When did you begin running and why?
I started running in 2015. Before that, I was an avid hiker, spending lots of time in the VA, MD, and CO mountains. However, long distance hikes took too long and I wanted to dabble with going a little faster and less time commitment. The answer for me was trail running – I could get in more miles in a lot less time. My other main driver for getting into running was my son, Matt, who was excelling in high school cross country and track & field as a distance runner during the same time period. He was having so much fun and doing well and it was very inspiring to me.
How did you find out about DCRRC and when did you join?
I joined DCRRC in September 2016. I was looking for a local event to expand into road racing and complement my trail running.
What are you training for right now?
I’m starting a new training cycle in June to prepare for a few fall events – the Taos New Mexico “Bull of the Woods” trail marathon in September, a local 10 mile trail running series across October-November, and maybe a trail 50K in October/November.
What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
Probably the Rocky Gap, MD trail 50k race last October. I started out too fast (runners never do that….), the weather got warmer than expected (salt rings anyone?), and the trail was VERY rocky and root-filled (is it a ‘trail’ race…I wiped out multiple times). It was a pain-filled morning, but I finished!
What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
Every runner has different ways to approach the sport. For me, running has taught me that I have to work hard and be very disciplined and consistent to approach or reach my goals.
What is your favorite route in the area?
I really enjoy running along the Mt. Vernon Trail along the Potomac River in Virginia. I’m fortunate that I can run straight from my door and quickly reach the trail and go either north or south for equally amazing views.
What race day traditions do you have?
My morning pre-race routine is set in stone – wake up 3 hrs before start time, breakfast (oatmeal, bagel w/ peanut butter, and banana), followed by foam rolling and stretching while watching music videos or running clips on Youtube.
What is your favorite post-race meal?
Pizza, pizza, pizza.
What is your proudest running moment?
The 2019 DC Rock & Roll Marathon, when I was able to break 3 hours for the race (2:58:20). I had a really good training cycle leading up to the event and thought I had a chance to break that barrier. I felt prepared and strong and the supportive cheers from family members, spectators, live bands, and aid stations along the way really gave me a mental boost.
What is your favorite running book and/or movie?
Hard to pick one – Born to Run (McDougall) is very good, but I also very much like Running With the Buffaloes (Lear, Colorado XC team), Once A Runner (Parker, fiction), and Running with Sherman (McDougall again). If you haven’t read Running with Sherman, consider giving it a look – it’s not your standard running novel (…Sherman is a donkey).
What is your life like outside of running?
I live in Alexandria with my wife Liz. I work as a senior analyst for the Department of Defense in the District. I still like hiking on vacations out west or in the northeast, reading non-fiction adventure and exploration books, and watching horror movies and Mystery Science Theater 3000!
