Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. (Where you’re from, what you’re doing now…etc.)
I was born and raised in Rushville, NE moved to Hot Springs, SD 1 ½ years ago. I own a couple businesses in NE, Hinn’s Homes, Inc., Prairies Edge Pawn, and am in the process of opening a liquor store in Chadron with my fiancee. I recently got engaged on the top of mount Elbert, the highest mountain in CO.
Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have always ran for sports, but got into distance running as a distraction when I quit chewing tobacco about 15-16 years ago. Had a lot of friends help me along the way.
Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone?
Well, I ran alone a lot and for a long time. Joined runners club to run with others and for the social aspect, There are a few Runner Club members I can run with and talk the whole run!!… I love running with Laura, glad she is also a runner we have some of our best talks on runs. We run almost everyday. It’s OUR time to talk about our days or stuff going on in life..
Q: Do you prefer roads or trails?
I like trails unless they are technical, then I’d rather take a running path. I LOVE the Mickelson Trail!!!
Q: What is your favorite distance or race?
Without a doubt the Deadwood ½ (Thanks Emily!! ;). I prefer 10K’s. Love the Bolder Boulder, but enjoy a lot of 5K’s also.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
I would like to run ONE marathon (ha ha) a flat track at sea level… just stay in shape. And do some Tri’s
Q: Do you have a pre-race ritual?
Oatmeal with peanut butter, coffee. A Gel or sports beans right before the race.
Q: What do you love most about running? What do you like least?
Oh I love the de-stressing and the scenery. I think a lot while running, clears the mind, and like I said above it gives Laura and I time to talk about our day or what’s going on in our lives….Last, ask any of my running buddies, I hated hills! but now where I live my first mile is one long up hill.. Go figure?? Dislike heavy wind in my face, I HATE IT!!!
Q: Who inspires you most?
I have had different people thru the years.. Dick Hoyt comes to mind, Laura’s strong will pushes me.
Q: Do you have any favorite races that you have run?
Vegas ½ on the strip was fun, I run the Bolder Boulder and Deadwood most years, I love them both.
Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
Don’t worry about time at first just get the miles in everyday…. Good running friends Roger H, Gary M. & Dan B. taught me to run negative splits, I used to be a jack rabbit out of the gates, now my first mile is the slowest and I PR’d at this years Deadwood ½ Proof Positive!. I rarely run over 8-9 miles except on race day. But I try to run most days.