Please tell us briefly about your career/profession:
Civil engineer/hydrologist (semi-retired) with Clear Creek Solutions, Inc., a stormwater
engineering consulting firm that I co-founded in 2005. Licensed professional engineer
in California and Washington; certified professional hydrologist by the American Institute
of Hydrology. On the side I am a freelance writer. I have written articles for Washington
Trails, Northwest Runner, Ultrarunning, Velo News, Ultrarunning World, and American
Trail Running Association, plus numerous technical articles.
When did you start running and WHY?
Started running as cross-training for bicycle racing in 1980 (age 30). At the time I was a
USCF Category 2 bicycle racer (road and track), racing in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Started with running 5K and 10K races and then worked my way up to marathons and
ultras.
How much did you run in your peak years, miles/week, etc?
I have never really put in huge mileage. I typically run 40 miles per week. I don’t think
that I have ever done more than 60 miles per week even in my peak years (which
overlapped with my prime bicycle racing years).
What were some of your top race performances, or running achievements you are
most proud of?
I have run a marathon or ultra every year since 1984 (San Francisco). Marathon PB
3:03:56 (Coeur d’Alene, 1995). Finished the Grand Teton 100 (2006). Completed 68
marathons and 70 ultras (as of Feb 2026). 12 Boston Marathon finishes. 10 Quad
Dipsea finishes and proud owner of a Quad Dipsea 10-Year jacket. I have won three
USATF trail age group national championships. AbbottWMM 2025 World Ranking (75-
79) USA 6 th ; world 64 th . Run 800 meters and mile on the track. USA Masters Ranking
(70-74) 800 m 9 th (2:57.17, 2021). 2026 indoor mile time 7:34.61 (currently 4 th in the
world in the 75-79 age group).
Please estimate your total lifetime running miles.
I have no idea of what my total lifetime running miles are, as I don’t keep a running log
or journal.
How much are you running and cross-training now? Strength work? Stretching?
Running six days a week; typically about 40 miles per week, but will increase it to 60
miles per week when marathon training. Strength work three times a week. Stretching
as little as possible.
If you still race, please provide a somewhat recent race result or two.
Recent races:
Marys Peak 50K (Blodgett, OR; Jun 2025); 10:25:46
Royal Victoria Marathon (Victoria, BC; Oct 2025); 4:23:35
Seattle Half Marathon (Seattle, WA; Nov 2025): 58:02
UW Mile City Indoor Track Meet (Seattle, WA; Jan 2026): 7:34.61
Does it bother you that you are slower now? How do you deal with this? How do
you maintain motivation against the inevitable aging process? Who or what
inspires you?
Of course it bothers me that I am slower now. I don’t know how that happened and I
don’t like it. I train just as hard as in the past and maintain motivation by still trying to
beat my age group competition. Older runners inspire me. I currently train with Ed
Heckard, who is 80. I want to be like him when I grow up.
How have your diet and weight changed through the years, if at all? Any current
vitamins, minerals, supplements you are currently taking and believe in?
Diet has gotten better (due to my wife Joan), but weight has slowly increased over the
years. I don’t know why since I eat about half of what I used to consume while still
maintaining a constant exercise regime. Joan, who is a retired nurse and an active
open water long distance swimmer, selects our vitamins, minerals, and supplements
based on her never-ending research on what will keep us healthy and active. It seems
to be working.
What injuries or other health issues have you faced through the years? How have
you dealt with these?
I have had all of the usual running injuries: stress fractures, Achilles tendon injury,
Plantar Fasciitis, plus numerous falls in trail races. Fortunately I am a quick healer and
the longest I have ever been out of action is three months, but I have observed that it is
usually either acute or chronic injuries or medical problems that end a runner’s career.
So it is important not to do anything stupid if you want to keep running long-term.
Please provide a favorite inspirational quote or two … if you have them.
“Relentless Forward Motion” the motto of Helen Klein, pioneer female ultrarunner. She
told me her secret to success while we were running the Shadow of the Giants 50K trail
race at Fish Camp, California, 1998.
What 3 short tips would you offer to young/midlife runners who hope to continue
running many years into the future?
1. Consistency is the key to longevity.
2. Less is more (don’t overtrain).
3. Maintain balance in your life (physical, mental, social).
How does running improve your life on a daily/weekly basis?
Running gives me the strength and endurance to do all of the fun stuff in my life.
What are the biggest lessons (life lessons and running lessons) you have learned
from running? How would you describe your philosophy of life, running, and
aging?
You don’t have to be a great runner to be a good runner. There is always someone
faster, but if you just keep having fun you will find that you can and will do amazing
things.