When did you begin running and why?
I began running in the sixth grade, when I joined my middle school cross country team at 11 years old. My parents encouraged me to do it because they thought I would be really good at it. I don't know how good I actually am, but I am certainly better at running than I am at most other sports.
How did you find out about DCRRC and when did you join?
My wife Kelly and I joined DCRR in late 2010. Kelly found the club before I did, and she brought me to a training run sometime in December of that year.
What are you training for right now?
Shortly after I started running long distances at a fairly high level, in the early 2010s, I experienced strange pain in my right ankle that plagued me for the better part of six years. I ultimately needed an osteochondral defect repair surgery in 2018 that necessitated a second repair procedure in 2021, which ultimately preceded two hip labrum surgeries in 2023. My 40s have been very challenging. Right now, I am just trying to get to a point where I can sustain over 25 miles per week of running. Once I get there, we'll talk about training.
What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
The 2012 California International Marathon. The weather was biblically bad, and this was right at the start of my ankle problems, so my training was a mess. Got 20 miles in and stopped and started walking in the rain. A nice family took me to their house, soaking wet and sobbing. They clothed me and drove me to the finish. I guess the whole day was kind of biblical.
What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
Running is punk rock. Grab a pair of shoes, and go. No prior experience necessary. All are welcome, and everyone can do this.
What is your favorite route in the area?
I deny the notion of routes, and my half marathon trainees know this. When I run, I start by going this way, and then I turn and go that way, and then oftentimes, I will go over there, too. The Arlington Triangle is a lot of fun, though.
What race day traditions do you have?
I eat a small breakfast, drink one cup of coffee, and listen to some loud shoegaze while getting dressed. I'll conclude the playlist with New Order's "Regret," because, kids, when you race, there should be nothing that you regret.
What is your favorite post-race meal?
Back when I was young, I would only allow myself to eat a bacon cheeseburger with fries if I set a PR. I think that meal still tops the list even though I have lightened up on the rule. It's been a long time since I set a PR--too long to go without a bacon cheeseburger.
What is your proudest running moment?
Finishing the 2015 New York Marathon.
What is your favorite running book and/or movie?
Eh, I don't know. Sports movies (and books) aren't really my thing. Christopher McDougall's Born to Run is necessary, right? The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young, the 2014 documentary, is also pretty great. Outside of that, the opening scene of Trainspotting is quite excellent.
What is your life like outside of running?
I'm a former American literature professor, and I still read a lot. After a break of about 20 years, I started taking drum lessons again this past April, which is a lot of fun. Kelly and I live happily and calmly in DC with our many cats. We've lived here now for over 25 years, which makes DC home. There's a lot of great running here.
