Hometown

Sarasota, FL

Current P.R.

2:59 Kiawah in 2009

Where were you born?

Morgantown, WV

Number of marathons

Fortysomething

Birthday

November 29th

Favorite marathon

Boston (close 2^nd is marathon after Ironman Triathlon)

Typical pace

3:15 - 3:40

Favorite running music

I’m a purist…NO I-pods here, thank you

Occupation

Insurance Sales Exec.

Favorite running food

Power gels

Any hobbies?

Distance running, traveling, kayaking

Who do you train with?

There is a huge running community in Sarasota.  However, I train a few times a week with 3 great runners, including one that just finished the Leadville 100 Ultra marathon

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

Slight Edge

A quotation you like…

“To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.”

Personal goals

Run 100-marathons, all 50-states

Why do you run?

To stay healthy..it’s a great life-long sport.  I love the competition and pushing my body to the limit.  I enjoy seeing others get involved in the sport and helping them find the joy of distance running.

Describe your best marathon memory.

It’s easier to describe the worst…I’ve had a few.  But the best would have to be when I was the overall male winner of the Florida Marathon in 2008 on a hot & hilly central Florida course.  I was in 8^th place at the turn-around and fought my way up to second with less than 2-miles to go.  I was feeling terrible and wanting to quit, but I kept pushing the pace despite the pain.  At mile 25.5, I caught the leader, never looked back and got my first (non-age group) win. 

Why do you pace?

I enjoy helping others achieve their running goals.  Whether it’s the first-timer or the vet trying to get the qualifying time to Boston, I get a lot of personal satisfaction in their success.  Crossing the finish line is an amazing experience, that never gets old.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

After pacing 15-times, I’ve had several.  One of my most recent was when I ran with a guy who was trying to qualify for Boston.  He had been there before, but not in several years.  Several years ago he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and they didn’t think he was going to live.  Somehow he pulled through, but the road to recovery was long.  Just as he was getting his fitness back and was going to start running again, he was hit by a car while riding his bike.  He had some major broken bones, which required surgery and more months of rehab.  He finally was able to run again and starting training for his first race since before he got sick.  The marathon where he was relying on me to get him back to Boston.  We did it and it was a great feeling and a huge celebration with his family at the finish line.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Simple, if they want to run my time, all they have to do is stay with me.  They don’t even need a watch!  If they want an experienced marathoner, that can click off consistent miles, and offer tons of encouragement, then they’ll enjoy running with me.  I’m extremely disciplined and will push myself and others to go beyond what they think is possible. I love running and enjoy talking about the sport.  My strategy is to run even mile splits, without banking time, and then getting the adrenaline rush as we start passing all those runners that went out way too fast.  I will offer a lot of encouragement and help my runners stay focused on their goal. I will share as many experiences as I can to help make those around me better runners.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Make sure your body is trained and capable of running the 26.2 in your goal time.  Stay close to me and I promise to get you there.  Bring a great attitude and get ready to have a good time.