Birthday - April 29, 1969

Where do you live and train?

I split my time between Woodside, CA (Santa Cruz mountains) and Lake Tahoe, NV (where nothing is flat).

Ideal training spot, conditions, companions?

I love the steep, lush hills of coastal California, cruising with my iPod and my pug, Rocky. I also enjoy the rain a lot, thanks to growing up in Oregon. But honestly, any new trail is a good trail.

Years running, cycling, or competing?

About 5 years, after the 9/11 tragedy prompted me to get outside and enjoy life.

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

Trail marathons and 50k’s are my favorite. Long enough to get lost in the moment (or just lost).

How did you hear or find out about Injinji tetratsoks?

An aid station volunteer who was cleaning up all my blisters at the Bulldog 50k in 2004 had told me. She was laughing at all the duct tape that had done nothing to stop my toes from getting worked over, and showed me her pair.

How long have you been wearing the tetratsoks?

From that day forward! And I’ve been blister free. They truly are amazing.

Your personal tetratsok of choice?

Crew length in tan (hides the dirt best).

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

I run a lot of short course trail runs, and the zigs and zags can be brutal on the feet. When racing 20+ times a year, I found that “foot recovery” was what held me back most often. The tsoks have been miraculous in keeping my feet blister free even on tight and steep runs. You can also where your flip flops with tsoks, which is cool.

How have the tetratsoks changed your experience training and competing?

I haven’t had to tape up since using them, which saves a lot of time. I also am more fearless in both training and competing, and take the switchbacks and hills with more gusto. Since I don’t get blisters, I can race a lot more too. They have also been great in all the cross-training too (hiking, biking, etc.).

Do you have a memorable experience or story about using the tetratsoks for training or competing? If so, please share it…..

I recently ran the Santa Barbara 9 Trails 35-Miler, a 10,000+ vertical foot monster of a run. It had every terrain imaginable – hard rock, loose rock, dirt, sand, creek crossings and enough 18-degree inclines to make even the die-hards whimper. I fell more times than I could count, stubbed my toes, and took a wrong turn that added 4 miles. I thought for sure my feet would be destroyed, but I didn’t get a single blister. My quads, on the other hand, didn’t work for days.

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

I hope to do my first 100-miler this year, and have earmarked many new races and places to check out. I hope to run a trail run in every state and Canadian province before I’m done. It’s such a great way to see the world and meet local people.

Favorite Quotation or Personal Motto?
“Embrace adventure in all parts of your life, know your passions, and live life to have good stories.”

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

New experience is the fountain of youth. I love trying anything new, and pushing until I fail. It’s easy to be passionate when you are adventurous in your life, and when you’re passionate, life is effortless.  And making my wife, Christi, laugh. It’s the greatest sound in the world, and I find it endlessly inspiring.

Favorite foods for training and competing?

PB&J, Sharkies, and Kaboom! Energy Drink.

Favorite post race meal?

For some reason, a milkshake always does it for me. And a pizza. Gross combo, I know, but it sure tastes good…

Other hobbies or interests that you like to spend your time doing?
Wine and food, travel, piano, writing screenplays, blogging (http://runtrails.blogspot.com), technology (I’m a total nerd), and anything involving good friends and laughter.

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

First I would say, GOOD FOR YOU! Starting is by far the hardest part, so just stick with it for a few months and you will see it gets much easier. Don’t ever forget to have fun – finishing a race should always be celebrated, even if you don’t clock a PR.

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

I learn something new in every race. Probably the best advice was, “ultras are a test of the mind…it is at your dumbest when you need to be the most smart.” – Andy Jones-Wilkins. Anytime I start spacing off, this advice keeps me focused.

Personal hero or role model?

I have many! Christi, my wife, for her kindness. Rocky, our dog, for his pure joy and spirit. Kristin Armstrong for her eternal optimism. And every first time trail runner I meet for their courage to try something new.

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