Gary D.'s Profile

I completed my first marathon in May of 1999. While I felt that I had accomplished something great, there was a burning question, "Can I run faster?" That single question has lead to many of the goals that I have set ever since, whether in the classroom or the race course. As I continued to pursue endurance goals, I witnessed these pursuits impact many areas of my life. The goal of becoming "faster" lead me to realize that fitness and exercise (healthy living) was a complete style of living. Through all the academic work and miles logged, I have found a few things that help make an athlete "successful." Time, Humility, Patience, Motivation and Dedication. There are defiantly others that are important, but finding the perfect balance with those five can lead towards great progress. My personal pursuits continue. Having qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2003 and again in 2006, my running goal will be a lifetime pursuit to complete a marathon in every state. The more immediate goals that I have set are now focused on the Ironman triathlon. After spending time competing and training for shorter distance triathlons since 2001, I completed my first iron-distance race in 2006. Upon finishing that first iron-distance race, I was left thinking, "Can I go faster?"