Where are you from?

Baltimore, MD

Current P.R.

4:11

Birthday

September 18

Number of marathons

15

Typical pace

4:20-4:30

Favorite marathon

I have enjoyed each of the marathons I have run.  If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Mount Desert Island for the scenery.

Occupation

CPA/Corporate Controller

Favorite Running Food

Pasta

Hobbies

I run a lot of marathons, I don’t have time for other hobbies!

Who do you train with?

Baltimore Pacemakers

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

I just started reading Jimmy Carter’s White House Diary, I enjoy all political/history books.

A quotation you like…

Personal goals

Marathon in 50 states

Why do you run?

I started running to get into shape at 39 years old (I weighed close to 290 pounds).  At 40 I ran my first marathon (Baltimore in 4:27).  The week before Baltimore was a big letdown for me emotionally; I realized that my goal was within reach, and I had not set another goal.  I enjoy running, I take a great deal of satisfaction in pushing my limits and overcoming the obstacles to better performance.  So since then, I have always made sure that I have had another goal in front of me (hence the 50 states goal, that one will take a while!)

Describe your best marathon memory.

I can think of several.  The most emotional was finishing Marine Corps.  Running up to the Iwo Jima Memorial and having a young Marine office congratulate me and put that medal around my neck was really awesome!  Being crudely cheered on by the drug addict on a dilapidated block of the Baltimore Marathon is truly the funniest memory.  The pure excitement and adrenaline of setting a new PR (by 15 minutes in Cleveland!

Why do you pace?

I am getting into pacing because I am running more marathons each year as a way to maintain my marathon fitness.  As I do this, I do not want to run each race for time because it is too stressful on the body, and recovery takes too long.  As I started running races slower with a goal of finishing, I met many first time runners who often needed someone with experience to help them along (no, 12 miles in not the point to start picking up your pace, etc…).  Pacing is a way for me to give back to the sport I enjoy so much, and help those new marathoners reach their goals and learn to love this sport too.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

First time pacer, so I will let you know after the race!  I trained for several years with Troy Jacobson who hammered into me the importance of being able to use your body signals to determine pace.  He also made us aware of using various splits (even more frequently than mile splits) to maintain a set pace.  This training has been very good for my running in general, and will certainly benefit me as a pacer.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I truly enjoy running, and I love to talk to other runners.  After 15 marathons, I have a few stories to tell. I will keep the mood light and help the group come in on time.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Come prepared to have fun. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Te biggest thing that I tell new runners is not to start to count down the miles.  Before you run it sounds so tempting to say that at 20 miles you only have a 10k left (and we all know that we can run a 10K!).  When you get to 20, you will not feel the same way, and if you do, the mood will change by 23!  Live in the mile you are running and do not think ahead.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I am on my church Finance Council, and I support a wide variety of charities.