Mike began his career in triathlon while in graduate school at the University of Maryland (M.A. Kinesiology, concentration in sport psychology) as a way to accept new challenges in the realm of athletics.  His previous experience in athletics included being a three-sport collegiate athlete in football, rugby, and track & field at Widener University (B.A.).  His running career began while competing as an All-Conference decathlete for the track & field team for two years, where he won the 1500m race at the Conference Championships both years, and won the 400m race his senior year.  He had previously trained as a sprinter with the track team for two years.  He is now a Certified Level 2 USA Track & Field Coach and a Certified USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach.  Mike has published 2 scientific journal articles as lead author in the Journal of Contemporary Athletics (2004 & 2005), and published another article as second author in the World Leisure Journal (2006).  He has been consulted by The Washington's Post Health section on occasion and has written for Tri-DC Magazine, the DC Examiner, and the Montgomery County Road Runners magazine, "The Rundown," as well as made presentations for the Girls On The Run coaching program, University of Maryland Triathlon Club, DC Tri Club, and Prince George's Running Club.

In addition to collegiate athletics, Mike also played football and baseball in high school and now enjoys basketball, racquetball, and ultimate Frisbee as leisure-time sports.  He grew up in Bear, DE and currently resides in northwest Washington, DC, where he was a former full-time track & field coach and physical education teacher at Sidwell Friends School from 2004 - 2008, and now teaches an undergraduate sport psychology course at Marymount University (Arlington).