Check the blog often for running, nutrition, and injury prevention tips from our panel of experts.
Meet the Experts:
Michelle DiGeronimo will earn her Master's in Health and Exercise Science from The Ohio State University in Summer 2010 with a research emphasis on endurance athletes. Michelle has competed in numerous triathlons, marathons, and sport competitions. In Columbus, Michelle worked for a multisport event company. She is very excited to help bring a race like the Summer Scurry to the City of Independence! Michelle hopes every participant has a great experience at the Summer Scurry and supports PMP! 
Rick Slawinski, better known as “Ricky”, is a certified triathlon coach. He has over 14 years of competitive experience in high school and collegiate track and cross country, road racing, cycling and triathlon. Though he keeps it hidden in his closet, Ricky is the proud recipient of a Varsity Letter jacket deservedly earned from The Ohio State University in cross-country. Today, Ricky pays it forward in the spirit of Ohio State by coaching The Ohio State Triathlon Club. Ricky has big plans for his summer racing, including the 2010 Triathlon World Championships in Budapest, Hungry and the one and only SUMMER SCURRY!
Christine Vairetta MS, RD, LD, CDE is a Clinical Dietitian at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Ohio with responsibilities in nutrition assessment, outpatient and group nutrition counseling, as well as community presentations. She has been involved in the development of several nutrition programs at FMC including, a comprehensive Diabetes Self Management Program and Camp Change (a pediatric weight management program). She has recently been elected as the Incoming President for the Columbus Dietetic Association and is also a member of the American Dietetic Association. Christine is an avid runner and has completed two full marathons (Country Music Marathon and Columbus Marathon). Currently, Christine is involved in the Lancaster Grand Prix which involves several 5K races throughout the summer and was the her age group Champion in this series in 2009. 
Joel Woods has been a trainer for 7 years and was recently voted WestShore Magazines Trainer of the Year. Joel has various certifications and is one of only a handful of trainers in the country with Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) certification, which is used to identify and correct areas of muscular weakness that may cause pain, injury and impaired performance. Joel believes in tending to the health of your muscles and joints as you pursue your fitness and athletic goals. Joel is currently pursuing a Crossfit Level 1 certification and plans to open a Crossfit practice Independence, OH.
