Age…40
Born…June 13, 1965 in Long Beach, raised in Huntington Beach
I started running in…second grade. I was actually on a track team. I was a member of an AAU (American Athletic Union) Track Club called Red Devils in 7th and 8th grades. I went to Edison and ran cross-country all 4 years. I ran track my senior year. I ran the 800 m and the 400 m. I ran my freshman year at Orange Coast College. Then I quit, that was the fall of ’83. I stopped running after that. I took a 10 year sabbatical. That’s just because of college. I had a lot of school, a lot of classes. Then I was out of shape.
Why’d I start running again in ’93? Because I did something strenuous and I thought I was gonna die, like some yard work or something. So I started running again. I did my first 10K in 1993 in 52 something and I felt like I was gonna die. The rest is history and I’ve been running ever since. Now I’m on Team AREC and I have a personal track coach and race with Team Runner’s High. I run the 800 m. I’m trying to get nationally ranked. The qualification time is 2:06. I’m at 2:10 right now.
My running experience with AREC has been…enjoyable. I like the people.
I’ve been with AREC since…probably around 1996. I was like the 5th member. I started with Emmett.
I run with AREC because…I enjoy the camaraderie. I like the course. I really like the 5 mile course. But unfortunately, my present track workouts occur on Wednesdays at 6 o’clock so I can’t make it to AREC most of the time. But sometimes I do both. I run and then I drive really quick to get to AREC.
When I’m not running I…work, selling industrial buildings and take care of my kids.
My pre-race meal is…nothing, absolutely nothing. I usually take an energy supplement, in pill form.
After a race I treat myself to…water, Gatorade. If it’s AREC, of course it’s beer afterwards. Like Ed, I like to have a beer.
My favorite race is…the Seal Beach 5K.
My goal is…to break 2:05 in the 800 m.
Running philosophy…it all boils down to enjoying yourself when you’re running. Running is meant for relaxation and if you can better yourself, it’s a great thing.
I’m inspired by…Heather Stevens and Prefontaine.
My running hero is…Billy Mills.
When I run I think about…spirituality.
My best training tip…cross-train. Swimming, biking, something else other than running, especially swimming. Running will break you down.
The best advice I ever got was…run at pace, don’t start out too fast and burn out at the end. Keep your pace.
I want to improve in…speed.
I have learned…running is a great form of relaxation, a stress release. It’s a fun way to get to know yourself. It’s you and the clock.
I love…women.
I hate…quitters.
My biggest pet peeve…slow drivers.
I wish…for my children to be happy.
Final thoughts…I just enjoy the opportunity to be a member and hope that I can contribute in some form.