Where are you from?

Flint, MI

Current P.R.

1:41:48 (half)

Typical pace

7:50/mile

Number of marathons

1 (4 halves)

Occupation

High School Mathematics Teacher

Favorite marathon

Grand Rapids

Hobbies

Family, Running, and Disney

Favorite Running Food

Fettuccini Alfredo

What are you reading now?

Natural Born Runners

Who do you train with?

John Hair and Cory Kuzinski, the Davison Area Running Club

Personal goals

Break 1:40 in half, break 75 in the Crim

A quotation you like…

If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. -Matthew 5:41

Why do you run?

I run because I love the feeling after a run.  It relieves stress, keeps me fit, and allows me to network and meet new runners and new people.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Since I’ve only run one marathon, my favorite memory from the GRM was taking the 8 Gummy Bears that were offered to me on the course at 23 miles.  They were the best, most fantastic, nourishing, and refreshing Gummy Bears that I have ever eaten.

Why do you pace?

I pace because I can help people achieve their goals!  I remember running the Crim 10-15 years ago, and I can now see how running with a pacer would’ve been beneficial to me.  Also, I ran the 2012 Capital City Half Marathon and ran with the 8:00 pacer.  That experience changed my running career.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

As mentioned before, I ran with Craig and Sam who were the 8:00 pacers at the CCRR half marathon in Lansing.  They were dressed as doctors, and for the first five miles, I let them go.  I did not think I could keep up with them.  After 8 miles, I caught them, tagged on until the end, and they chatted with me and encouraged me to the finish line.  They helped me run a 1:44 half.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

You should run in our pace group if you have a goal to break 2 hours in a half marathon!  If you feel that 9:09/mile is an attainable pace, join us!  We will be together until the end, when you sprint to the finish and beat me to the line.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Pace yourself, and run the tangents.  Surprisingly, running the shortest distance on the road can save 5-10 seconds per mile.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am currently the Pacing Teams Coordinator for the Crim Festival of Races 10-mile.  The Crim 10-mile is the 4^th largest 10-mile in the US, and next year in 2016, we are looking to set an attendance record at the 40^th Crim. I have run 22 consecutive 10-milers, starting when I was 14, and love everything that the Crim has to offer.  It truly is the best day that Flint, Michigan has during the entire year.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I love playing bass in the worship band at my local church, Journey Ministries.