What is your favorite distance and why?
140.6 Full Ironman distance triathlon. Because it is such a long race you have to pace yourself and each of the 3 disciplines mix it up enough that it almost feels like you get a break when you transition from one sport to the next.
What do you struggle with most in running?
Keeping motivated to run. I’m fast enough to qualify for Boston but not fast enough to actually run it – so far anyway. It’s frustrating to meet the “qualifying standards” but still not make the cut.
Do you rotate shoes and if so what is in your current rotation?
If I’m lucky enough to have found a pair of shoes that work really well for me I’ll stockpile them and will rotate them somewhat regularly.
Do you have a mantra that you use when you are racing/training?
What’s a mantra? Just kidding, I know what they are but do not have one.
Do you ever feel unmotivated to train and if so how do you overcome it?
Frequently. There are far more things to do in a day than there are hours to do them. I overcome it through my training schedule. If it’s on the schedule, it will get done. This is very much along the lines of “Failing to plan is planning to fail”.
What is the best thing running has given you?
It’s given me a group of friends and an excuse to get out and do something that’s good for me. It’s far too easy to get buried by life and forget to take any time for yourself. Running is a good release and it’s great to have a group of friends who help pick you up and encourage each other to grow.
What is your favorite race you have participated in and why?
Beach to Battleship-2014. It was my first 140.6 in Wilmington, NC. I’d initially trained to do this race in 2013 but was struck by a car while riding my bike 13 days before the race so I was not able to do it that year. My girlfriend did the race and I was able to be spectate but not participate. I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to get back into pre-accident condition so 2014 was part of my “comeback year” where I was proving to myself that I wasn’t going to be stopped and it worked. I took almost a half hour off my marathon time and completed my first 140.6 in the same year. I’d call that a comeback.
How did you get started in running?
A friend of mine from work was training to do his first half marathon (Columbus) and ask me if I wanted to join him on his training runs. For whatever strange reason, I decided to join him. End result, he backed out of that race due to injury and I still ran it. I kept training and the next year ran my first full marathon at Columbus. Been running ever since. I really didn’t run much in grade school and when I did I was the sprinter – 100 meter or long jump I could do, just don’t ask me to run all the way around the track back then. I guess things change…
What is your favorite running workout?
Hill repeats. I absolutely hate hills but am good at them and they’re great training.
How many marathons have you run? 24 marathons to date, averaging 3 per year since I started in 2011
Who is your favorite professional runner?
I don’t really follow many of the pros but I do have to admire Meb for still being out there as an older professional runner.
What are the craziest race conditions you have had to endure?
Thus far I’ve been rather lucky. Other than the snow/ice or 80+ degree days I haven’t really had any truly nasty race conditions.
Do you have a goal race you haven’t done yet and why do you want to do it?
Boston is still at the top of my bucket list. I also want to complete the World Marathon Majors, I still need Boston, London and Tokyo to finish the set.
Do you listen to music while you run and if so, what music gets you pumped up for a race?
No. Headphones/music are against the rules in Ironman races so I got used to running without it.
