Where are you from?

Chicago, IL.

Current P.R.

3:09:12

Typical pace

7:30

Number of marathons

100+

Occupation

Personal trainer

Favorite marathon

Mount Desert Island

Hobbies

Other than running? (ha!) concerts, good books, traveling. 

Favorite Running Food

Honey stinger waffles

What are you reading now?

The Operator by Rob O’neill

Who do you train with?

Various Chicago running groups

Personal goals

Run a BQ, run a sub 3 hour marathon and sub 18 hr 100

A quotation you like…

Trust in what you love. Continue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go.  – Natalie Goldberg

Why do you run?

I’ve been a runner since I can remember.  I love the feeling of being active, enjoy the endorphin rush, and the alone time to just be with my thoughts.

Describe your best marathon memory.

During the Chicago marathon 2005 (at the time sponsored by Lasalle Bank,) Just soaking up the race atmosphere.  Finished the marathon, and didn’t feel anything other than being happy to cross the line.  IT wasn’t until 2 days later that the magnitude of what I had accomplished overcame me, and I was a little teary eyed while running on the treadmill.  It was a good feeling.

Why do you pace?

Other than loving to get a chance to run as often as possible, I enjoy helping first timers cross that finish line or getting a PR.  It is a life changer.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I was pacing a marathon with my friend and fellow 50 state finisher Heather Zeigler.  We were right on pace, at mile 24 we told everyone with us if they were feeling good, to just pick up the pace a little and try to finish in front of us for their sub 4s.  We ran the final 2.2 miles picking up some people who managed to stay with us, crossing the line in 3:59:57.  Perfect day, perfect pacing.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I’ve come to realize that most people, even first timers, want a pacer who knows how to encourage them when needed, and at other times, stay quiet and keep the pace.  If you have been trying and want that elusive sub-4, I’ll get you across that finish line on time.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

I take the first mile a little slower to get into the groove, and generally try to keep even splits, give or take a few seconds.