At Rogue, we believe that the success of our training programs rests not just upon expertly designed schedules and the huge network of resources and support on offer, but also upon our incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated coaches. These people put heart and soul (and a lot of time!) into helping you reach your full potential, and we thought you might like to learn more about them.
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When and why did you start running?
12 years ago, to meet girls. It worked, because I’m now married with 2 kids!
How did you get into coaching?
I started off coaching duathlon, because I had started the Austin Duathletes in 2004. My athletes must have liked me, because Steve Sisson then approached me to be one of the marathon coaches for the Austin Marathon. I’ve been coaching running ever since.
Why Rogue?
Because I used to play guitar and drink beer with Steve.
What is your trademark coaching philosophy and/or style?
The Riff Raff motto is: “We train hard. We play hard.” Our group tends to be tightly knit, with runners becoming close friends, going on vacations together, and doing things outside of running. I have 8 marriages and 2 children born out of relationships started in my groups.
Most memorable run?
Boston Marathon 2013. Before the attack even happened, it was already my most memorable marathon. As one of my runners put it, “It’s like crossing the finish line of a marathon for 26.2 miles.” It’s just electric, probably the greatest participatory sporting event in the world. Then, when the attack occurred at the end of the race, a sense of togetherness and belonging with all of my friends and the city itself was very strong. I was there the rest of the week on business and barely got out of town before the lockdown on Friday, when they finally captured the terrorist. I want to go back next year and in 2015, to support that race and the city.
Favorite post-run meal?
Breakfast tacos and mimosas.
Favorite Rogue long run route?
Whichever one is the newest.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new runner, what would it be?
Slow down.
What are you coaching next?
I’m always coaching running.
What do you do when you aren’t running or coaching?
Working or being with my family.
Any pets?
2 annoying cats.
What’s the last book you read?
Haha!! I have 2 little kids. I don’t have time to read.
What is one item that is ALWAYS in your refrigerator?
Milk.
If you were a vegetable, which one would you be?
A radish. Because I’m round and bitter.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
It depends on who’s coming with me.
What is one to-do on your bucket list?
Finish writing my book.
Favorite quote?
“The rest of the world is 3 drinks behind.” –Humphrey Bogart
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Panther coaches Rogue Riff Raff, an ongoing training group designed to accommodate runners of all levels, all distances, and all abilities. There is no beginning and no end, for runners who are training for races and runners who aren’t. In this group, we push running as a lifestyle, and racers and non-racers alike are welcome. Details here!
The Rundown 