When did you begin running and why?
My earliest recollection of childhood running was winning a short indoor dash at age 5. During college and early professional life years, running was purely for exercise, and solely focused on very short distance. Over time, I progressively ran longer distances. My ‘turning point’ was in 2008 when I completed my first ever marathon (Marine Corps Marathon). I continued running more marathons in subsequent years. Running helps me to escape from the mundane daily work life, allows me to make new friends in a very inclusive and supportive community, and gives me a sense of goal, direction, purpose and self-accomplishment.
How did you find out about DCRRC and when did you join?
I found out about DCRRC when I was training solo for the 2012 Chicago marathon and wanted company for long runs. I joined the club in June of that year for that purpose. The free member races appealed me so much that I remained a member in subsequent years.
What are you training for right now?
Tobacco Road Marathon (NC, May 2021) and RnR Nashville Marathon (TN, date TBD in Fall 2021). Both races were canceled in 2020 and deferred to this year. They will be states #19 and #20 in my 50-marathon quest.
What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
In 2015, I did two back-to-back marathons in 2 days in 2 states (Maine and New Hampshire). In Day 2, the sky opened up and a deluge ensued. Lightning strikes were nearby, and loud thunders followed. It felt as if I was running through a war zone, with cannons and bombs exploding nearby, and loud sounds of trees crackling with every thunder. I was very scared for my life, and every lighting strike made me duck or briefly drop to the ground. The roads flooded, and I had to run through large ankle-deep water ‘puddles’ in the middle of the road. During that time and in the spurt of the moment, I learned that striking the ground heel first followed by toes landing helps in pushing the water away from the shoe and causing less wetness (same effect as car tires pushing water away to prevent hydroplaning). The race had to be stopped briefly until the worst passed.
What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
Running has taught me that dedication, commitment and hard work pay off. I am not afraid to get uncomfortable and push beyond my limits. My guiding principle in life is a product of my years of running: “You don't become great by trying to be great. You become great by wanting to do something, then doing it so hard that you become great in the process.”
What is your favorite route in the area?
My favorite route for long runs is the Rock Creek Trail, from Rock Creek Regional Park in Derwood MD to DC. I also like the Capital Crescent Trail, and the C&O Towpath.
What race day traditions do you have?
Lay out all my running gear and apparel on a bed, looking like a ‘flat Kam.’ It makes it easier the next morning to get dressed, because I always get nervous and apprehensive on race day.
What is your favorite post-race meal?
Anything crunchy and salty. Bags and bags of potato chips together with sports drink or soda.
What is your proudest running moment?
Every time I cross the finish line in a marathon race, I get tearful and emotional, because of the proud accomplishment, and for remembering my Dad whose memory often comes to me during a race.
What is your favorite running book and/or movie?
Favorite movie: Spirit of the Marathon (2007). Excellent for self-inspiration before my marathon races.
“When you cross that finish line, no matter how slow, no matter how fast, it will change your life forever.” – Dick Beardsley.
What is your life like outside of running?
When not running, I am the parent of two elementary school age children, always trying to help them learn and expand their world beyond just ‘staying home.’ In my professional life, I do engineering consulting work for communications and public transit industries, and teach part time at Montgomery College (Rockville, MD).
