Date of Birth: May 19, 1972
City: Athens, Alabama
Blog/Website: http://rocketcitytraining.blogspot.com
Twitter: @reachdown
Brief Biography
I am a native of North Alabama, having been born, raised, and now residing in Limestone County. I was always the fat guy until I lost over 70 pounds about 6 years ago and then started running. Running wasn't how I lost the weight, but it has been key to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.
I am the race director for the Duck and Run 5k, currently the longest running race in Limestone County. I maintain a blog that keeps the public informed of race performances of Limestone County runners. http://northalabamarunner.blogspot.com
Running, particularly racing, has changed my life. Through prayers, conversations, pains, joys, sights, and sounds on my runs I have learned much about God, nature, and myself. Through racing I have improved the skill of setting and working toward challenging goals. I enjoy races from 5k to 50k.
Short Term Goals
I must break 3 hours in a marathon! I'm so focused on this, that I don't have any other performance related short term goal. I plan to introduce more young people in Limestone County to the sport of running in 2012.
Long Term Goals
Some time in my life, I would like to win a race, any race, anywhere, any distance. I'd like to be the fastest runner in Limestone County.
Personal Records
- 5km at on 10/2011 Time 17:46
- 10km at Elkmont Rails to Trails 10k on 09/2011 Time 38:01
- 15km at Fleet Feet Monte Sano 15k on 10/2011 Time 58:58
- 10 Mile at Rocket Run 10 Miler on 03/2010 Time 1:05:18
- Half Marathon at Huntsville Half Marathon on 11/2009 Time 1:28:13
- Marathon at Country Music Marathon on 04/2010 Time 3:07:29
- 50km at Recover From the Holidays 50k on 12/2011 Time 4:14:45
Goal Races
- Albany Marathon, 26.2, March 3
- Chattanooga Stage Races, 60 miles over 3 days, June 15-17
- Dizzy Fifties, 50 mile, November 17
A fun fact others might not know
I'm a huge mixed martial arts fan. I love the UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator. I plan to start taking karate this year and I watch MMA any time it's on TV. My favorite fighter is Benson Henderson.
How have you been an ambassador to the sport of running?
I direct a race in Limestone County and volunteer often. I organize a weekly 10 mile run in Athens that has been running for over 3 years now.
I maintain two blogs about running. One is focused on my training and with it I attempt to inspire others to run. The other is focused on race performances by residents of Limestone County. I have built relationships with several Cross Country coaches in Limestone County and I encourage their students to embrace running.
I love to run and I truly want to share the positive change that running has made in my life with others.