My profession… I am an 8th grade science teacher at Fleming Middle School in Lomita. 8th grade science is a combination of physics, chemistry, and astronomy.
As a child, I wanted to be… a fighter pilot or a police officer. I used to love watching Police Academy and Top Gun.
I started running in… in 8th grade with the middle school track team, but took a long hiatus until I was 25. Coming back from backpacking Europe I picked up a Runner’s World magazine to read on the plane ride back. After landing I decided to go to Runner’s High a couple of days later, bought some shoes, joined AREC, and have been running since.
In five words or less, I’d describe myself as… simple, laid back, care free.
My life/sport philosophy… have fun with whatever you’re doing and if it’s not fun, make it fun.
My favorite spot to be active… running after school with some dedicated students and teachers at Fleming Middle School. Thanks to Steve Schatz for always putting together a great running program for the students and teachers at the school.
Athletic highlights… learning how to swim at 28. It’s never too late.
My running experience with AREC has been… a lot of fun. Saturdays are for long runs and it’s very hard to go at it alone. AREC has provided a place to grow as a runner and place to meet other crazy people who love running at seven in the morning. Seven in the morning is rough after a hard week’s work, but ARECers are always cheery and supportive.
I’ve been with AREC since… September 2006.
The best thing about AREC is… how everyone on the board remembers your name. I think it’s amazing how Todd, Dave, Emmett, and Tam always know everybody’s name. Even if you disappear for a month, half a year, or a couple of seasons they still manage to remember your name.
I run because… I eat way too much. Did you know that a portion of meat is the size of a deck of cards? That’s not enough to fill me up, so I eat what I want and run it off later.
When I’m not running I… salsa dance. Salsa dancing can be intimidating at first, but once you get decent it is fun. On top of that, there’s a calorie burn bonus.
My favorite running surface is… even pavement. I can’t stand roads that are messed up.
My pre-race meal is… glass of water and a PB & J sandwich.
After a race I treat myself to… steak, eggs, hash browns, and coffee. Well, actually after any long run.
My favorite race is… the CSULB backwards triathlon. I’ve only raced it twice, but it’s a lot of fun to compete on the campus of your alma mater. GO BEACH!
I run marathons, half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks because… it keeps you working towards a goal. Running for fun is cool, but adding goals allows you to train and track your improvement.
My goal is… is to finish a half marathon in 1 hour and 30 mins. That’s crazy fast to me, but it is a goal. Qualifying for Boston would be cool too.
My running mantra… get stronger.
I’m inspired by… faster runners.
My best training tip… plan your training routes so they have restrooms and water stations. You never know when you might have to utilize either.
The best advice I ever got was… K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid. My middle school algebra teacher, Mr. Furguson, told us to not to make things complicated. He would look at us and say, “Keep it simple stupid.”
I want to improve in… strength training. I don’t do much strength training currently, but know it would help my running.
I love… eating. You burn so many calories running you can eat almost anything you want.
I hate… pinecones, uneven pavement, short garden fences, and potholes. I turned my ankle on a pinecone of some sort this year and it was a bummer to be out of commission.
I wish… I had the financial means to backpack the world.
My best experience was… working the Nike Club Run LA series last year. A lot of ARECers did it and it was cool to represent the club there.
To all… a good run.