When did you join NBR and why?

I started showing up to Mourning Doves and Monday Morning Easy Run in May of 2023. I had just signed up for my first marathon (NYC 2023) in a bucket-listy kind of way. I had no real running base to start with and was quickly realizing I was not going to make it under my own willpower. I had lived in Williamsburg for 20 years and seen NBR out at the track for ages; it just never was for me…or so I thought. Lo and behold, I finally clued in and the NBR group runs totally saved me.

In what ways have you been involved with NBR?

I love all the weekday morning runs but you'll see me out very regularly with the Tigerwolves and especially the Mourning Doves, for whom <spoiler alert> I may soon be leading runs. My running career highlight came this year when I scored for the NBR masters team in a couple club points races.

What do you do when you're not running?

Spend time with my family! I have three kids and we're always running around the neighborhood. You might see me coaching one of those soccer teams that takes over the turf on Saturday mornings. I get to make music at work but sometimes I even find time to play the piano and sing in my free time too.

How did you initially get into running?

I half-heartedly attempted to be a runner for about three months in high school when a soccer teammate of mine recruited me to plug a hole on the cross country team. I managed to finish the season but I hated it. I pretty much dropped running for 25 years, just dabbling with the very occasional jog out of guilt over my sedentary adulthood. I took a chance on the marathon after hearing “you should do that someday!” one too many times from my wife (every year while spectating at mile 11-12). NBR helped me unlock a love of the sport!

What is your favorite race distance?

Maybe the mile because it’s over so fast?!

Best running memory?

Gotta be this year’s NYC Marathon. My 2nd ever. Went out with my training buddy (and Hellkatz leader) Carson Parker, and we were shoulder to shoulder for 20 miles. The day was gorgeous and the crowds were lit up. I really shot for the absolute limit of my fitness…and I found it. Mile 23 on the 5th Ave hill, I blew up with rippling dehydration cramps, every muscle spasming so bad my feet started vibrating. Managed a hobbling lope over the finish line looking like a cartoon stork. Carson found me at mile 25 and we finished within seconds of each other. I’ll never forget that feeling of accomplishing something really hard together, grabbing a huge personal best, and the gratification of knowing I left it all on the course with nothing left to give.

Favorite running route in NYC?

Hard to beat NYC Marathon!! But as far as regular just-going-for-a-run routes – I really like early morning down the Kent Ave speedway all the way around to Brooklyn Bridge before all the tourists show up. Although even at 6:30 am, there are never not tourists. I’m in the background of a lot of nice engagement photos I think, hopefully repping the club. Still, it’s a perennially inspiring view. Then the route takes you through lower Manhattan, and you roll back over the Williamsburg Bridge to the home turf.

Any running-related superstitions?

While I’m running, I make sure never to smash a mirror while screaming Bloody Mary.

What has running taught you or changed about you?

Sadly it seems to have taught me that I’m a runner.

Favorite post-race food?

Oh MAN is there anything I WON’T eat after a run?! Morning long run? Massive diner omelette. Afternoon race? 3 IPAs and a bratwurst. Or vice versa, I really don’t give a rip. And I would love to try whatever your favorite post-race food is.

Favorite song to run to / that makes you want to run?

I don’t race with music but my latest pre-race pump-up songs are This Is What You Came For by Rihanna or Highway to Hell by AC/DC

What do you think is the worst part about being a runner?

Band-Aid Tru-Stay Clear Spots iykyk

Best advice to running newbies?

Most of your runs should be nice and easy! Join a group run and chat a couple miles away!

Current running goal?

Feeling like it's gonna be a good year and I would like to PR at every distance!

Any other fun running facts about you?

I ran half a mile up Bedford Avenue in a gorilla suit during the 2003 New York City blackout.