Where are you from?

I live in Collinsville, Illinois, 15 miles east of St. Louis.

Current P.R.

2:45.18. 1:19:51 for the half.

Typical pace

Easy runs at 7:10-7:30. Harder, longer runs at 6:50 or faster. I’m also a big fan of quick track work.

Number of marathons

19 12-full and 4-ultra

Occupation

High School Math Teacher and Junior High Basketball Coach.

Favorite marathon

Boston is #1, and St. Jude in Memphis is #2

Hobbies

Running, anything related to teaching, coaching, spending time with my wife and dog, I’m big into the whole foods diet and juice a lot.

Favorite Running Food

Clif Bars and bananas

What are you reading now?

Recent favorites are: Born to Run, Eat & Run, Super Immunity, Again to Cathage, and The Smartest Kids in the World.

Who do you train with?

The Wolfpack group in St. Louis, the best band of misfits in the country!

Personal goals

Running related: To run as close to 2:45 in the marathon as possible. To run 200 marathons. Hoping to coach cross-country in the future and to continue to run injury free.

A quotation you like…

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” –Steve Prefontaine

Why do you run?

Running strengthens me physically, mentally, and spiritually. Running is my release and my refuge. I love to train and race, and get great joy out of the sport.

Describe your best marathon memory.

The final mile of the 2011 St. Jude Memphis Marathon when I knew I was going to qualify for my first Boston. I ran a 21 minute PR that day, and was overcome with joy as I got close to the finish. Running through the tremendous crowd support at Boston was also indescribable.

Why do you pace?

I was aided in a few marathons by quality pacers and I have always wanted to help other runners achieve their marathon goals. Being a pacer is a great way to give back and help hard working folks achieve their dreams.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I have had good experiences in the past running with a pace group.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

First and foremost, I will help you get to your goal. Secondly, I will be your cheerleader, help ease your anxiety and take all of the pressure off of you. Whether it’s words of encouragement or a quiet, steady pace, I will deliver whatever you wish to help you meet your time.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Train hard and smart leading up to the race and come ready to have a great time. Also, make sure to practice your race pace in workouts and long runs. That has been the biggest aid in my running. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

This is the best sport. Period. Half/Full Marathon day is always a special day and I hope to share it with you.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I volunteered a lot in 2013 with Team Challenge, a group that raises money for individuals suffering from Crohn’s and Colitis. I ran the Boston and Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota as an honorary member of the team.