Where are you from?

Midland, MI

Current P.R.

2:12:45 Half Marathon

Typical pace

11:30

Number of marathons

5

Occupation

Research Engineer

Favorite marathon

Walt Disney World

Hobbies

Running, cooking, home repair, winemaking, chasing after a toddler

Favorite Running Food

Huma during; beer and pizza after

What are you reading now?

Mostly children’s books to my daughter and an occasional running magazine or financial paper

Who do you train with?

Solo runner most days

Personal goals

Complete a 50 mile ultra-marathon and a sub 2-hour half marathon

A quotation you like…

“Energy and Persistence conquer all things” Benjamin Franklin

Why do you run?

I started running because of peer pressure from my sister and wife.  After that I fell into a love-hate relationship with it.  Now, I run because I enjoy the time outdoors and the challenge of pushing myself to be better than I was the day before.

Describe your best marathon memory.

I completed my first marathon side-by-side with my sister Pacer Rachel during the Walt Disney World Marathon Dopey Challenge in 2015.  I had never done anything like it and decided as I crossed the finish line that I was going to keep running marathons as long as I was able.

Why do you pace?

As a participant I ran with the pacing team for the Detroit Marathon.  It was a great experience and I got to meet people who were completing their first marathon.  The group helped push them to finish and that made me want to start pacing.  The running community is fantastic and anything I can do to help make it better I want to be part of.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

The one I am about to have.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I believe in consistency and persistence in running.  I believe in walking through water and fuel stops as an alternative to self-inflicted waterboarding.  I believe in finding enjoyment in running even when everything hurts.  I believe in finishing on time.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

The long hours prepare you both mentally and physically.  The race is the time to allow that training to come through and a good pace team can help you with that.  Everyone is in it together and that mentality can help to push you along.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Know what you would like to get out of a race (PR, finish, fun) before starting but be prepared to change halfway through if anything changes.  Also, sunblock.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I am involved in Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, and STEM Education events.