Our Amazing FITniche Crew

I began running about 8 years ago after having my second child, with the encouragement of my runner husband. Like most new runners I did not like it and struggled with horrible shin splints. I came to FITniche to be fitted for a correct pair of shoes, and this changed my entire running life! I was able to run pain free and this helped me to really start enjoying the miles. Since starting my running journey, I have completed many 5k’s and half marathons (my favorite distance). In 2013, I decided to train for my first full marathon. I had no intention of doing more than one but I found I enjoyed the distance training and went on to complete my 2nd full marathon (Jan 2015). I hope to continue to love running and be able to complete many more races! FITniche changed my life, and I love having the opportunity to encourage and help others!

I started running sophomore year in high school. I really didn’t love it at first, I tried to quit multiple times, my cross country coach in high school didn’t let me quit though and told me I had a future in running if I chose to put my whole heart in it. I ended up having mediocre seasons until my senior year when I finally had a personal best at 17:04. Since high school I have dabbled in every distance from a 5k to ultra distance and even a sprint triathlon. I also married my beautiful wife Lindsey and we have a wonderful daughter named Blaire. We also have our fun loving and playful beagle named Cooper.

When I was in high school I hated running. My coach would tell us to run two laps around the softball field and I thought I was going to die. However, in 2014, I graduated high school and my church invited me and my family to run the Shine a Light 5K. I went because it was for a good cause and it seemed fun since we were all going together. So, on October 24th, 2014, I did my first 5K and placed 3rd in my age group. I started doing more because I had such a good time and ever since then I’ve gone on to run more 5K’s, 8K’s and mud runs with my sister and my mom. In 2017 I decided to run in my first half marathon now I love running!

I started running when I was about 12 years old but didn’t run organized until sophomore year in high school. Later I ran in college at the University of Kentucky. After taking some time off I picked running up again in my early 40’s. I now enjoy running half marathons and, occasionally, other distances.

I began running about 7 years ago, when I no longer had high school sports to keep me active.  I started off running a few road races in my home town and eventually ended up running for the college I was attending, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I ran cross country and track there for three years, and finished with a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training, and a Master’s in Sports studies. After college I began training for my first full marathon (Pittsburgh) and qualified for the Boston Marathon two times. I will be running Boston in April 2017 and hope to finish with a new PR! I have recently moved to the area with my husband, Jeremiah, and we are loving everything about Florida!

I spent much of my early childhood running for sports conditioning, but not until the end of spring semester of my freshman year in college did I begin to classify myself as a “runner”. Now 20 years later, running has become an integral part of my everyday life. I truly believe that running has transformative effects on peoples’ lives and I believe in sharing my passion for the sport with others.

At the University of Toledo, I studied Exercise Science with a concentration in Kinesiology and I am now working toward a Bachelor’s in Business at Polk State College. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to be able to compete in road, trail, and ultra distance races across the country, as well as many distance levels of triathlon. As always, train smart. The key to accomplishing your goals is to make it to the starting line! (Crossing it with a smile is a bonus!)

I’ve been a runner and triathlete almost all my life and now own several businesses related to running. Even though I don’t compete much in events anymore, I am the luckiest guy in the world to still be involved with athletes of every type, day-in and day-out, and have loved every minute of my work with FITniche over the last 10 years! Outside of work, you’ll likely find me reading poetry and business books, running, swimming or praying for guidance and thinking about how and when I can next get back to the mountains with my amazing wife, Julie, and 5 awesome kids!

I started running because my life had gotten pretty stagnant, and I wanted to create some new goals for myself. Running has changed my life in more ways than I could ever have imagined. I’ve been running for about three years now. In December 2016, it’ll be three years from my first marathon. I’ve enjoyed almost every race I’ve done, but if I have to pick a favorite I’ll go with the Boston Marathon. It just takes the marathon experience to a new level. My favorite shoes to train in right now are the Newton Gravity V and the Saucony Kinvara 7. I typically race in the Newton Distance. When I’m not running or working at FITniche, I’ll be honest with ya, I don’t do a whole heck of a lot. Running consumes a lot of my life. Occasionally, I’ll hit up the dog beach with my adorable three-year-old black lab, Porter. Other than that, I just enjoy hanging out with good people.