Thanks for the consideration! I'd love to share a little. My running journey has been unique, and I still marvel at some of the things I've been able to accomplish!
How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
I started running in 2013, or thereabouts, and the story I like to tell is that my wife and I got into an argument I just couldn't take any more of. Tired of the argument I boldly declared, "I'm going for a run!". She looks at me shocked and points out, "But, you don't run?" and as I headed out the door I said, "I do now!"... I know that interaction happened, once, but it wasn't the 'real' reason I started running. I started for my health, physical and mental. I was slightly overweight, I had quit smoking about 5 years prior (after nearly 15 years of smoking), and I needed to get a grip on my health. Running felt like as good a way as any. That's when the love affair began.
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
I love local races and I have participated in the Polar Bear Grand Prix a handful of times. I don't do 'speed' very well, rather 'distance' tends to be my goal. I use the Grand Prix series as a motivator, training tool, and measure of my fitness. I'll run to the start line, from my home in Fern Creek/Highview neighborhoods (about 10 miles), then really put myself to the test and run the race as fast as my legs will allow. I've never been truly disappointed with my results and my running goals require me to teach my body to run on "tired" legs. Plus, it's always great to see familiar faces from the local running community and watch people smash their personal goals. I don't know what it's like in other cities and towns, and maybe I'm just really immersed in it, but I think (greater) Louisville has an amazing running community.
Favorite distance?
Probably the marathon or 50k. Both are challenging distances, they occupy a decent amount of time (plenty of time to think!) and I feel like I've accomplished a lot when I'm done with them. Last year, in preparation for my 2022 goal race, I took a week off from work and ran x8 marathons, in as many days, on a variety of terrain and at differing efforts. Every day I may have been tired, but I knew I put the work in.
Favorite place to run?
Without question, the Parklands. I live closest to Broad Run, but I know that series of parks "inside and out". It's such a gem and the Louisville Loop is a great place to run. Gate to gate (Broad Run to Beckley Creek - I've run it a few times) is about 19.5 miles of relatively safe, mostly uninterrupted pavement with regular bathroom stops and water in the summer. There are few other places in town to find that much variety, with those qualities. We have a plethora of local parks that are great - e.g., Cherokee, Iroquois, Jefferson Memorial for trail running, etc. - but due to its blend of convenience (for me) and variation, the Parklands are the best, in my opinion.
Favorite or most unique race you have run?
I have a tie for two of my races.
First, is my second 100-miler - the Falls 100 at the Falls of the Rough, KY in 2020. It was a brutal, muddy slog, but to date, I've never been more proud of my effort AND the effectiveness of my training in preparing me for the race and conditions. I finished in 30 hours and some change (30:34, I believe...), and wrecked my shoes, but I was back at it and running within the following week or so. I ended 2020 with a (personal) record of 3,000 miles run that year.
Second, and more recent, was my completion of the 2022 Cape Wrath Ultra, in Scotland. It was an 8-day, 240 (or so) mile 'stage race' through the Scottish highlands. It was the hardest, most difficult thing I've EVER done, but I completed it in 74-ish hours. It was their wettest and coldest running of the race, to date, and I was one of only a 100 or so finishers, from a field of 300 or so starters (about a 60% drop rate) - and the only American that year to finish. I worked and trained for this particular race for over a year and it presented challenges I could never have expected (ask me about the Scottish bog sometime!) but 8 days and 10-15 pounds of body fat later, I completed it. Completion was a testament to my grit, for sure, but it also helped me also to realize the importance of SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT. The kindness, patience, support, and encouragement of one of the volunteers - also a runner - saved my race from a particularly awful day midweek during the event, where I almost quit.
Favorite thing about running?
Time on my feet outdoors. I don't run on them often enough, but I love trails. However, a quick 10k around my neighborhood is usually good enough for me. I need it to disengage from the hustle of life.
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
Every mile is a good mile. You CAN do hard things, and they have real value. Pick a goal, then enjoy the process - it's often more rewarding than the goal.
Why do you like running River City Races events?
I love the local running community and I think that River City Races is one of the better racing companies in town. The Polar Bear Grand Prix is a winter institution and a great motivator to keep on going outside, even if it's a "little cold". Remember - layer up!!
Anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you for the opportunity to share a little about my running journey.
