Where are you from?

Baltimore, Maryland

Current P.R. 3:29:11

Typical pace

~4 hour marathon

Number of marathons

7

Occupation

High School Teacher

Favorite marathon

Baltimore Marathon

Hobbies

Paddling, gardening, home improvement

Favorite Running Food

Perogies

What are you reading now?

Operation Mincemeat

Who do you train with?

Baltimore Pacemakers

Personal goals

To build a cedar strip kayak

A quotation you like…

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” - Steve Prefontaine

Why do you run? 

Running not only helps me to maintain my physical health, it has been invaluable for supporting my mental health as well. It has also 

Describe your best marathon memory.

In the 2019 NCR Marathon, I got a little boost of energy from the cheering from my friends at the Baltimore Pacemakers water stop around mile 23. One of our members, Jim Waller, was at the stop playing bagpipes and wearing a kilt. After passing the aid station, I realized that the bagpipes were not getting quieter. I realized then that Jim was running alongside me while he continued to play. I ran for a few seconds locked eyes with Jim and started laughing. The positive feeling from that incident helped me to endure the pain of the last few miles of the race.

Why do you pace?

I like interacting with people and running in these endurance events without the pressure of racing. It’s fun!

Tell us your best pacing experience.

At the 2024 Snacktown Half Marathon in Hanover, PA, I paced the 2 hour group. I started with a fairly large group, many of whom pushed ahead of me during the middle portion of the race. As a result, I was alone, so I focused in the last 2 miles on a couple of runners that seemed like they were running out of steam but pushing hard to reach their goal. I gave some encouragement and advice on fueling and hydrating and was able to bring them in under 2 hours. I also caught one of my initial pace group members in the last ½ mile and helped to keep her focused so that she would finish under 2. After the race, they let me know that they probably would not have met their goal if not for my intervention. That felt pretty good.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

If someone is unsure of how to pace themselves at a particular race distance or enjoys the comradery of running with a group, then pace groups are ideal for meeting their needs.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Smile, have a good time, and be prepared to sing (or endure my singing) at the halfway point, when I lead my groups in singing a part of Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer”

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am deeply involved in helping high school students participating in Model United Nations, which I have found to be very helpful in building confidence, public speaking ability, and developing networking skills that help students as they become life-long learners and leaders.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I donate my time to my local running club (Baltimore Road Runners Club) and support various local organizations in Baltimore through volunteering or participating in fundraising.