Where are you from?

Naperville, Illinois

Current P.R.

2:54:12 (lifetime PR)

Typical pace

3:30–4:00

Number of marathons

64

Occupation

Financial engineer

Favorite marathon

Boston Marathon

Hobbies

Karate, travel

Favorite Running Food

Pasta

What are you reading now?

Do hard things

Who do you train with?

Jing Qiu

Personal goals

Keep challenging myself and help more runners achieve their marathon goals.

A quotation you like…

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

Why do you run?

Running began as a personal challenge and became an important part of my life. It has taken me to incredible places, introduced me to wonderful people, and taught me discipline and perseverance. After more than 60 marathons and ultras, I still find something new to appreciate in every race. What started as a pursuit of personal goals has grown into a passion for helping others achieve theirs.

Describe your best marathon memory.

My favorite marathon memories are no longer necessarily personal records. They are the moments when runners I have paced realize their hard work is paying off. Seeing their smiles and relief at the finish line, knowing I played a small part in helping them reach their goals, is deeply rewarding. Those moments stay with me long after the race.

Why do you pace?

After years of chasing my own marathon goals, I discovered that helping others reach theirs can be even more rewarding. Pacing is my way of giving back to the running community. I enjoy the responsibility of running consistent splits, but what I value most is encouraging runners through difficult moments and celebrating their accomplishments. Their success becomes my success.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

Pacing the 3:40 group at the 2026 New York City Marathon was especially memorable. The energy along the five-borough course was incredible, but my job was to stay focused on our goal. I crossed the finish line in 3:39:17, just 43 seconds ahead of the target. More important than the clock was knowing that I had helped runners stay on track toward goals they had worked so hard to achieve.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Experience, consistency, and encouragement! I have paced multiple editions of the London, New York, Chicago, and Berlin Marathons, as well as Sydney and numerous other races. I take accurate pacing seriously while keeping the atmosphere positive. I will help you avoid starting too fast, stay focused when the miles get tough, and aim for a strong finish. My goal is to take the guesswork out of pacing so you can enjoy your race.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Trust your training, respect the distance, and do not get carried away at the start. Keep the early miles comfortable, fuel consistently, and focus on one mile at a time. When it gets tough, draw strength from the runners around you. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the journey!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Boston is my favorite marathon. I love the small-town feel of the early miles, the unforgettable Wellesley Scream Tunnel, and the challenge of Heartbreak Hill. I have also been fortunate to pace races around the world. Each one is an opportunity to meet people, share stories, and make lasting memories. Outside running, I enjoy karate, hiking, and travel.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I donate to the Wind Runner Group and The Salvation Army, volunteer with Burrito Brigade Chicago, and give back to the running community by serving as a volunteer marathon pacer.