Birthday - June 29, 1961

Favorite Color?

Whether I like a color or not at a given moment depends on the context in which a color is placed, and my mood.

Where do you live and train?

Santa Cruz , CA. Endless redwood forested trails to run on as well as beach, all within a few minutes driving time. A multitude of additional state and regional parks within a half hour drive and up into the Santa Cruz Mountains . Trail/forest nirvana. I also love to train in Tahoe area, Western States trail and Yosemite and Yosemite high country. I like to keep it diverse and full of adventure and will pretty much go and try anything new.

Ideal training spot, conditions, companions?

See above. I mostly train solo since my dog had knee surgery, but do have one semi-regular training partner and will jump in with other folks now and again. I enjoy solo training on remote trails. I take whatever conditions are presented. Ideal training partner is bright, good conversationalist, curious, enjoys novel adventures, non-whiner, feels comfortable with quiet.

Years running, cycling, or competing?

Running since age 10. Did triathlon for 15 years, 10 years as a professional including 22 Ironmans – also raced road bikes while competing in tris. 10 years adventure racing including 7 Eco Challenge Expedition Races, Raid Gauloises, MSOQ and many many other multi-day and 1 day events, yada, yada, yada. Have dabbled in ultra running on and off for the last several years.

What type of races do you prefer (i.e trail ultras)? 

Trails. The more remote/scenic the better. I like to go long. You’re not going to find me running around in circles on a loop course any time in the near future...

How did you hear or find out about Injinji tetratsoks? 

From running buddy Luanne Park.

How long have you been wearing the tetratsoks?

1.5 years

How do the tsoks work for you, and what do you like best about them?

Eliminate toe blisters.

How have the tetratsoks changed your experience training and competing?

When I’m blister free, I can focus more on running and sight seeing. They help keep the fun/focus where it should be – in your performance and experience.

What would you most like to accomplish athletically presently and/or long-term?

Perform better at Western States 100. Run Hardrock 100. Climb more mountains – Vinson, Denali and more. I’d like to attempt to get up Everest one day… Stay healthy and keep going strong till I kick it.

Favorite Quotation or Personal Motto?

"In Patagonia a storm clears and the alpine monoliths stand like teeth set in a dragon's jaw. The last shreds of cloud fade into the firmament. The message broadcast from the peaks is as jarring as the scream of a train whistle. "Show yourself," they say. Few moments bristle with as much opportunity. And before such uncaring majesty I wrestle my twin demons of fear and desire. Do I want this? Who am I? Is it good enough? I wonder every time.
Those who don't seek out such moments of beauty, passion, and intensity don't know themselves as well as they should. People may say that alpinism is a fools' game full of meaningless risk, and they may be right, but I climb because I thirst to throw back the margins of my world. There remains so much that I do not know."
Greg Crouch, Enduring Patagonia

What inspires you to reach for more in your sport and in your life?

Enduring experiences offer a continued redefinition of self. That nurtures me. I don’t believe in potential. Potential implies an ending place. I think there is always more to explore in our minds as athletes. Where we go in our minds when we race is limitless. I also enjoy sharing my experiences through my work as a speaker, writer and coach. Sport tends to nurture me from all angles in life.

Favorite foods for training and competing?

Mashed potatoes. I use a lot of different foods for racing and recovery that work very well, but to me they are functional, and may or may not be enjoyable. I actually enjoy the mashed potatoes (I carry them in backpacking Squeeze Tubes).

Favorite post race meal?

It’s a mood thing.

Other hobbies or interests that you like to spend your time doing?

Reading - mostly non-fiction. Beading. Trying new wines. Hanging out with my dog. Socializing with close friends. Stimulating conversation.

Advice you would give to someone just starting out running or cycling, or in a new sport in general?

Get help/coaching from a qualified expert. Gather information and educate yourself on your sport. Go out and do it a lot. Train smart. Be patient.

Best advice you have ever received from a fellow athlete, or non-athlete?

Have a short day. (from Scott Tinley before Hawaii Ironman one year).

Personal hero or role model?

I’ve always felt we should make choices and take action in our lives that allow us to look on ourselves as a role model. Be someone you can look up to and continue to grow and learn so that you can continue to refine that person you wish to be, to look up to. Being our own hero keeps us honest and asks us to step up to the plate everyday for what we do and believe it.

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