Hometown

Grayslake IL.

Current P.R.

2:43:06

Where were you born?

Norwalk, Ohio

Number of marathons

130

Birthday

Nov 13

Favorite marathon

My next one

Typical pace

3:10 – 3:20

Favorite running music

Never run with music to busy talking with other runners

Occupation

Pharmaceutical Regulatory Operations

Favorite running food

GU and PowerGels – double caffeine

Any hobbies?

Running, Biking, Hiking, Interesting Cars

Who do you train with?

Anyone that wants to go running – usually co-workers….long runs usually alone (unless I can get my youngest daughter to ride her bike)

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

Dan Browne – Lost Symbol

A quotation you like…

The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy .It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed.

-Jacqueline Gareau

Personal goals

Complete the Western States 100, finish a 100 marathons before I pass 50, complete a marathon in all 50 states, complete a marathon on each continent

Why do you run?

Running gives me a sense of accomplishment each day and a goal to work on.  Allows me to eat pretty much anything/everything – I can’t imaging what will happen when I can no longer run.  I travel a lot and running provides an excellent way to see every city I get to travel to and really experience the culture.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Wow – if I only had one “best” memory – I probably wouldn’t still be running marathons.  My first marathon was the realization that I could finish one, my second marathon proved the first wasn’t a fluke.  First marathon pacing, first trail marathon, first ultra, setting PR’s, meeting new people, running with the same people I met in the previous year's marathon and becoming friends, the best memories go on and on.

Why do you pace?

Pacing allows me to help others achieve their goals – could be finishing their first marathon, setting a PR or qualifying for Boston and it is very satisfying.  My days of achieving a PR for fastest time have long past – now my goal is higher- “closest to the pin”

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I paced Madison one year that was extremely hot and humid – we all dropped down a timeslot.  The group wasn’t able to stay together as we got further into the race – but one young runner was with me and it was his first marathon, trying for a fast time.  He didn’t make his time – but I told him he did great given the extreme conditions and that he would have run much faster in cooler conditions and to not be discouraged by his performance.  I paced Madison the next year and he was at the start – it was cooler and much better conditions.  He didn’t run with my group as he was intending on running faster (he did) and waited at the finish for me and the group to finish to thank me for the words of encouragement the previous year that kept him running and he exceeded his goal.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

First, all fluid replacement on the course is on my tab!.  Second, even pace to give you the best chance of achieving your goal, generous with sharing the pacing sign, plenty of stories to help you get through some rough spots along the way and most importantly I care about your personal goals and your success.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

It is all about enjoying the experience and helping each other achieve their goals.  The support that the group gives to each other is what will get everyone through and not everyone can have the perfect race – so don’t be discouraged, just enjoy your accomplishment.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Pacing makes getting older and slower better for it gets me out running everyday knowing that a group is relying on my fitness and experience to achieve their goals – Thanks to Jim for selecting me as a pacer.