavement became more than just physical movement — it became a path toward healing. It was in that season that I surrendered my life to Jesus. Running and faith were deeply intertwined during that season of my life over 20 years ago.

As life got busier with graduate school, ministry, and starting a family running fell to the side. But over the past few years, I’ve rediscovered a love for it — thanks to my sister Heather. I was always inspired hearing my sister talk about her devotion to running and preparation for the marathons, half-marathons, and many races she has run. Three years ago, I started running with my middle daughter who was 9 at the time. Heather suggested we run a 5K with her. Over the past 3 years, we have become “5K warriors,” running over 20 5K's together. Myself, Heather and my middle daughter in each race, pushing and helping one another. My oldest daughter ran a 5K last Fall, so it truly has become a family affair.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From running my own lawn service in college, to creating a ministry for pastors battling burnout. From an Etsy store to running a freelance graphic design business still today — I’ve loved building things that help people grow. But The Faithful Runner is by far the most personal and ambitious project I’ve taken on.

With Heather by my side, I’m combining my passion for helping others grow in their faith in Jesus with my love for design and running. We want to help you. Whether you're training for your first 5K or pressing through a tough season, we want to cheer you on every step of the way.

This year, I’m stretching my own limits with goals to run more 10Ks and hopefully my first half marathon. We’ll learn together. We’ll grow together. And we’ll celebrate every mile, every breakthrough, and every victory — together.

Welcome to The Faithful Runner.