Hometown

Greensburg, PA

Current P.R.

3:43

Where were you born?

Jeannette, PA

Number of marathons

9

Birthday

November 15^th

Favorite marathon

Cleveland, OH was probably my favorite because it was my first marathon.

Typical pace

4:15 – 5:30 marathons

Favorite running music

I don’t listen to music while I’m running.  I typically like to listen to all the sounds around me.  I may change that some time, but I definitely don’t need music to run.

Occupation

Financial Analyst

Favorite running food

Bagels

Any hobbies?

Running, traveling, camping, or anything else outdoors.

Who do you train with?

A small running group and whoever feels like joining us.  Sometimes, I train alone.

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

The DaVinci Code or anything else by Dan Brown.

A quotation you like…

“Every passion has its destiny”  Billy Mills

Personal goals

Athletically, I’d like to continue to advance my PR and I would also like to train to run some ultras.  I’m mostly competitive with myself.  Otherwise, I just enjoy being happy with what I’m doing at any given point.

Why do you run?

I run for a lot of reasons- health, the adrenaline rush, to wake up, to reduce stress, to talk with friends, etc.  Running is something that centers me.  As long as I’m running I can make it through anything.  I didn’t know of all the side benefits.  I started running in 2006 because I was over weight and wanted to get back to my “younger self”.  As it turned out, I was able to get back into shape and I feel younger than ever.  I’ve found that if I want to let go and “not sweat the small stuff”, all I have to do is go for a nice, long run.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Cleveland, OH 2007 was my first marathon.  I had been running for about 10 months starting at only a quarter of a mile.  I spent five months training specifically for the marathon.  I knew approximately what time I wanted and how to achieve it.  The weather was just about perfect- a little light rain at the start, but overall cool and not very windy.  I executed my plan and while I didn’t hit my target of 4 hours, I did come in at 4:04.  It was such a rush and a huge sense of accomplishment.  There’s absolutely nothing like your first marathon.

Why do you pace?

I pace because I really enjoy the camaraderie of running and helping other people achieve their goals.  I’ve always been a “helper” and so this fits in perfectly with my personality.  I’m less concerned about running for a time and more concerned about running for someone else’s time.  I enjoy helping people learn how to stay back in the beginning and how to dig deep in the end.  I like pulling groups together so that we can achieve our goal together.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

My best pacing experience was in Albany, GA.  It was a beautiful, foggy day.  There was so much fog that it would immediate condense and cool you off.  I had a great group of runners looking to hit their goal of 4:15.  In the end most of out initial group stayed together and I helped a woman qualify for Boston on her third attempt.  Knowing that she was going to Boston was the best reward of all for me.  I’m not sure that there can be any one “best pacing experience” because each race is different and I am inspired by runners in my group every time.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Bring a sense of humor.  I’m a bit unorthodox and like to have a lot of fun on the course.  I will ensure that we hit our goal time and I intend for all of us to have a good time doing it.  If you know what time you want to finish in and it’s my pace group’s time, the best decision you can make it to run with my group.  I’ve never missed a pace target and I’ll make sure you achieve your goal.  If you are strong at 18-20 miles in, I’ll suggest that you pick up the pace a little and beat your goal.  If you’re struggling and start to lose focus, I’ll be there to take your mind off of it and help you stay focused on the goal.  I think I’m a good pacer because I care more about others.  I enjoy getting to know all the runners in my group and drawing inspiration from them.  No super human powers here- just an average runner that loves to get to know and help people.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Be prepared to have a good time and bring some good jokes.  As far as running tips, stay off your feet the evening before, don’t eat anything different or try anything different.  The morning of the race, get up and prepare as you would for any long run.  Come to the start line 15-20 minutes early to meeting your fellow pace group runners and enjoy the festivities.  

Anything else you'd like to share?

I’m looking forward to getting to know all the runners in my pace group.  Stop by the booth at the expo to talk to some of the pacers and to get an idea of what to expect.