Q: When did you first join R4R and how did you learn about us?
A: I learned about Runnin’ for Rhett from my favorite active neighbor, Jack Chen. I’ve attended several workouts and events with Jack as a guest in the past and decided in March 2023 that it was high time I committed to joining the Blue Crew.
Q: Describe yourself in 25 words or less.
A: I’m an energetic, fun-loving husband and father of two lovely ladies. I love finding creative ways to challenge myself mentally and physically.
Q: You have participated in a number of Spartan events. What is your favorite thing about a Spartan?
A: I’ve finished over 100 Spartan races in the last 10 years and I’m still as enthusiastic about racing as I’ve ever been. There’s so much to love about obstacle course racing, from the incredible community to being out in beautiful natural environments, to pushing myself through limits to find that I’m capable of more.
Q: What would you say to someone who hasn’t done a Spartan but is thinking about it? What can they do to prepare?
A: I am always inspired by the people I see out on course with me, folks with all kinds of physical and mental, real, and self-imposed limitations – the woman with spina bifida on crutches, the 400lb+ man starting on a weight-loss journey, the veteran double amputee scooting along on his hands, the recovering alcoholic replacing their addiction with a healthy lifestyle. I can have no excuses when I see every one of those people smashing through barriers. You can absolutely complete a Spartan with no training, but the more training you do, the better prepared you will be, and the easier it is to recover. As a start, I’d recommend time on feet (walk/run) and some strength work (especially grip and heavy carries). I’m always happy to share a wealth of experience and welcome anyone to my backyard to train on obstacles or run simulations.
Q: What has been your most unusual or interesting job?
A: As a senior clinical research coordinator in a pediatric emergency department, I work with a national network to improve the prevention and management of acute injury and illness in children. I get to see ideas translated into improvements in care, and that’s right where I want to be.
Q: If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
A: A cucumber (even though it’s a berry, botanically speaking), because I’m cool like one, and they’re so versatile (pickle juice halfway through an ultra is fantastic).
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A: I’m a huge fan of ancient, classical, and medieval literature (epics, plays, myth and legend) and all things Tolkien. My all-time favorite book is Homer’s “Iliad”.
Q: What has been your proudest moment since being a part of the R4R family?
A: I wasn’t officially adopted yet, but I ran CIM in 2022 and was recognized enough that I received some welcome support from Blue Crew supporters on the sidelines. I knocked 50 minutes off my marathon PR that day.
Q: How would you describe your Runnin’ for Rhett experience to a child?
A: Runnin’ for Rhett is all about connecting with others and moving together into life. It’s a community that provides so many fun ways to grow together in friendship and fitness!
