Hometown

Kalamazoo, MI

Current P.R.

2:37:32 – 2010 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

Where were you born?

Dayton, OH

Number of marathons

72 and 12 ultramarathons

Favorite marathon

2010 and 2012 Indy Monumental, 2010 Grand Rapids, 2013 Chicago, Akron every year!

Typical pace

2:59, 3:05, 3:10, or 3:15 pace teams – when I train and race, it varies depending on distance and how my body feels

Favorite running music

Classic rock – I do not run with music or IPOD, however – listening to my body and surroundings make me a more “tuned-in athlete”

Occupation

Personal Trainer and Running Coach

Favorite running food

Banana + PB and oranges

Any hobbies?

Running, triathlon, yoga, listening to classic rock music

Who do you train with?

Usually solo, sometimes I run with my triathlon team friends

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

Rush: Rock Music & The Middle Class – I also read “Running Times” monthly

A quotation you like…

“Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.”

“Pain is Temporary; Glory is Forever.”

Personal goals

Run 100 sub-3:00 marathons; Continue pacing healthy to lead and inspire other runners

Why do you run?

I love running and triathlon! I run for health, performance and social reasons. Running helps me stay focused and clear my head. I enjoy the challenge of training and racing. It’s rewarding to run a PR, place overall or age group at races. I have met so many great people and friends because of running and triathlon.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Too many to list for various reasons...every marathon is special to me! Detroit 2004 – my first marathon, running a 2:49:48 BQ. Boston 2005 – you never forget your first Boston (2:54:50)...runners’ euphoria

Indy Monumental 2010 – 2:37:32 PR marathon and 1^st M 30-34 AG. Ironman Wisconsin 2008 – I became an Ironman at that marathon finish line. J

Why do you pace?

I really enjoy pacing! It is very rewarding to motivate other runners, help them reach their personal goals and give advice and leadership.  Pacers are mentors and coaches for other marathoners;helping people run a PR or BQ is very fulfilling.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

2013 Chicago Marathon 3:00 Pace Team - We had a large group of solid runners and we paced very consistently. Chicago is epic and weather was great! A runner I was coaching caught us at 6 miles. Charles ran by my side to the finish, running his sub-3:00 in 2:58:51! His previous PR was 3:19. Amazing day for him and he was so thankful for my coaching/pacing to reach his 26.2 goal. Way to go Charles!

Why should someone run in your pace group?

You will receive excellent coaching, advice and leadership by running with my group. I will give motivation, energy and provide a fun group to run with. I will pace consistently for optimal marathon performance to help you reach your goals.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

My advice for all marathoners.....trust your training, relax, and enjoy race day and the marathon experience. You will be pleasantly surprised. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

I LOVE music! Classic rock/metal, new wave and harmony/vocal pop. Music is written from the soul, for the soul. There’s no other feeling than when you “connect” to a song – fully understanding lyrics and grooving with instrumentation – the “ah-ha” moment when you realize the artist’s feelings when his/her song was written. “Life is a mystery to be lived, not a puzzle or problem to be figured out!” J