Q: When did you first join Runnin’ for Rhett and how did you learn about us?
A: In late 2007, Runnin’ for Rhett did a presentation for their spring 2008 half-marathon training program at the Sacramento Bee, where I was employed at that time. I started running earlier that year at the Big Sur Marathon 5K and fell in love with running races. I progressed through the different race distances that year and ended 2007 with running my first marathon at CIM. But I trained on my own and wanted to have a different experience running with a group of like-minded people. During that presentation, I was touched by Randy and Beth’s experience with the passing of their son, Rhett, and R4R didn’t have to twist my arm to run. Where do I show up?
Q: This last month you celebrated one of those milestone birthdays. As a long-time athlete what are a couple of challenges you’ve experienced and a couple of wisdoms gained?
A: Challenges:
1) Running my first marathon – Even with a couple of well-run half-marathons, I had no idea about what marathoning was about.
2) Dealing with injuries – Trying to stay active while healing/recovering from injuries.
Wisdom Gained:
1) Listen to your body – “No pain, no gain” is a false ideology in endurance sports. It’s not sustainable over the long haul.
2) You are not defined by how fast you run, or whether you win or lose. When running a race, or playing pickleball tournament, do so freely without self judgement or fear of how others may judge you.
Q: It is thanks to you that Pickleball has become such an integral part of Runnin’ for Rhett including us hosting our very first tournament. What first attracted you to Pickleball?
A: I grew up being a somewhat decent competitive tennis player. Pickleball was a PE sport at my high school back in the 80’s, and my tennis skill set transitioned nicely to pickleball. Then 7-8 years ago, I heard that people were playing it at the ACC Senior Services. Soon afterward, Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation (Elk Grove) and Sunrise Pickleball Club (Rusch Park, Citrus Heights) started playing pickleball and my interest in the game was rekindled. I also found it to be nice break from running.
Q: What has been your most unusual or interesting job?
A: I tutored math in college. It was a great way to learn different ways to convey math concepts and instill confidence in students.
Q: Some folks have referred to you as ‘The Most Interesting Man in R4R”, what interests or hobbies are you currently most excited about?
A: Aside from running, cycling, and pickleball, I enjoy baking, when I have the time. And because of baking, I really got into manual coffee brewing methods so that I can brew great coffee at home to drink with whatever I baked.
Other hobbies are vintage cast iron cookware restoration, bike building and maintenance, music (piano, singing), and darkroom photography. I am also looking at possibly getting into blogging or creating videos to document my running, pickleball, and coffee experiences.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A: I’m a stutterer. From elementary school through high school, I was a special needs student. I worked with the school speech therapist.
Q: What has been your proudest moment since being a part of the R4R family?
A: I didn’t know if playing pickleball would be an activity that members of a running organization would like. I’m happy that many members have at least tried playing pickleball, and of those who tried playing, a good number of them have started competing and have won medals and local, regional, and national tournaments.
Q: If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
A: A chickpea or garbanzo bean because I love hummus!
Q: How would you describe your Runnin’ for Rhett experience to a child?
A: It’s like a PE class, but more fun, because you’re learning and doing the physical activities you want to do with others like yourself.
