RLRS: Tell us a little about yourself (kids, married, job)?
MR: I have a 26yo son who just returned from Australia backpacking due to the virus. I work for Allstate Insurance as a Claims Manager, I have been in Insurance for aprox 20 years.
RLRS: When and why did you start running?
MR: I started running the first time in my early 30’s for fun anyways, I ran while in the Army but that was more because I was told too lol. I struggled with some injuries so I took some time off in my late 30’s-early 40’s. Now I’m back at it, I run because I enjoy it, (like food) and I like to see how far I can push myself.
RLRS: What keeps you motivated to train?
MR: Have I mentioned food yet? No it’s really more about keeping the focus on my long term goals and plans.
RLRS: What are your hobbies outside of running?
MR: Biking and swimming? No I enjoy the theater, movies and I play computer games (yes a dork).
RLRS: What is your favorite race?
MR: This one is easy, Chuck Norris 5K for very obvious reason (hello Chuck Norris). First I have been involved in martial arts since I was 6, I grew up watching Chuck and all of his movies. So when I had the chance to do a run sponsored by him and where you get a high five (thats right a high five) from the man the myth the legend Chuck Norris I just couldn’t pass it up. It was a total blast with 5000+ runners dressed up like Chuck.
RLRS: What is your bucket list event?
MR: A full Ironman, any desert stage race, but mostly Marathon des Sables and the Race the Planet 4 Desert Ultra Series.
RLRS: What is the funniest thing to happen to you during a race?
MR: My first marathon I was running along and there was a guy probably 30+ years older than me running along side/passing me. There was a medic on a bike and he asked the guy how he was doing and if everything was ok (keep in mind he had a knee brace on). I was like why are asking him he just passed me so from where I’m at it looks like he is fine (we all got a good laugh at it) and him and I ran the rest of the run together.
RLRS: What is your proudest race moment?
MR: This is a hard one, I don’t take any of my runs for granted, but I would have to say my firsts (first full marathon, Ultra and 1/2 Ironman.
RLRS: What is the one thing you wish you knew when you first started running?
MR: Nipguards for long runs
RLRS: What is your best piece of advice for new runners?
MR: Enjoy it and don’t stress about always being quick, it’s about the fun and camaraderie. And if it’s a guy, Nipguards for the long runs.