Hometown

These Days, Pickerington, Ohio

Current P.R.

2:57 (Ah to be young!)

Where were you born?

Melbourne, Australia

Number of marathons

150+ Marathons, 30+ Ultras and over 70 Triathlons, 2 Ironmans, 8 Half Ironmans, plus many more Biathlons and short course races.

Birthday

May 7th

Favorite marathon

Akron, Road Runner Marathon, a very well organized marathon, best value also.

Typical pace

Between 3:45 to 4:00

Favorite running music

The conversations with others

Occupation

Owner/operator of Marathon Media, a digital printer

Favorite running food

Ensure drink and fish for protein

Any hobbies?

Running, hobby farming

Who do you train with?

Pacer Paul Carringer and 3 other friends of varying abilities

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

The Bible

A quotation you like…

“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should” – a training go by to prevent overtraining.

Personal goals

I've been targeting the 12 and 24 hour Ultra races hoping to break their course records. Long term I hope to go back to The Hawaii Ironman Triathlon with my daughter when she is old enough to compete!

Why do you run?

I enjoy being extra fit, but I also really enjoy the friendships I have made along the way. Also I like to challenge myself.

Describe your best marathon memory.

About 10 years ago I paced the Columbus Marathon. Months before I had gone through 2 cancer related operations and had only gone off all the medications preventing me from any training one week before the race. So I called the pace team director and explained that I was unlikely to finish the race but could I hold my spot so I could at least start the race. Without any current training I was given a 4:15 pace time and another pacer in the same time slot to shadow me. The group I had were so supportive to me that I ended up running the whole event with a group who refused to give up as they said I was the one with all the excuses not them! My group was huge (the other pacer didn’t make it – some irony). I entered a race to support others and they ended up giving me incredible support and motivation to go on. I couldn’t walk properly for 3 days afterward, but it was worth it!

Why do you pace?

I want to give back to a sport I enjoy so much, and have so much experience that I can share with runners along the way to their personal goals. It’s also fun to meet new faces, tell jokes and partake in their victories.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

At the Shamrock Marathon, Virginia Beach about 22 miles into the race I had about 18 runners running in a straight line behind me drafting against a strong head wind over a long tall bridge. One of the few times that people was grateful for me to “Break Wind”!

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I pride myself on keeping within 3 seconds of my pace all the way, that’s a given. But it’s my dumb jokes that tend to motivate you to run faster than the group to just get away! I also hand out lots of running tips and tactics throughout the marathon, keeping conversation going and helping distract the runners from the grueling parts of the race. Being an Australian also tends to initiate a lot of questions, with which I am happy to answer (even if I just make it up!)

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Bring a small water bottle so you don’t have to get water at the first few miles as they are always too crowded and accident hazards. Bring joke books!

Anything else you'd like to share?

My goal is to have fun while sharing in your marathon achievement, so join my group and I will give my best to attain that goal!
:-)