My profession…I sell structured cabling products for voice and data networks…that’s the industry buzz word of computer, telephone and video cabling.
I started running…about 30 years ago.
My life/sport philosophy…Running builds my self-esteem. I am 56 years old, and while that’s not uncommon in this club, it puts me way ahead of the majority of Americans in terms of fitness! I figure if I can keep running it will keep me young!
My favorite spot to be active…Wednesday night on 2nd Street in Naples! I also still run on Sunday’s at the “old” Joe Carlson Fun Run Route, Bayshore and Ocean (just me and David Duckman now.)
Athletic highlights…I shot an 82 in golf and ran a 3:48 at Long Beach, both too long ago to remember accurately. I find that over the years both the golf strokes and the minutes decrease exponentially.
My running experience with AREC has been…one of the things that keeps me lacing them up! I especially have enjoyed the Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathons, great team camaraderie. And treating myself to a beer after the Wednesday run.
I’ve been with AREC since… I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary, and I had been running with the club for several years before I met my wife; you do the math!
The best thing about AREC is…I know this sounds like a broken record, but it’s the people. Everybody is friendly, open, caring--you name it!
I run because…I feel great afterwards. And of course, there’s the beer.
When I’m not running I…spend time with family and friends, enjoy golf, fishing, movies, going to my son’s water polo matches and swim meets (he’s a sophomore at Long Beach Poly), and sleeping in when I get the chance (rarely!)
My favorite running surface is…the street…it’s close, and it never closes!
My pre-race meal is…I can’t eat before a race, for at least four hours. Since the stomach is usually empty it doesn’t matter what was last in there.
After a race I treat myself to…beer! And after that, more beer!
My favorite race is… Used to be the Long Beach Marathon, now it’s the Long Beach Half Marathon. Also the “America’s Finest City Half Marathon” in San Diego, though I’m not sure that one’s still around
My goal is…Keep running, and stop worrying about the extra minutes!
My running mantra… “One foot in front of the other.”
I’m inspired by…people who don’t give up, and are able to see the positive in everything.
My best training tip…don’t overdo it. If training for a long race, increase the mileage gradually and rest on alternate weeks.
The best advice I ever got was…”marry that girl!” (my Mom was right, twenty years and going strong!)
I want to improve in…letting things go if I can’t do anything about them.
I love…my family, my friends, my dog, waking up every morning and good food!
I hate…people who think they’re always right and you’re always wrong.
I run marathons because…there is nothing in the world like the feeling of crossing the finish line at a marathon. If you’ve done it, you know. If you haven’t you can’t imagine it.
I wish…we could all learn to listen better.
My best experience was…my wedding day, and the birth of both my kids.
To all…keep running and keep playing!