Name: Ed

City: Bealeton, VA

Other activities:  I enjoy hanging with my kids, especially watching and playing football with my son.  I am also working toward my degree, only 19 years late.

When did you first start running:  I first started running when I joined the military in 1991.  It was never regularly, and absolutely never just for fun.  I started running regularly and for fun in early 2008. 

Goals for 2008:  Run faster, longer and pain free.  Also, to run the Marine Corp 10K at around an 8:00 mile.

Goals for 2009:  To finish the Marine Corps Marathon under 4 hours (9:00 pace) and to break 22 minutes in a 5k (main goal).  I would also like to improve upon all of last year's performances.

Thoughts on having a coach: Having a coach allowed me to run smarter.  It took me from aimlessly running a lot of miles every day to reducing my mileage and increasing my results.  His training schedule allowed my body to properly recuperate from each training session, while still reaching my set goals.

What helps motivate you to train/exercise:  Setting goals that may be a bit optimistic.  I like signing up for a race and setting a goal that I have to work toward, then letting people know what my goal is so when I am done I can't hide from it.  I also like having people around to train with. 

2008 Race Results
*Rock the House 8k (6/8) = 44:25 (first career race)
*Stonewall Jackson 5k (8/23) = 24:31
*Arlington 9/11 5k (9/6) = 23:55 (beat goal by 5 seconds)
*Army 10-Miler (10/5) = 1:25:05 (2nd time running 10 miles)
*Marine Corps 10k (10/26) = 50:32

*Arlington Turkey Trot (11/27) = 24:16

2009 Race Results
*St. Louis Half (4/19) = 2:04:53 (first Half Marathon)
*Marine Corps Marathon