Where do you live and train?

I live in Coppell , TX (which is about 25 miles NW of downtown Dallas , not far from Dallas/Ft. Worth airport). I train on local roads and area trails. My favorite trails include the Northshore Trail at Lake Grapevine , Cedar Ridge Preserve (formerly the Dallas Nature Center ), and the Cross Timbers Hiking Trail at Lake Texoma (on TX/OK border).

Ideal training spot, conditions, companions?

A place with hilly trails, or low-traffic asphalt roads. After living in the Dallas area for a while, which is mostly concrete, asphalt starts to feel soft! The ideal training companions are good friends and/or runners who are of similar ability or a bit stronger than me.

Years running, cycling, or competing?

I started running in 1992 with the modest goals of getting in shape and losing the love handles. I began running 5k and 10k races a few months later. My first marathon was in March, 1993 (Shamrock in Virginia Beach, VA); first ultra in February 1995 (Knickerbocker 60k, New York City). By the time I completed my first 50-miler later that year, I knew I was hooked on ultrarunning. I ran my first 100-miler (Vermont 100) in July 1996.

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

Hilly or mountainous trail ultras are preferred. I happily run road races also. I like the ultra distances best but will run anything – any distance/format/surface.

How did you hear or find out about Injinji tetratsoks?

I saw an ad in a running mag (don’t remember which).

How long have you been wearing the tetratsoks?

More than five years; maybe seven? Not sure exactly.

Your personal tetratsok of choice?

Mini crew, but I also like the micro mini for road running.

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

The main benefit for me has been eliminating blisters at my blister-prone area: inside and outside the small toes.

How have the tetratsoks changed your experience training and competing?

In ultrarunning, there are many variables to be managed, some of which are under the athlete’s control (calorie intake, hydration, gear/clothing) and some are not (weather, course conditions). Knowing that the interface between foot and shoe is taken care of is one less thing to think about, which is good, as there are plenty of other issues that require thought and attention!

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

Be part of a men’s U. S. 24-hour team that wins the world championship.

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

We all have an internal monitor that lets us know if we are really doing our best. Extending my limits is satisfying and rewarding.

Favorite foods for training and competing?

Products from E-CAPS/Hammer Nutrition.

Favorite post race meal?

Steak and a good beer!

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

I am a new dad (twin boys!) so I’ll be spending lots of time on that. This may be the ultimate endurance event.

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

1) Set realistic short-term goals. 2) Do whatever it takes to stick to it long enough to see the first results. This will provide reinforcement, leading to more/better training then more results, and the cycle continues. 3) Find a role model or mentor. 4) Use visualization to see success in training, racing, and recovery. .

Personal hero or role model?

Sheboygan , WI ultrarunner and U. S. 24-hour teammate Roy Pirrung. Through focus, training, and nutrition Roy has been at the top of his game for years and years. He holds more age group records than I can count. He’s also a helluva nice guy.

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