How did you hear about Pacifica Runners?

How long have you been running, walking or hiking as a form or exercise? What motivates you to stay at it?

I have been running for about 20 years. I'm motivated by understanding the limits of human endurance. We are just discovering how much the human body is capable of — how far can we go? And how far can I, an average person with average capabilities and a little bit of training, go?

Existentially and philosophically, I'm inspired by the fact that humans evolved with this amazing capability to run long distances. Running is core to who we are as a species. It's amazing to reflect on what that means for us over the arc of time — from hunting millions of years ago in Olduvai Gorge to today's morning hour of running before work. There are very few activities that we can say that we, as a species, have been partaking of for that long.

How did you get into running, hiking or walking as a form of exercise?

I paced a friend at Badwater 135 — a 135-mile run in Death Valley — when I was a teenager. It was the first time I saw someone competing in a race and moving so slowly! Perversely, it made the sport seem so much more accessible to me, because you didn't need to run fast to do it!

Notably, I was a terrible athlete in high school. I finished second to last in the mile just ahead of a girl who had a medical excuse to walk, and I was always at the back of the pack in the 5k. Finding my place in any sport was not easy, but running is great because there's a place for everyone, regardless of speed or genetic ability.

If you're a runner, do you have a favorite race? If walking or hiking are more your speed, where is the best place you've ever taken a walk or hike?

Too many to name. I am probably proudest of running Badwater in 2024 — the race that got me into the sport. Locally: Woodside 50k is a classic if you're looking for a fun jaunt in the local redwoods. Other top mentions: Javelina Jundred, Burning Man 50k, Santa Rosa Marathon (for speed!), Antarctica Marathon, Inca Trail Marathon, Mountains 2 Beach Marathon, etc.

What are your favorite running/walking/hiking trails/routes?

Locally: Huddart Park, Arastradero, Bay Trails, Stanford Dish. There are a few routes that I love to run when I travel, including Elliott Bay Trail (Seattle), Thames Path (London), Lake Front Trail (Chicago).

What are your future running or fitness goals?

What do you enjoy most about Pacifica Runners?

The community! You all are awesome, and I look forward to getting to run with each and every one of you on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Pacifica Runners is such a welcoming, non-judgmental community. Even on days I when am feeling slow or doing a recovery run, I can come hang out with you guys and have a great time and not worry about my pace.