Hometown

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Current P.R.

Marathon: 3:26; Half Marathon 1:32

Number of marathons

13

Birthday

December 30

Favorite marathon

Dublin Marathon (Dublin, Ireland) and Chicago Marathon

Typical pace

4:00 – 4:30 for full; 1:50 – 2:20 for half

Favorite running music

Country

Occupation

Sales Manager

Favorite running food

Before: Oatmeal; During: Espresso Gu; After (a marathon): Cheeseburger and Guinness

Any hobbies?

Pilates, Music, Travel

Who do you train with?

South Coast Roadrunners – Irvine, CA

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

A quotation you like…

"We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon." ~ Emil Zatopek, Czech runner; winner of four Olympic gold medals:

Personal goals

Work hard… negative split every marathon... always finish with a kick… and most importantly, make running a lifelong affair.

Why do you run?

I enjoy being outside – also having a wonderful group of friends to run with – it gives me time to catch up with my friends and just talk.

Describe your best marathon memory.

My first marathon – as I approached the finish line and I felt the inertia of running.  I had been running for so long I was thinking “how am I going to stop?” – my legs wanted to keep moving.  At that moment I knew another marathon (or several) was in store for me.

Why do you pace?

Running has not always been easy for me, so I enjoy pacing to help others believe in themselves and achieve goals which may seem insurmountable.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

Pacing the Madison Half Marathon (2008) – the first time I ever ran a “perfect pace” and came in on the dot.  Also I had several folks in my group who completed a half marathon for the first time and it was really exciting seeing how proud they felt of their accomplishment.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I’ll keep you steady and focused throughout the race, especially at the beginning when the tendency is to go out too fast.  You will thank me for it at the end. 

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

I run a steady pace but walk through the water stops, especially in the beginning miles.  I take Gu every hour and encourage folks to do the same.  Bring your own as you don’t know what they will have on the course.  For half marathons, stick with the pace group until miles 8-10 even if you are feeling strong.  For the marathon, stick with us until 18-20.  Resist the temptation to break away too early.  And last but not least, listen to your body!

Anything else you’d like to share?

My parents are my biggest inspirations in running.  They both began running marathons in the early 1980s and still run into their 60s.  My mom ran my first marathon with me when I was 23 and she was 50.  She was the best pacer I ever had.  I love that running is a sport we can all enjoy together.