Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. (Where you’re from, what you’re doing now…etc)
A: I’m from a small town in East Texas, joined the military in 2006 to see the world. I have traveled to over 50 countries and have lived in some amazing places. I currently work in the Fire Department on Ellsworth AFB.
Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
A: I ran track in middle school and high school. I was a sprinter if you can believe it. I ran the 400×1, 400×4, and solo 400. Once I joined the military I became an over achiever and ran the required 1.5 mile PT test every year (that’s it). In 2018 I ran my first half marathon and I never looked back.
Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone?
A: I do like to go for a run by myself and get lost in my thoughts or a podcast, but there is nothing like running in a group. The people you meet while running are nothing short of amazing. And… People tend to air out all their dirty laundry while running, it’s a great time to learn some secrets (don’t worry they are safe with me)! 😁
Q: Do you prefer roads or trails?
A: Oh I LOVE the trails, there’s nothing better than being away from everything out in nature! As long as the trails are mostly dry I try to get out there at least once a week all year long.
Q: What is your favorite distance or race?
A: I really like the Half Marathon distance! It’s probably because I’ve run that distance so many times and in some really cool places. It’s also what got my whole running journey started!
Q: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
A: That’s a very tough question. I find scheduling a run with friends holds me accountable. I also watch a lot of race reports on YouTube, somehow that keeps me motivated.
Q: If I didn’t run I’d ………..
A: Probably still be a weightlifter. I love lifting weights, I abandoned weight training when I got serious with running and have recently picked it back up. I forgot how much I love being under a barbell!
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about running?
A: The food and adult beverages that you get after running a long training run, or any run for that matter. I take running to eat to a whole new level! No Regrets
Q: What is your favorite running memory?
A: My favorite memory is probably my most recent race, as many of you know I finished my first 100 this summer. My wife Bethany stayed awake the whole race, chasing me aid station to aid station to make sure that I was able to achieve my dream. She also paced the last mile with me to ensure we finished what we started together! I will always hold those memories close!
Q: Do you have a pre-race ritual?
A: Steak and Potatoes the night before, two packs of oatmeal the morning of! Hasn’t failed me yet!!! Tried Chick-Fil-A before a race, that did NOT work!
Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you have learned from running?
A: Staying on top of hydration, nutrition, and salts. I found the right balance for me and I stick to it on all long runs and races. I neglected my plan once and ended up with one sock on staring into the abyss!
Q: What is one of your funniest running stories?
A: It’s not necessarily my story, but one that gets told about me. It’s the sock story. I came into an aid station and was dead. Bethany was trying to bring me back to some sort of normal, but I was too far gone. She gave me some food and forced me to eat it while she went to get something else. When she came back I had no shoes on and one sock half way on, staring out into nothing. She tells the story way better, ask her next time you see her!
Q: What are your running goals for the future?
A: I want to kiss the rock at Hard Rock, it’s one of the hardest races in North America. I am running Big Horn in 2022 to get into the Hard Rock lottery.
Q: Who inspires you most?
A: I’m not inspired by the elites running speeds we didn’t think were humanly possible. I like the back of the pack (my comfort zone) runners who just finished the race and were over the moon about it. Someone who trains for their first race and is able to achieve their goals!
Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
A: It’s not that you Have to go run, but that you Get to go run!
Get some bright colors, Jump in the race photos, Talk to someone new, but ultimately HAVE FUN!!!!