How many years have you been running and trail running?
Running: 10 years
Trail Running: 6 years
How did you get started in running?
My wife Jenny and I were transferred to Saint Paul, MN, where the closest gym was 30 mins away and we found ourselves making excuses to not go. At the time, we lived above a running store (The Running Room) and decided to cancel our gym memberships and invest that money in running apparel. It was winter at the time, so we got winter gear and started training outside in sub-zero temps for a half-marathon.
What was your first race?
The Frozen Half. It was in Janurary in Saint Paul, MN. As you can imagine, it lived up to it's name. It was a balmy -15 degrees at the start. In fact, our water was completely frozen in the first 10K.
What is your favorite distance?
50 miles. It is still a long distance, but it is completely doable without needing a crew (although it is nice to have one sometimes.)
What is your favorite race of all time?
The Leadville 100. I had 4 other friends running it with me, and was also friends with most of their crew members. It was like a party every time we came into an aid station. Plus running with friends is what it's all about.
Least favorite workout?
Any of Coach Robyn's speed work. I hate trying to run fast...I guess that is why I like ultras.
What's your favorite post-race or post-game meal?
Pizza (ham and pineapple) and beer!
What the heck do you think about for 12+ hours on trail?!
As bad as this is going to sound, I think through problems and challenges at work. One thing is for sure, by the end of a long day running, I usually have some solutions to my problems. It is funny how doing something that you love helps clear your mind.
Any Mantras?
You only have one shot at life. Live every day to its fullest and maximize the amount of time on activities that will help make me my "best self".
What is your top tip for someone just getting into Trail Running?
Don't be afraid, but train smart. It is amazing what your body is capable of.
What are you 2016 Goals?
Run Rabbit Run 100 miler and qualify for Western States (and of course stay healthy)
Your favorite activity at EDGE:
Drinking a Kong in recovery boots, and hanging out with some of my best friends after a run.
The Best Part of being an EDGE Athlete:
The people. It starts with the owners (Brian and Robyn), and then all of the other amazing people that they attract to be EDGE athletes. They really make me an all around better person.
One thing that would surprise us about you:
I was once quite the redneck from GA. I had long hair, drove a lifted Z71 truck with 33 inch Super-Swamper mud tires. My truck had a gun rack in the back window of which often times held a 30/30 that I used to deer hunt.
