I love the team of people I get to coach. They are all so unique in their goals, what makes them tick, and the attention they need in helping them reach their goals. My PR (Personalized Running) Coaching team includes people all across the US, as well as several here in Alaska, which allows me to meet in person with them from time to time.
Today’s athlete, Eric, is one of my local athletes, and we have been able chat in person periodically and catch up on his training, which really helps me get to know my athletes better. We have been working together for 8 months now, and he is a tireless worker and one that puts his head down and gets the job done. His big, A-goal race is coming up next month in August at the Humpy’s Marathon as part of the Anchorage RunFest race weekend. I have a feeling he’s going to run a huge PR, and I’m optimistic for a really great performance from him.
Tell us a little about yourself: family, where you’ve lived, other hobbies, etc.
Lucky individual who married his best friend. My wife and I have two beautiful children together ages 2 and 5. We enjoy spending time as a family whether it be the outdoors of AK (hiking, skiing, biking etc.), traveling, or playing sports (tennis, basketball and swimming). An authentic New Yorker who has had multiple international addresses and now enjoys the Last Frontier. A perennial student of life and all things positive!
How did you get into running?
I have always been somewhat into running, mostly as cross-training for sports or weight lifting, but it was always low mileage (3-5 miles). Basically, enough miles in order to not feel guilty about the pizza & beer! However, ever since I was a kid I was intrigued by the marathon, particularly the NYC marathon. Speaking with marathoners always impressed me via their training and discipline. I always thought I could do one, but just wasn’t sure how to turn this Clydesdale into a long distance runner. What I found is that it brings me mental clarity and a sense of rejuvenation (at least after my workout is finished, jk).
Highlight a few races with times and how they went.
My first half marathon was when we lived in Paris, France. I trained with my wife, and we completed without too much stress however we didn’t race it. Then I began to get serious in the last few years as my metabolism changed and wanted to find a new fitness lifestyle. Running seemed the natural course and I signed up for my first Marathon in DC (USMC). It was filled with emotion and incredibly patriotic…I was hooked. Since then, I have completed one other marathon along with multiple distance mountain runs, and with each race my times are improving.
What motivates you in your running?
My kids, personal health and sanity.
What are your running goals?
To learn to become faster on my feet, and improve my marathon time.
What was the strangest/coolest/weirdest thing that has happened (or that your saw) on a run?
Living in Alaska it is probably seeing a bear (a.k.a being frightened by a bear). Coolest thing is being able to finally complete the TEMPO work-outs without nearly passing out.
How do you reward yourself after a hard run?
An ice cold beer…something Alaskan
What are your upcoming races?
Currently training for the Anchorage RunFest – Humpy’s Marathon
