How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
I started running my senior year of high school (fun fact: I went to the same high school as Taylor Swift). I never thought about running as a sport as I played football and wrestled throughout middle school and high school, respectively. It wasn't until some wrestling teammates invited me to run cross country as a way to stay in shape for the wrestling season. I ended up being a good runner and won our first cross country meet, to which my coach asked where I had been for the last three years. With this newfound talent, I joined the track team after wrestling season. I did really well in the 800m, 1 mile, and 2 mile. I got a letter of interest from a small college (smaller than my high school), but ultimately decided I wasn't good enough to run in college and enrolled in a larger nearby D1 school. While there, I ran into some runners I ran against in high school, one of which I beat at the state meet. They were on the university cross country/track team and asked why I wasn't running. After an introduction to the coach and an impromptu tryout, I was a D1 college runner. Since cross country was already mid-season, the NCAA Clearinghouse cleared me to participate in indoor and outdoor track. Long story short, it was an exciting, yet humbling, experience. I ran my best times ever, but I also was lapped for the first time ever albeit by domestic and international elite runners. I only ran in college my freshman year but continued to run (forcefully, although I enjoyed it) in ROTC and subsequently the Army. I have run for 25 years and counting.
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
I have five kids, and my four oldest (all boys) recently started running cross country. Their coach put out an invite to participate in the Polar Bear Grand Prix with him on his team that he creates every year. I usually run the limited races available in the county where I live (Oldham); however, I was excited to be able to participate in races during the "off season".
Favorite distance?
This is a hard question. I feel like the longer the better; however, that was before I hit 40 years old and my body (ankles, knees, back) started having all kinds of issues. I started running marathons back in 2007 and really enjoyed that distance. My wife and I made a goal to run a marathon in every state. That goal went well until we had five kids and realized time (for your own goals) becomes scarce. I kept my goal as-is; her goal informally became sign up for the marathon but do either the 1/2 or full depending on how she felt at the split. I'd like to say my favorite distance is the marathon, but it's really whatever distance my body lets me finish without hurting myself, which recently was 4k, 5k, and 4-miler.
Favorite place to run?
I live out in the country in Oldham County, and I enjoy running in my "neighborhood" as there's hardly any cars, it's quiet and peaceful, and I can get a quick run in when I have time, which isn't often.
Favorite or most unique race you have run?
The Honolulu Marathon. We lived in Hawaii before moving to Kentucky, and I got to run the Honolulu Marathon three times. It was my first marathon. Although it is a beautiful course, it is a tough course with the route climbing Diamond Head twice. Not so fun fact, the Honolulu Marathon had the worst post-race snacks I've experienced, especially for such a large and popular race. After running 26.2 miles with some tough climbs, every finisher was limited to an apple and a cookie. I always look forward to the snacks after a race and had some memorable experiences with one race having unlimited ice cream and another having a full-blown BBQ with burgers and dogs. The Polar Bear Grand Prix did not disappoint in this space, either. I love me some Nutter Butter cookies!
Favorite thing about running?
It helps me relieve stress. I initially liked running because it was something I was good at. I run now because it gives me an outlet from the stresses/pressures of daily life (work, current events, pending issues/tasks). When I run, I can do it at my pace, soak in nature, breathe in fresh air, take a step back from all the worries the world puts on us and refocus on the many blessings we actually have in our lives. Competing in races is a plus. It is motivation to train up for a race or goal, and although you may be listed on a results page with many others, you are really running for yourself. Furthermore, your rank on that results page does not tell the whole picture anyway - even the last runner beat out all those that did not get up and run that Saturday morning. Finally, running can be done anywhere, anytime, and requires no equipment.
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
Keep running, you'll go places! Although you may literally go different places when you run, I really mean figuratively you'll go places. I believe running can take you to better places physically and mentally. This improvement translates into greater confidence in yourself, which can positively impact all aspects of your life (work, social, family). This mentality then becomes more than running. One day, I won't be able to run anymore, but I hope I always carry that runner mentality and strive to compete and finish the "race" I'm in.
Why do you like running River City Races events?
This was my first exposure to River City Races, and after digging into RCR more (and receiving the informative emails), I like several aspects of the races. First, I like how there are races all year round. It keeps you running! Second, I like how you all make the races fun with costume contests, cool goodies (gloves, socks, door prizes), and finisher medals (puzzle-piece medals for PBGP and Run the 502 charms). Finally, I love the snacks! As much as I love running, I love food.
Anything else you'd like to share?
No, thank you for this opportunity to share my running story
