Where were you born?

Fort Wayne,  IN

Number of marathons

40 plus with a few ultras

Birthday

November 12th

Favorite marathon

Boston, Tecumseh Trail, Detroit Free Press

Typical pace

 3:40 to 3:50

Favorite running music

Most anything upbeat--no country, please

Occupation

teacher :  middle school and college math

Favorite running food

I use energy bars on the long runs, sometimes sport beans.  Pastas leading up to marathon events.

Any hobbies?

running, most sports, game activities;  landscaping

Who do you train with?

I train with members of the Opportunity Enterprises Running Team (charity organization) in Valparaiso, IN of which I am the running coordinator.  We have 475 members this year who train for the Chicago marathon.

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

I have no favorite but enjoy mysteries, sports, magazines

A quotation you like…

"It's not how fast or how far you run that matters...it's what running does for you.  It's how running makes you feel."  --Runners World

Personal goals

Continue teaching for up to 10 years,  Pacing for various marathons ,  more traveling

Why do you run?

Years ago,I used to run alone with the purpose being to control my weight and to stay in some kind of decent shape.  Over the years it has gone from using running to compete to running with others for enjoyment.  I am now helping others with running by serving as a running coordinator and also as a Pacer for various marathons.  Running has helped me to relieve stress, control my weight and enjoy the outdoors but it has allowed me to create countless friendships with others who enjoy running.

Describe your best marathon memory.

My best marathon memory has to deal with running the Tecumseh Trail marathon where I was able to push myself through the rugged terrain, continue at a solid pace throughout, finish strong and earn a first place in age award.

Why do you pace?

I Pace because I realized that my days of trying to get a faster marathon finish time was beyond me. Also, I wanted to keep the enjoyment of running a priority and when the opportunity to pace came along, I found that here was the perfect place to keep running marathons, have a reason to keep training and also help others in the process.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I have many good pacing experiences but I might say that at Detroit and St. Louis I have the opportunity to interact more with runners because they are smaller marathon venues.  I have helped some runners continue when they likely would have backed off if they ran by themselves.  Getting to know runners that hook up with the pace group is fun and there are natural connections that occur because you share the same sport.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I enjoy running marathons.  I feel that people running with me can feel that from me and I run consistently so that those that stay with me will arrive at their goal time.  I possess no special magic nor will I sing, dance or even be the great cheerleader;  however, I will be concerned with doing my role and be a positive support to those that join with me.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Start behind me and finish in front of me, don't get too excited at the start, bring plenty of energy fuel with you and be ready to run a consistent pace throughout.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I have been Pacing for 8 years now.  I have Paced for Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit but have also been asked to pace small groups for other marathons.  I feel most happy that each of my three children have been able to run a marathon with me at various times.  To be able to pass along the marathon experience is rewarding to me.