Profession…Systems Engineer
First love…music
I started running in…I ran in high school and then I didn’t run for about 15-20 years. I started running recently about 5 years ago. I didn’t get serious until last Thanksgiving, I did a Turkey Trot.
Life/sport philosophy…You can always learn from your experiences whether they’re good or bad. That’s true for running because you can never have a bad run. You always learn from your runs. If you get a blister, then you’re either wearing the wrong shoes or the wrong socks. You learn to fix it for next time!
Favorite spot to be active…the Strand in Redondo Beach.
Athletic highlights…I ran the Maui half marathon in September. That was my first half marathon.
My running experience with AREC has been…I’ve met a lot of special people. I don’t think I could’ve run my first half marathon without Dennis Murphy.
I’ve been with AREC since…May 2005.
The best thing about AREC is…the people.
I run because…I’m addicted to rice.
When I’m not running I…ride my bike along the beach.
My first race…was the Torrance Turkey Trot last year.
I race because…so I can learn how to be a better runner because I always meet people at races who teach me something.
My goal is…to keep running into my old age. I train with this lady who’s in her 70’s and she does triathlons. I wanna be like her!
My running mantra…”Almost there!” “Almost there!”
I’m inspired by…Jan Crocker because she didn’t always have a running partner but always finished her runs even though it took her longer than other people. She never quit. There were a lot of people who got injured or who got tired of running with us but Jan was always there, in hot weather or a wet, foggy morning, she was there.
The best advice I ever got was…”Always listen to your body.”
I want to improve in…I’d like to get faster.
I love…rice.
I hate…blisters.
I wish…I didn’t have to go to bathroom so much before a race.
My best experience was…running the Maui Half Marathon. It was a beautiful race.
To all…always enjoy your runs! You may not get to do it all the time your life. It’s a gift because not everyone can run. Thanks to Dona McBride because she’s taught me a lot and thanks to Bernard because he was the best part of the Long Beach Marathon.