Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. (Where you’re from, what you’re doing now…etc)
A: I have 3 amazing daughters and a beautiful, supportive wife. We moved to Deadwood 3 years ago with my job. We have lived in Utah, Maine, Canada, Missouri and California as a family. Deadwood is home, where we will raise our girls and see them graduate High School.
Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
A: I was the chubby kid that ditched school when we were forced to run the mile. I have run off and on since I was 21, but have run seriously and consistently since moving to the Black Hills. I run to stay healthy, mentally and physically. I want to live a long, healthy, active life with my girls. Running allows me to do that.
Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone?
A: I like to run by myself or with my family. I prefer small town races to big city races.
Q: Do you prefer roads or trails?
A: I love trails and dirt roads. I consider the Mickelson trail my second home.
Q: What is your favorite distance or race?
A: When road racing, I love the half marathon. My favorite trail race is the Tushars Mountain Runs. Last year I ran the marathon, this year I am running the 70K. It’s a challenging mountain ultra that tops out at Delano peak at 12,169ft.
Q: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
A: I think about the example that I am setting for my daughters. I want to set a good example by eating right and being active. You can’t do that sitting on the sofa.
Q: If I didn’t run I’d ………..
A: Die! I tweaked my knee after the Lean Horse 50 last year and it took 3 solid months of hard work and patience to get back to running. It drove me absolutely insane.
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about running?
A: I love hitting new PB’s during training runs and new PR’s during races. I love to see all my hard work and effort pay off, even if it’s just a second shaved off.
Q: Do you have a pre-race ritual?
A: Waiting in line for the honey bucket. Isn’t that every runners pre-race ritual?
Q: What are your running goals for the future?
A: This years goal is to run the entire Mickelson Trail from beginning to end in 24 hours or less. Next year’s goal is to become a Leadman by competing in and completing the Leadville series.
Q: Who inspires you most?
A: My Sister Jacci. She is a double amputee below the knee. We raised money on our Blades4Jacci Facebook page last year, so that she could receive running blades. This year we are running the California International marathon together in December. Her first full as an amputee.
Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
A: Slow and steady wins the race. Be the tortoise not the hair. Take your time and build up your mileage and speed slowly. Be happy with the small gains and never give up