Where are you from?

Brecksville, OH

Current P.R.

3:22 / 1:31

Typical pace

8:00-9:00

Number of marathons

6

Occupation

Corporate Controller

Favorite marathon

San Diego Rock n Roll because it was my first

Hobbies

Crossfit, Motorcycles, Trail Running, Adventure Races, Triathlons, Classic Cars, Mountain Biking

Favorite Running Food

Chicken Parmesan

What are you reading now?

Studying for the CPA & CMA exams

Who do you train with?

Run solo mostly but we have many weekly trail running groups in the area I run with when time permits.

Personal goals

Keep running into my old age, Boston, Comrades, Ironman, some day run a full with each of my kids or my whole family of 6.

A quotation you like…

“That sucked.  My legs hurt so bad.  Totally worth it.”  - Myself and many

 runners I’ve talked too.

Why do you run?

To get more out of life.  It gives me energy, confidence, time alone, personal fulfillment, attainable goals, and a sense of achievement that makes work and family more enjoyable.  Plus, to be a good example for my kids.

Describe your best marathon memory.

Nothing compares to that final stretch with crowds of cheering people on either side and the finish line in sight.  Raise your arms and soak it all in.  On a bad day, I can close my eyes and remember that scene from my first marathon, my wife’s first, and my last when I knocked 9 minutes off my PR.  Those memories can give you a warm feeling anytime. 

Why do you pace?

To help other people capture that same euphoria.  The only thing better than breaking a new personal barrier or achieving a life goal is helping someone else do it.  The look on their faces, that feeling they’ll carry for the rest of their lives.  It’s irreplaceable and can’t be bought.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

Running next to my wife through her first marathon.  Side by side, carrying food, gels, water bottles, encouraging her at first and then leaving her alone later on.  I wore a shirt that said “Cheer for Shannon’s first 26.2!”  People we didn’t know we’re yelling “Go Shannon!” and she did great.  It was awesome.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Because we’ll enjoy the journey and hit the pace, guaranteed.  Every marathon I've paced have been on target every time, having finished many more with a few trail ultras mixed in there too.  Most of all we'll have fun.  I'll provide coaching, distraction, steady splits, encouragement, and anything else I can think of to help you finish with a smile.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Prepare, prepare, prepare.  Practice your race routine to avoid surprises.  Get the training in, and bring a positive attitude.  No bitching about weather, or hills allowed.  We don’t run 26.2 because it’s easy.  We’ll overcome anything, happily, because I want everyone in the group at the start to be there at the finish. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

If you can do 26.2, you can do anything.  Seriously.  Follow the same formula of setting a big goal, put in the work to get there and nothing can stop you given enough time and desire.