When did you begin running and why?
My running adventures began in summer 2008 when I ran a mile or less to warm up before going to weightlift. These runs soon became 3 to 4 mile runs as an add-on cardio regimen. At some point I discussed how my running had progressed with a co-worker, who suggested I run the Richmond Half Marathon that fall. I ran it, loved it, and really just kept going.
How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I've known about DCRR and participated several of the club races over the last few years, which I probably discovered through internet searches looking for local races. I finally joined about a year ago because I really wanted to compete in the Bunion Derby series.
What are you training for right now?
Cherry Blossom Ten Miler is about all I have on tap right now. It's a very light spring schedule for me.
What is the toughest run or race you've ever participated in?
The 2010 Capitol Ale House Ten Miler. I believed in the hype of the first version Vibram Five Fingers and ran in them at this race. By mile 7, I was looking for any patches of grass because my feet hurt so bad. Through the absolute misery I somehow kept going, but from when I finished and for the subsequent five days, I could not walk like a normal person and running was never an option. That was the first and last time I wore Vibrams.
What's your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
I'd have to agree with everyone else, it's the camaraderie. Knowing everyone is so approachable is why enjoy participating in all the events from the races, volunteering, happy hours, relays and awards ceremonies.
What's your favorite route in the area?
The Lake Accotink Trail with the surrounding sections of the CCT is my home base. I can do almost any workout on this course.
What's the most important lesson running has taught you?
I'm a bit bias, but it's that my wife Laurel is the greatest support system a runner could ever ask for. I have no idea how, but she has on a daily basis put up with my runner mood swings, runger, the mounds of running clothes and gear that have swallowed up half of the basement, incessant talk about running, and let me go run the miles I need to maintain my sanity. She has gone to the large majority of my races to be my sherpa and has never complained despite standing in subzero temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, dead heat, or watching a toddler for extended period of time on a trail in the middle of nowhere. She has always congratulated me when I do well and encouraged me when I in my mind performed poorly. Rather impressive for a non-runner.
What race day traditions do you have?
No matter the distance, a bagel smeared with peanut butter and a banana two hours before a race has been the constant.
What's your proudest running moment?
The 2011 Marine Corps Marathon, where I obtained both my first Boston Marathon qualification and my first sub-3 hour marathon. My fastest marathon was a 3:24 seven months prior to MCM, but with a solid training block, I felt I could obtain both despite my mind telling me it was at best a long shot. I kept in the 6:40s for 24 miles and the low 7:00s for the last two miles, all the while just waiting to hit the wall and end my bid for what I hoped to get. It somehow never came enroute to a 26 minute PR, truly making this my race where it all came together.
What's your life like outside of running?
I am the perfect example of middle-class life. I work that routine eight hour, five days a week government job and come home to spend time with the wife and daughter. The three of us are always doing something on the weekends, whether we are spending time with our families or going out with friends. If I get some "me time", I'm propped up on the couch watching sports or doing a house project.
What is one thing you wouldn't run without?
Socks. The runs where I failed to run with them had an all too early ending with very unpleasant blisters to serve as reminder.
