Where are you from?

Lombard, IL

Current P.R.

3:25 marathon

Birthday

March 20

Number of marathons

31 and 3 ultras

Typical pace

8:00-8:30

Favorite marathon

Dublin Marathon (that’s Ireland)

Occupation

PE teacher/coach

Favorite Running Food

Poptarts

Hobbies

Running, reading, hanging with my kids, camping, gardening,

Who do you train with?

Glen Ellyn Runners, and friends Debbe & Francesca

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

I belong to a book club.  I have no favorite book, I have many. 

A quotation you like…

“pain is temporary, quitting is forever”

Personal goals

My current personal goal is to run a marathon (or more) per month.  At least average one per month.  I can skip a month, but run 2 the next month.

In the fall, I would like to drop my marathon time back down to 3:45. (PR is 3:25, but not realistic).

Of course, to stay healthy and uninjured.  That means I need to continue to run smart.

Why do you run?

I simply enjoy running.  Running has been an important part of my life since I was 12.  It is part of who I am.  There is such a feeling of freedom.   

Describe your best marathon memory.

My best marathon memory was finishing my first Tecumseh Marathon.  It was a tough and challenging course, but the feeling of finishing was so elating and the feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming.  I felt like I could do anything after, and had the feeling of “bring it on!”

Why do you pace?

I have only paced once, so far.  However, I found it very rewarding. 

Tell us your best pacing experience.

In my first pace race, I helped one runner finish her first marathon, and assisted another runner in cutting 15 minutes off his previous time.  Seeing them so happy and proud of themselves made me happy and proud as well. 

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I do have a sense of humor, so it won’t be all seriousness.  In addition, I have run many marathons and other various races, so I have many experiences and knowledge that I can share with others.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

First goal is to finish.  If you can’t keep with the pace, reevaluate your goals and drop your pace to a slower pace group. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

You need to enjoy running, that way it does not feel like work.  Don’t run, if you don’t enjoy it.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

Currently, I coach my son’s soccer team, pace the 8:30 pace group for my running club, and coach the intramural soccer team and cross-country team at the school I work at.  I have raised money for cancer research when running a marathon.