Rogue of the week questions:
What is your favorite distance and why?
I don’t have a favorite distance per se. I love runs that challenge me mentally or physically. It could be a 4-6 miles in the Smokies or 30 miles from Hilliard through Dublin to Worthington and back in search of hills and distance.
What do you struggle with most in running?
I struggle with consistency when I don’t have a specific purpose for training, so I always lose out on the benefits of having a consistently strong aerobic and VO2 foundation to build on for race season.
Do you rotate shoes and if so what is in your current rotation?
I train in New Balance 1080s until I start getting soreness in my knees/Achilles & calves (around 350ish miles), then I buy a new pair that I use for long distances, 10+ miles, and my old pair for short distances below 10 miles.
Do you have a mantra that you use when you are racing/training?
“Veni Vidi Vici”
“Anyone can go when it’s easy”
“One more step”
Do you ever feel unmotivated to train and if so how do you overcome it?
Not as long as I have a purpose. I’ve always been a solo runner and being part of Rogue has helped me stay motivated with group runs and challenges.
What is the best thing running has given you?
Mental toughness and an outlet for depression.
What is your favorite race you have participated in and why?
Chicago Marathon – the crowd is amazing and lines the street from end-to-end
How did you get started in running?
I ran XC in HS to train for wrestling.
What is your favorite running workout?
Long and hilly and 12x800m/6X1000M VO2 intervals
How many marathons have you run?
4
Who is your favorite professional runner?
Scott Jurek
What are the craziest race conditions you have had to endure?
I haven’t faced any race conditions that have been too crazy. I did a 12 mi training run on a morning when the temps had dropped to about 5 degrees, about 4” of snow had fallen and another 4” by the end.
Do you have a goal race you haven’t done yet and why do you want to do it?
Aside from the majors – Boston and NYC, Pikes Peak is my goal marathon. The race starts at about 7,000’ elevation and races to 14,111’ for the first 13.1 miles and then back down again and I want to set the course record for Ohioan racers, which has stood since 1986.
I may also attempt to qualify/run Western States 100
Do you listen to music while you run and if so, what music gets you pumped up for a race?
Not typically, but occasionally – I listen to fast paced aggressive music that is NSFW, lol
