Why you decided to be a coach this year:

While coaching the 10K program this year, it was exciting to watch a fire get lit in people as they discovered what they could do.  Seeing the same process occur in marathon trainees sounds even more rewarding.

Running history/goals/motivaton: I ran MCM 2000 and 2001, setting a marathon PR of 3:55 in 2001.  Life and a couple of injuries turned me into a non-runner for a couple of years, but I got back into marathons in 2008.  After running Baltimore and Philadelphia in 5:12 and 5:08, I signed up for the 2009 National Marathon MTP.  I finished National in 4:20.  I have since gotten my time close to 4:00, while losing 33 pounds and earning the award for DCRR Most Improved Male Runner of 2009 along the way.

I also have caught the ultra bug.  I ran the JFK 50-Miler in November and I have a 24-hour race this summer.

My goals are to break my PR and then qualify for Boston.  I think running with DCRR is just the thing that can get me there.  Running a marathon in 3:20 sounds daunting, but after the improvement of the last 18 months, it should be possible with some hard work.

Top 3 Marathon Training Tips:

1.  Cross-training will keep you interested, challenged, and healthy

2.  Don't sweat it if you just had a really bad run.  Bad days happen.  What a bad day usually means is that your next run will be a great one.

3.  While it's fun to try keeping up with or catching others, but the only person that you should race against is yourself.  If you train well and worry only about _your_ running, you will be rewarded.

Preferred Running Fuel:
Before a long run, I like to have some coffee and maybe a banana - I don't do well running with a full stomach.  During a long run, I prefer Gatorade and Espresso Love GU.  After the run, I go for lowfat chocolate milk - it tastes so good and is a great recovery drink!

Age: 40

Occupation: Mechanical Engineer

Coaching philosophy:  I would like to show trainees what a great group DCRR is.  My hope is that after the MTP they decide to run regularly with the club.

Famous person you'd most like to run with:

Any of those fast guys at the front of every DCRR run.  They aren't famous, but if I can run with them, I will have met my goals.

Carl's Before and After Transformation: