I joined the Sierra TrailBlazers shortly after arriving in Nevada County 25 years ago, but my running adventures began many years before that. I am what you would call a lifelong runner.

I started running track in junior high school, and continued competing through high school and in college at Chico State. (Go Wildcats!).  Returning to the Bay Area after college I moved on to 5k and 10k road races. In the early 90's I joined the Tamalpa Runners and began running on the trails of Mt. Tamalpais and at Point Reyes National Seashore. Ultimately this led to my first Dipsea race... and the beginning of my true love of trail running.

Trail running really became my primary activity after moving to Grass Valley in 1998 and joining the Sierra TrailBlazers. I ran my first ultramarathon in 2003 (Tahoe Rim Trail 55k) and have continued to train and race long distances on trails ever since, including three 100-mile race finishes (Marin Headlands in 2007, and Western States in 2009 and 2015). At the beginning, I spent a lot of time running solo. I truly enjoy the feeling of being completely alone in the depths of a forest, and the primal connection to nature, and the need for self-reliance that comes from it. However, I am now finding an increasing enjoyment training with fellow my TrailBlazers and going to races together. My Ragnar, Marin Ultra Challenge and recent Zion trips stand out as some of my favorite races/road trips with friends.

As much as I love running itself and the chance to spend hours challenging myself deep in the woods, I equally enjoy giving back to the running community through volunteering at races. Especially at remote aid stations, and especially at night! Helping others find something to refuel with that won't upset their sour stomach, providing insight on what the next part of the race has in store for them, or just offering an encouraging word that helps them to continue on to reach their goal gives me great satisfaction.

I am happy to share my many years and miles of knowledge and experience, and particularly enjoy guiding/introducing people to new trails. Come run with me!