Where are you from?

State College, PA

Current P.R.

3:07:22

Typical pace

7:30-8:00/mi

Number of marathons

8

Occupation

HS Chemistry Teacher, Drum Instructor

Favorite marathon

Pittsburgh

Hobbies

Family time, drums

Favorite Running Food

GU Vanilla Bean Gels

What are you reading now?

Run Like a PIRATE by Adam Welcome

Who do you train with?

The Nittany Valley Running Club and other running friends.

Personal goals

Make it back to Boston, Run until I’m 80.

A quotation you like…

Give 100%. Life is too dang short for 60%.

Why do you run?

To show my wife, kids, family, and students that anything is possible. To go from 330 lbs. to a marathoner isn’t easy, but it is possible if you are willing to commit to a better lifestyle.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Crossing the finish line at the 2017 Pittsburgh Marathon to see that I had qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Why do you pace?

I pace because I want to help others achieve their goals. I’ve had so many people help me to achieve my goals, now I want to pay it forward.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

None…yet.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Someone should run in my group because I’ve got lots of dumb chemistry and science puns to help ease the tension.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Be prepared to meet your goals, but more importantly, have a memorable and fun marathon experience.

Anything else you’d like to share?

When my son was born in 2010, I weighed in at 330lbs. Now I’m a marathoner, Boston marathoner, and an ultramarathoner. Anything is possible if you’re willing to make the commitment.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

Outside of family time, teaching, and marching band, there’s not a lot of time left. I play drums in my church’s praise band and am becoming more active in my running club – the Nittany Valley Running Club.