Brian is our Ridge Runner of the Month for July 2009.
Brian grew up in Redlands, California. He graduated from Cal State San Bernardino where he studied Business. After graduating he lived in Yuciapa, Riverside, and Lake Elsinore. Brian recently moved to Azusa to be nearer to his job in Glendale, and he says, "it’s nice to be closer to The Ridge Runners as well". He works as a Project Manager for a Construction Management company where he has worked since April of 2008. Brian has one younger sister Nicole and a 4 year old nephew Tyler who live in Highland.
When he was younger Brian played Basketball and soccer and says he was “in great shape”, but about six years ago he decided to get fit again. He realized he had put on about 80 lbs. since his high school graduation, and began running. He had never run before, and has lost about 40 lbs so far towards his weight loss goal.
Brian joined the Ridge Runners at the beginning of 2009. He was living in Lake Elsinore at the time and joined in with some of the club runs to break his long commute home. He found the club by searching the Internet.
Brian’s favorite club run is the Tuesday track night work out at Azusa Pacific University. He likes to work on his speed training and would like to break 20 minutes in the 5K soon.
The Camp Pendleton Mud run is Brian’s favorite organized event. It’s a very challenging course including running and difficult obstacles almost all while soaking wet and muddy. He especially enjoys the party and awards ceremony after the race. There is always a lot of fun with all the other runners and spectators.
Before an event Brian likes to take a few minutes to relax and visualize the course and the finish line in his mind. His perfect dinner the night before a race is a chicken burrito and a power bar.
Brian’s favorite non-running sport to play is soccer and he enjoys watching football and hockey. He is a fan of the New England Patriots and the Anaheim Ducks.
His dream vacation would be to sail to an undiscovered tropical island where he could relax and enjoy the great weather and clear warm water.
I asked Brian who he would like to have lunch with, anyone living or dead. “I would like to have lunch with Abraham Lincoln,” He said, “because he had so many road blocks in his life and he was still able to overcome them.”
Brian wanted to share his Personal Records with the club:
5K – 20:25 – Santa Anita 2009
10K – 44:29 – Coyote Challenge 2008
Half Marathon – 1:46:07 – Long Beach 2007
Marathon – 3:56:57 – San Diego Rock’n’Roll Marathon 2008
Mud Run 10K – 54:07 – Camp Pendleton 2007