There will be people who say “you can’t” but from what I’m showing them is that “you can.”
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a happily married 41 year old father of 2 girls who are my everything. I used to play competitive basketball from when I was 5 years old until my late 20s then I went the “Michael Jordan” route and played baseball/softball (but could actually hit the ball hahaha). Afterwards, I started running, or as I put it, “Rulking”. Combination of run/walk. I tell everybody that I’m not a runner but a rulker and have to explain what it meant. I have finished over 116 races including 6 half marathons.
Back in 2009 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes which really shocked me. I’ve been active all my life and just was pretty confused as to how I was the only one in my family to get it. But as I look back, it’s really help me continue to be active as I want to see my daughters grow up. Crazy how this disease flared up more recently as a lot of my friends have been diagnosed as well. Knowing the struggle, I encourage them to come along on my rulking adventures. Just got back from Vegas after finishing the 5K and 10K Remix Challenge. I also regained my love of weightlifting. I used to lift (non-competitively) when I was much younger. It’s always nice to vent out frustrations and stress of every day living on iron.
I’m also a classically trained chef but am now working in the legal field. One of these days I’ll get back into the kitchen.
2. What’s a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me is waking up, get the kids ready for school, drop my youngest one off while my wife takes our older one. Then I stroll into work. After dinner and after helping put the kids to bed, I go workout at the local YMCA. On Thursdays, I help coach my daughter’s basketball team which is awesome. It’s funny to see these little ones trying their hardest to grasp this very difficult sport. I love it.
3. What’s one goal you’re currently training to accomplish by December 31, 2016?
One goal of mine to accomplish by the end of this year was actually done in September. I finished the Disney Dumbo Dare (19.3 miles spread across 2 days). I never would have expected to finish without the support of my family. I always joke that this 41 year old is a lot stronger than I was at 17-25. I know it may seem funny and cliche, but am trying to drop a few pounds by the end of the year as well.
4. What’s one life goal you’re currently pursuing outside of fitness?
One life goal of mine is to beat diabetes so I can see my kids grow up and hopefully see grandchildren and tell them stories of my “glory days.”
5. What does it mean to you to Compete Every Day?
Compete Every Day to me means that life can be rough and can be bumpy but if your will is strong, you can accomplish anything. For example, I’m competing every day for my health. No way in hell diabetes is going to beat me.
6. What is one obstacle you’re proud you’ve overcome?
One obstacle that I’m proud of overcoming would be a bad relationship which left me alone, broke, and without any direction. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I picked myself up and ran over the barrier.
7. What/who do you compete for?
I compete for my family and friends but especially for my daughters. I take them on races with me and even though they constantly yell at me to “GO FASTER DADDY!” while pushing them in a double stroller, I’m glad they get to experience the same thing I am. I also want to show them that they can do anything they want to do. There will be people who say “you can’t” but from what I’m showing them is that “you can.”