Where are you from? What is more important: where I’m from, or where I’m going? Where I’m going is to a place in life where I have a satisfying job, contribute a little good to the world, and can have fun and adventure with loved ones. Where I’m from? California.
How long have you lived in the area? 6.5 years per the western calendar.
What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Funny, over-the-top (is that one word?), and ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Why do you run? Some of my closest relationships have been formed because of running. Running is a great starting point to share stories and get to really know people. Also, zombies.
Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run? When you drink the Steph Kool-Aid, you don’t make your own decisions.
What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run? Keeping up with friends, meeting new people, and the post-run stench of achievement.
Describe the most recent (appropriate J) photo you took with your phone: My co-worker Evan and me eating Arby’s.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? “When you floss, you have to really get in between your teeth and into your gums.” – My dental hygienist. Symbolically, I take this advice to mean that whether working or traveling, it’s important to take the time to really understand other people and places. On a more surface level, a good floss reduces gum bleeding.
I would like to submit a second piece of advice: “Put away your cell phone.” – My girlfriend Emma
If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be? I would be fluent in all the world’s languages so I could commune with all of humanity. There is nothing more rewarding than having a conversation over dinner, a beer, or a cup of tea wherever you are in the world. Also, you can more easily talk about people behind their backs.
Oh, I would like to be a great dancer too…
Oh, and I wish I could sing better…
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know: I’m a middle child, and middle child syndrome is a thing. I’ve spent a large portion of my life trying to break out of the anonymity associated with such an affliction. Some of my prouder achievements associated with flailing my arms around for attention include: Spending two years teaching math in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer, running my first marathon, and achieving the status of backup-backup run club coordinator.
What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of? Over a four-week span in early October, I hope to: run my second marathon, run a 5K, run my first ultramarathon, and participate in the Tuna Run (200-mile team run). Will I succeed in all these endeavors? Probably not. But one can take pride in glorious failures, right?
Please share your favorite quote or slogan: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead
Applicable to Station Pub Run, I believe.
A close second is: “Tally Ho!” – Steph
Anything else you’d like to share with us?! A couple of thoughts: I like bringing my running shoes on vacation. Most recently, Emma and I ran around Paris. This was a great and different way to see the city. Also, it built up an appetite for chocolate croissants.
Never take for granted a good pub run coordinator. You can thank her with candy.
