Tom is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
I initially worked as a golf pro in the golf business for 12 years. I would run when I needed to, i.e. when I was feeling fat during those years. I enjoyed running, but I didn’t love it. I was let go in 2004 and I was traveling down a destructive path, going out every night, trying to figure life out all the while. I was at a tailgate party (drinks involved) with my friends when the running bug hit. In Indy we have the MINI Marathon; I had no idea what a MINI was or how far, so I bet my friends that I could beat them in this half marathon. I then proceeded to join Indy Runners Training program and beat them in the race (2:04 debut). I was hooked!!
I love the training process, and respect the fact that running had saved my life (no doubt). I have now run 14 MINIs in a row; a reminder of where I was and where I am now. 50+ halfs and 14 full marathons completed so far! I would not be here without running and I believe this. I met my wife and we have two kids, Sam and Morgan. I absolutely am a running nut/crazy for sure! See you on the road racing/training.
I joined RW+ because I have a passion for running and want to share journeys with other like-minded people. I always want to learn more about running, equipment, and surrounding community! The running community is so special and I just want to connect as much as possible.
My Personal Best Training (PBT) Teammates/Coach and Strava get me out the door! The accountability factor is first, the “I am a much better person after I run” second, and then BQ third.
I run later in the day early and the other days are ALWAYS EARLY (F-Su). Family first, so weekends are always early. My schedule does dictate things for sure and it is ALWAYS family first.
Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis is the absolute best place to train and get better! The city park is marked with 5K, 8K, and 10K running routes as well as trails galore. I have improved so much as a runner from training on these rolling hills as Indianapolis can be quite flat.
We also will head out of the park for a 20 mile out-and-back and the biggest hill on the route is Kissel Rd. You will always hear me yell “Kissel my ass, damn hill!” at the bottom of the incline! I love that!! Makes people smile (kinda).
I have many (accessory nut): Nike Flex Stride City Shorts, Brooks Levitate 2’s, Goodr Sunnies, and my iPod. None of these four are negotiable for a run, ever.
My goal is to toe the line in Boston and train well enough to the point where the training screams “you will qualify”. Too many times we try to make the goal “fit” the training instead of getting “fit” to achieve the goal—in a cart-in-front-of-horse type of way.
