Nickname: Bermuda – It took me 18 months to get a nickname, and after my 2nd 5Ms, and 2nd time my team got lost, it was an easy choice, cheers Rafa! Unfortunately I reinforced the name 3 weeks later at the 2016 Wangaratta marathon running an extra 500m, and coming 2nd by 30 seconds, the nickname has now stuck!
Workplace: TAL Life
PB’s: Tan 12:39 (2016); 5k 16:38 (2016- TT); 10k 35:03 (2016 -TT); Half marathon 1:18:30 (2015); Marathon 2:45:10 (Melbourne 2015).
Vital statistics (2016): Age: 39 Height: 178cm Weight: 65kg
Why I started running: 2008 – To knock the marathon off the bucket-list. The running bucket-list is now on-going – sub 3hrs, sub 2:50, sub 2:45…and hopefully a little bit more!
First joined the Midday Milers: August 2014 – Same building as Slips, Xmas, Rosco & Mulder, and eventually got dragged along, best decision ever, just wish I made it sooner, nearly 7 years of mainly solo running.
Running highlight: Oxfam 2016, first over the line, while we didn’t win overall (3rd), we got all the accolades; it was an amazing experience running with a team. Getting accepted into Boston marathon & ballot for the NY marathon. Another highlight was running my PB at Melbourne 2015. I have also managed a few podiums at smaller marathons which have been unexpected – including a win at Sri Chinmoy Princes Park marathon. Also coming 3rd at Marysville 50km behind Dozer and Kev Mannix in 2011.
Running lowlight: Run 26 marathons and ultras, so I’ve had a few. Boston (2012) after 5kms, PW marathon 3:31 – 2nd hottest ever – and then running a 2:49 four months later at Shepparton. The freshest low was Wangaratta – high expectations leading in, it was a big head-f$ck! It took me 3 days to get over it!
Favourite running shoe: Adidas Adios & Tempo
Favourite Training Session: Long Run – the freedom, sessions – 8km progressive or 3 lap Tan Progressive
Any pre-race superstitions: No.
How do you prepare for a race?: Marathon – carbo-load. Pretty bad with the rest, stretching, massages, warm-up etc..
Hobbies: NFL, Philadelphia Eagles – ever year they disappoint. AFL – the Mighty Hawks – ever year they don’t.
Most important thing to me: Health and family
Biggest dislike: Politics
Favourite area for training: Tan, Eaglemont, Merri Creek Trail
Favourite food: Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese
Favourite drink: Water, Coffee, Beer
Favourite movies: Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Silver Linings Playbook, love a doco too.
Favourite music: Pearl Jam, Faith No More, Soundgarden are my favourites, but also love the older classics from the 60’s and 70’s, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Rolling Stones
Dream occupation: Anything involving sports
Most admired athletes: Emil Zatopek, won the 5km, 10km and marathon in the 1952 Olympics, never done before and certainly won’t again! Also gave his 10km gold medal to Ron Clarke, legend! From the footy as a kid Jason Dunstall, now Cyril Rioli ‘excitement machine’ and Sammy Mitchell, Sammy just keeps getting better…champ.
A little known fact about me: First 2 years of my life was spent in Christmas Island, before it was a Detention Centre for refugees! Also lived overseas for 7 years in London & Jasper (Canada) after I finished studying.
All too well known facts about you: I’m navigationally challenged
Life Highlight: Birth of my kids. Seeing the Philly Eagles 3 times in the US, Witnessing the Hawks last 3 premierships @ the G, doing the Inca Trail, climbing the Great Wall, Surviving a static-line (solo) parachute jump in South Africa, Watching Gilly and Damien Martyn score 200 & 100 on my birthday against the Saffas at the Wanderers in South Africa in 2001 are some that stand out.
Life low-point: Youngest daughter Molly diagnosed with Osteogensis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones) and her subsequent fracture of her femur the afternoon after Melbourne marathon 2015, which was just after her first birthday. She is wild thing, so many more grey hairs to come.
Three things on your bucket list: London Marathon (2017), Comrades (up – hate downhills!), and would also love to have another serious crack at Oxfam. I also wouldn’t mind knocking off the 6 major marathons.
Favourite quote: ‘The Green Bay Packers never lost a football game. They just ran out of time’ – Vince Lombardi.
