City: Bloomington, MN

Race: 10 Mile

Fundraising Goal: $1000

Race Goal (time/just finish!): Survive

In a few sentences, describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to run in support of U2FP, and whether you have a personal connection to spinal cord injury and paralysis: My awareness and support is due entirely to U2FP's Executive Director, Matthew, and his son Gabe, whom I both admire and have developed friendships. U2FP plays a vital role in research advocacy; and a unique role in bringing researchers together with the spinal cord injury community to develop practical solutions. I am excited to contribute to their efforts by participating in this and future events!

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed? Barely survived a 10K a few years ago. This 10 mile race will be my longest distance ever.

What do you crave after a long run? Xanax

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what? Sometimes I listen to true crime podcasts or the Watergate hearings. Mostly, I just listen to my breathing to make sure it's still happening.

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon? Between mile 7 and 10 I will be nervous about hamstring or heart failure.

What is an interesting or unique fact about yourself (or anything else you’d like to share)? I enjoy practically everything else more than running! It's a testament to my wife's will that I am doing this.