Collin with Manchester Residential Member Ed at the Back on My Feet 42K Relay. They have logged many miles together!
Shoe Size? 10
Favorite post run food? It’s a toss-up between donuts and my favorite, go-to sandwich: toast with peanut butter, sometimes with a little Nutella, and bananas
How many marathons/half marathons/5ks have you done? I’ve run three marathons, ten half-marathons, and a handful of 5- and 10-k races.
Favorite race you’ve ever done? It’s a three-way tie between the marathons I’ve run. My first was the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon. It’s a great race with a beautiful course. Like many runners’ first marathon, it’s very memorable. The second was the 2011 Carmel Marathon. It was fun to be a part of the inaugural race. Much to my surprise, I placed 9th and qualified for the 2012 Boston Marathon, my 3rd and most recent marathon.
Favorite music? Indie (Alternative, Rock, Folk)
Favorite athlete/team/sport? My favorite sport? Football…err…what we call “soccer” here. I played growing-up and I’ve always loved the sport. I’m a big fan of Manchester United, an English football club. I do love the Colts, though; gotta support the hometown team! My favorite athlete is ultra-runner Dean Karnazes. I’ve read his books and even had the chance to run with him when he came through Indiana in April 2011 during his “Run Across America.” I question whether or not he’s a human with the mileage he’s able to endure (ha), but he’s an inspiration to me and many other runners.
Favorite vacation spot? Siesta Key, FL. My family’s gone there for years. It’s a great location and we have so many great memories there.
Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon? I plan to run thirty miles on my 30th birthday this coming May. If all goes well, I’ll sign-up for an ultra-marathon, more than likely a 35-miler.
Why do you run? Tough question! My dad ran when I was younger, so I guess you can say it’s in my genes to be a runner. When I was a Senior in college, though, one of my best friends who happened to be an amazing Cross Country and Track runner, challenged me to run the Indianapolis Mini Marathon. I took him up on the challenge, even though the race was on graduation day. Since that day, it’s been a part of my life. Also, when I was 12-years old, I was in a pretty serious “bicycle vs. car” accident, I being on the bicycle. It was a serious accident, one that threatened my future physical abilities. The fact that I came very close to losing the ability to walk, let alone run, is cause for me to give thanks for the ability to run and not take each mile for granted.
Tell us about your family? My wife, Anna, and I have been married for nearly six and a half years. We actually met in pre-school; corny story, right? We grew-up knowing one another and reconnected in college. She’s awesome in every way and is very supportive of my running endeavors, which is a huge blessing. Not everyone can understand and/or appreciate when you say “Hey, I’m going to be gone for the next 2-3 hours on a training run. I hope you don’t mind!” We don’t have any kids, yet, but we do have a dog, Basher, who’s a Miniature Schnauzer.
What is your day job? I work for ExactTarget, an Indianapolis-based SaaS (Software as a Service) company on the Existing Business Sales team. We work with clients of all sizes in their marketing efforts through channels like Email, Mobile, Social, and the Web. It’s a great company and I am extremely thankful to be part of the ExactTarget team.
What is your most memorable BoMF memory? It’s tough to pick just one memory as there have been many memorable moments. My first run with BoMF, May 9, 2012, is pretty special, though. As anyone entering a new community or team, there’s always a bit of hesitation and anxiety; it’s almost inevitable that you experience some sort of “me and them” type of feeling. The special, unique thing about BoMF is that there is no “me and them.” Sure, there are residents and non-residents. When we gather to run, though, we’re all runners. Honestly, it took me two weeks to figure out that one of the guys I was running with was a resident; I had no idea! That’s a testament to the community BoMF creates.
How did you hear about BoMF? I heard about BoMF through Social Media. It was early 2011 when I began seeing tweets about BoMF-Indy. I began to research and was really intrigued with the organization. At the time I was living in Fishers and working in Anderson, so making it downtown for the 5:45 AM runs was a logistical challenge. I had committed in my mind, though, that when I began working downtown I would begin running with BoMF.
Why did you stick with it? I knew before my first run with BoMF that it was something I wanted to be a part of, so it wasn’t and isn’t a hard thing to commit to. Sure, the 4:30 AM alarm can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, but I love running – the confidence it builds, community it creates, the health benefits, etc. I know not everyone loves running, even those that get involved with BoMF, at least initially. I’m not sure if it’s a “gift,” but I definitely enjoy it and if I can use running to help build community with others, I’m happy and grateful to do it.
What has BoMF meant to you? Like any endeavor in life when you set out to help someone else, you end-up learning, growing, and receiving more than you thought possible. BoMF has done just that for me. When I began with BoMF, I thought I’d be using my love and enjoyment of running to help someone else. While that may be true, I’ve been given much more than I could have imagined. My time with BoMF has been humbling and enriching. There’s nothing like a bunch of sweaty runners, standing in a circle, reciting the Serenity Prayer to remind us that we need one another in life. Regardless of age or where our lives have taken us, we can improve not just in running, but in many aspects of life.
How is BoMF helping you with your future career? The obstacles and life challenges that I’ve seen BoMF residents overcome (or are currently overcoming) are constant reminders that I can overcome the challenges in my life. Whether that be work-related or not, I’m reminded of the inner strength that I believe lies within all of us. Work presents challenges to all, but often those challenges pale in comparison to some of the “life” challenges that many deal with. I know that with perseverance and commitment, like I’ve seen with BoMF, the goals in my life can be achieved.
Advice for people who might want to start running with BoMF? Just Do It! (credit to Nike for that one). If you have the slightest inclination or curiosity about BoMF, attend one of the interest meetings. Even if you’re not a runner, we have groups that walk. And if you’re not a walker, there are other ways to volunteer.
Anything else you want to share with readers? Obviously, you’ve made it this far in this Q&A and know that I love running. I’m an advocate for BoMF, but I also realize running may not be everyone’s “thing.” If you know what your “thing” is, though, find a way to share it with others. Whatever it is, be it running, mentoring, or something else, it’s a gift and talent you’ve been given. Share that with others and in the process of sharing that gift, your life will be blessed as well.
