Where are you from?

Decatur, IL

Current P.R.

2:47:56 – Chicago Marathon 2012 

Typical pace

3:15

Number of marathons

8

Occupation

Database wizard and one man IT department at a printing/mailing company

Favorite marathon

Hobbies

Running, entertaining my dogs

Favorite Running Food

Pre-race: CARBS, especially Jimmy Johns
During: Nothing makes me happy
After: ANYTHING, especially if it has salt

What are you reading now?

Whatever Runner’s World is within reach

Who do you train with?

Mostly alone, although my dog and girlfriend are occasional running partners

Personal goals

To reach my limit in the Marathon, run 50 marathons in 50 states, and just have a blast going places, meeting people, and running races

A quotation you like…

“Someday I will not be able to do this. Today is not that day”

Why do you run?

I love the physical challenge, and I can’t imagine

Describe your best marathon memory.

Rock N’ Roll St Louis 2011 – 5 months prior I made the decision to go from “normal” shoes to completely barefoot. About three weeks before the marathon I finally found a minimalist shoe suitable for the marathon distance that worked for me. I ended up with a 24 minute PR (2:54:11) and came in well under my Boston Qualifying time

Why do you pace?

I LOVE running marathons and just running in general. Pacing gives me the opportunity to really enjoy a marathon when I run it (instead of killing myself by going all out), and share the experience with others. 

Tell us your best pacing experience.

Quad Cities Marathon 2012 was my first pacing experience – I managed to come within 4 seconds of my goal time (3:15)!

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I’m committed to your goal (as long as your goal is my pace J) and won’t let anyone be disappointed. Plus I’ll try to make sure you enjoy the 26.2 miles of suffering!

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Know your abilities, but don’t doubt your training. You’ve worked hard to get to the start line, the marathon is where you enjoy the hard work. And don’t forget to properly celebrate after the race!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I believe that if you work hard, your body is capable of amazing things. The only thing limiting you should be how hard YOU are willing to work at your goals!

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I try to hop in on the volunteer side of races when I can, but usually I’m running in them! I occasionally help out coaching my old Jr. High or college team.