Country: United States

Running has never been just about fitness for me. I came from a swim and triathlon background, but running was always my weakest link. I started running more to improve, and eventually I dropped the bike and the pool entirely. The real turning point came in 2024, when I got into trail running, and then in 2026, when I earned a Golden Ticket to Western States—that gave me the chance to line up with the best ultra‑runners in the world.

My favorite distance now is 100 miles. Not just to survive, but to compete. That distance strips away your ego and shows you exactly what you’re made of.

My most memorable race is the one I just finished—the 2026 Western States Endurance Run. It was tough from the start: I had a stomach ache and a sore throat, which made the first climbs feel way harder than they should have. I had to back off and came through the first climb around 15th place, but then I used my downhill strength to chase back into the top 10, eventually running with Hayden Hawks for a while. Nutrition was a struggle—I couldn’t get enough calories in, and by mile 30 I was reduced to walking for several miles. What really kept me going was my crew and pacers after mile 62—their support pulled me out of a dark place. I finished in 21:07:53, 42nd male, and while it wasn’t the race I’d dreamed of, I’m proud that I finished my first 100‑miler with the help of an amazing team.

My philosophy: running and life are alike. There will always be highs and lows. Life never gets easier—you just get stronger. Same with running.

For me, trail running is about appreciating God’s creation and using my gift to inspire the next generation. I’m not coaching right now, but I hope to find ways to pass on that passion in the future. Every struggle on the trail is a shared privilege with the people who stand by you. As I always say: “You can always give your best even when it’s hard.” Whether it’s a 100‑mile race or life itself, the only thing that stops us is deciding to quit. And I’m not quitting anytime soon. This community understands that shared suffering is a privilege—and pushing those boundaries together means everything to me.