Where are you from? Teaneck, NJ, but I grew up in Los Angeles
Current P.R. 3:36 for a full marathon; 1:37 for a half.
Typical pace Whatever feels right today.
Number of marathons 7
Occupation High School Principal
Favorite marathon So far, Miami! Just partied the whole way…
Hobbies Running (obviously), baking sourdough (like everyone else since Covid), homebrewing beer, and playing guitar poorly
Favorite Running Food Before running: Peanut Butter!!! During: I’ll tolerate gels.
What are you reading now? Barely one page each night before I fall asleep. Do you feel me?
Who do you train with? Primarily my wife and also my running family, Achilles NJ.
Personal goals? Running an ultra-marathon before I’m 50
A quotation you like… Smile every mile.
Why do you run? I began running to spend more time with my wife, who always seemed to disappear for hours every Sunday. Now I run for my health as well as the amazing psychological benefits. Time to think (or not think) every morning is sacred to me.
Describe your best marathon memory. Early in the race in Harrisburg, PA in 2020, I exchanged greetings with a runner who had started in an earlier wave, so he was passing back over a bridge I was just starting. He had an amazing James Harden-style beard, so I told him I liked his style. I saw him again a few miles later, and then again, further into the race. At about mile 16, we crossed paths one more time and he said, “You’re still smiling!” I kept that smile until the finish line.
Why do you pace? I’m extremely grateful for the gift of running as well for the ability I’ve had to achieve my goals, and I want to be able to help others achieve theirs. I also love the camaraderie that forms among runners doing something challenging together.
Tell us your best pacing experience. We have an ultra-runner friend who flew into New York to attempt to set an FKT (Fastest Known Time) for running laps around Central Park. He asked us to join him for his final hours from 9 pm – 1 am on a Saturday night. When we arrived at Central Park, our friend had already been running counter-clockwise around the park for almost 14 hours straight, and he had entered that foggy stage of ultra-running where he didn’t really know if and when we were coming. We ran clockwise to meet up with him. It was dark. The park was virtually deserted. As our friend came up over a small hill, he saw us and almost exploded with joy. The next five miles flew by for him. It felt great to help support someone doing something incredible. Needless to say, he crushed the record.
Why should someone run in your pace group? If you thrive on the support of the group and positive vibes, this group is for you. I can talk about your favorite subject to help distract you or I can be quiet to help you focus. I’ll be there for you encouraging you every step of the way.
Any tips for runners about to join your group? There’s a ton of good advice out there, but not every piece of advice will work for you. Find your jam and follow it. And most of all, be grateful that you get to do this amazing thing.
Anything else you’d like to share? I’m a husband and dad. We have four kids ranging from 18 years old to 8. We also usually have a dog.
What philanthropic activities do you have? Among other things, our family supports Achilles NJ as well as Team Lifeline. We have a child with Type 1 diabetes, and Team Lifeline’s support to our family and others has helped immeasurably.