Age: 42
Home location: Okemos, Michigan
Sport: Running
Profession and educational background: I've been working at General Motors for 21 years. I recently switched to a quality launch position. After graduating high school I spent a couple of years at Lansing Community collage.
Years in sport of any kind: I've been running since I was 15 years old and recently discovered ultra running. So I've been running for about 27 years.
Sports participated in: I ran cross country and track growing up.
Years in current sport: 4 years in ultra running
What got you started: Failure. I failed miserably at being physically fit at a young age and was always out of breath. I learned early that if I wanted something I had to work hard and go after it.
Other personal information you would like to share: I flew for the first time at age 41. I love chocolate ice cream.
What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport? My biggest accomplishment to date is my 148 mile run across Michigan to raise awareness and funds for Team Keegan. A local 501 (C) that helps kids with cancer.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success? I have found that cross training helps keep me on my game. Over the years I have been one dimensional from a sport and training perspective. Once I crossed over to ultra running it was clear I had many weaknesses and imbalances. Focusing on my lower body and strengthening my core along with an overall body maintenance has kept me on track.
What would be your ultimate achievement? If you'd ask me this when I first started running I'd tell you that I would want to be fast. Now my ultimate achievement is to enjoy the run, give back and make some good friends along the way.
How do you set your goals? I'm always looking to be challenged mentally and physically. I just take each run like its my last and make the best out of it. I'm always looking to conquer new experiences.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge? Finding balance in what I love to do is my biggest challenge. From work, family and more work it can and has been challenging to balance my passion for running with everything else. I just take it one day at a time and make the best of every moment.
What is your diet like? I've struggled in this area over the years trying everything. I've learned what works best for me is eating sensibly. A mix of whole foods to vegan snacks. I enjoy a good pizza every once and a while. You know, living on the wild side.
How did you find Orange Mud? Favorite Product? I was in search of something better from the packs I was purchasing and I stumbled on Orange Mud. I really like the VP1 and HydraQuiver single barrel.
Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites, coaches)? I really recommend the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. If you read it it will put an interesting spin on what you think you know about running.
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it? My breakthrough came soon after I started ultra running. Over the years I've progressed to a minimalist when it comes wearing shoes. Years of injuries and improper running form was taking its toll on me mentally and physically. Once I switched to running in LUNA sandals everything I thought I knew about running changed. I run more naturally now, free of pain and injury. It's the closest thing to running bare foot.
What was the best advice you were ever given? The best advise I was ever given was to just have fun with it and enjoy the run. I take this advice on every run and for me it has made all the difference.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? I am the me I choose to be. ~Sidney Poitier
Where do you draw your inspiration from? I draw my inspiration from the simple things in life. There is beauty in simplicity and when you strip back all of today's noise you can't help but be inspired to live.
Have you struggled with any injuries? How do you manage them? I have struggled with hip problems, IT issues, feet problems, knee problems, hernias and just about anything you could think of from running related injuries. I've been able to stay on top of things by strengthen my weaknesses, switching to running in LUNA sandals and finding the right gear that best fits me( hint hint Orange Mud Gear)
Anything else you’d like to share? I'm a Gemini, my favorite color is green and I'm a proud grandpa.