Quote: "I started running in 2004 when I decided to lose weight. I went from 305 pounds down to 175, and running was a big part of the weight loss."
Occupation: Data analyst for AT&T
Age: 53
Residence: East Point
Number of Peachtrees? This will be my seventh.
Why do I run? It was a major reason for me to start running and lose weight. Now that I have run six Peachtrees, it has become a tradition in regard to my running.
When was your first Peachtree? When I started to run in 2004, I decided that it would make sense to run in the most popular hometown running event, the Peachtree Road Race. I can remember sitting in the Original Pancake House that used to be across from Piedmont Hospital and make snide comments about the people running up and down the street. Little did I know that I would become one of those people I made comments about. So when I made the decision that I was going to run the Peachtree, I decided that I wanted to be in one of the early corrals. And I also decided to join the Atlanta Track Club and thus receive early registration. Well, I eventually ran a 10K fast enough to be in time-group 1A, and ever since then, I have always been in that time group.
What is your favorite story? That anyone can finish the Peachtree. It is not about speed, but the sense of accomplishment that one gets when crossing the finish line after 6.2 miles. And the people you meet while doing so just may turn into a new friend. It has happened to me. And there is something about wearing the T-shirt after the race that makes you seem special. And people do congratulate you when they see you wearing it.
What is your favorite tradition? After the race my friends and I, all of which run the Peachtree, meet at Joe's on Juniper for an after-race celebration.
What is your favorite race T-shirt? I really do not have a favorite shirt. It is just the fact that I have earned it that matters.
Do you run alone or in a pack? Since my running friends and I all have different levels of speed, during the Peachtree I will run alone. But we always meet up after the event to celebrate the run. In regard to my training, I run alone.
What do you like about the race? The fact that people of all types, runners and walkers alike, can participate in an event such as the Peachtree. And the volunteers and the people along the route are great. The support they give can help you along. And the bands, such as Strato-Geezers, along the route, help make the run a bit easier.
How many other races do you compete in? I run at least one road race per month, including at least two marathons per year.
What is your favorite spot on the course? The final turn on to 10th [Street]. The roar of the crowd at that point gives me that extra "push" as I head into the home stretch.
What is your morning routine? For breakfast on the morning of Peachtree I usually have a half of a banana, one granola bar and some Powerade Zero. Last year I deviated from that menu and had my worst run ever at the Peachtree. Won't make that mistake again.
What do you listen to to get pumped up? Everything from The Black Eyed Peas' "Pump it" to Green Day's "Holiday" and Foo Fighters' "Learning to Fly." I even have "Wipe Out" by the Surfaris (just hope I never wipe out).
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