When did you begin running and why?
I started running back in 1999 with light jogs a few times a week. Within the next 10 years, I started doing 5Ks and then half marathons, including the Gasparilla Half in Tampa and the Rock n' Roll Half in San Diego. Back in 2018, I decided to try my first marathon in Chicago and got completely hooked, and it's been pretty much a full marathon every year ever since.
How did you find out about DCRRC and when did you join?
I moved back to DC in the summer of 2021 during the pandemic. I was looking into marathon training programs in the DMV area and came across DCRRC. Ever since then, I've been a regular on Saturday morning in the Spring till Fall!
What are you training for right now?
2024 was definitely a year of hardcore activity where I just completed my 3rd Marine Corps Marathon last fall and believe it or not, made it to Everest Base Camp this past Christmas! Trying to ease back into it but this year, I have the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, which is the world's largest 10K where I've been doing it for the past 15 years with the college crew. Figuring out my next marathon for the fall, so TBD…
What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
Hands down, my 2nd Marine Corps Marathon in 2023. I was battling a knee issue and dealing with the excessive heat during the race. It was a rough one but thankfully I crossed the finish line!
What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
Mental resilience. Getting over the mental hump in the last few miles is never easy but if you're able power through, you can crush it. This applies to real life too.
What is your favorite route in the area?
One is Capitol Hains, b/c you're able to go through DC and catch the monuments (and it's pretty flat, and if you're tired during the run, it's easy to get an Uber… kidding), but I am a big fan of "the Awakening". Who doesn't like a good DCCR field trip?? Also, training runs on the Arlington Triangle and Iron Triangle helped on my Everest trip (gotta love those hills).
What is your favorite post-race meal?
Every time my friends and I do the Peachtree Road Race, it's a plate of "Totchos" (tater tot nachos) and a pitcher of Blue Moon at the local bar in Atlanta. And then it's downing Popeye's. After all, they do say the post-race meal is important- whether or not it's healthy, that’s your call :-)
What is your proudest running moment?
My first marathon in Chicago back in 2018! Crossing that finish line was epic. But hands down, not a run, but making it to Everest Base Camp was just amazing, especially with your closest friends in the world. 40 miles of hiking in the cold and elevation was the biggest challenge. My experience with the DCCR crew during Saturday long runs really helped- definitely grateful!!!
What is your life like outside of running?
Usually in my spare time, I do some crazy adventure in the DMV area over weekends, like different happenings in the city, new restaurants, etc. I've been making more of a point to travel more especially to India, where all my extended family is, and some crazy location with my DC crew. Also, I'm involved with different activities at the George Washington University serving as a mentor and advisor for students at the business school.
