40; Dean of Culture at Believe Memphis Academy; Board Member for The Gentlemen’s League of Memphis; Volunteer at Life Church
I <3 RUNNING: I enjoy being outside and connecting with other runners.
BUCKET LIST: Every year, I promise to step it up and sign up for a full marathon. This may be my year.
UP NEXT: MTRC Road Race series
FAV FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: I just enjoy running. I couldn’t run a mile as a teen, but now I can run 13.
HOMETOWN: Memphis, TN
SPEED BUMPS: In 2023, I faced plantar fasciitis. It was so painful! I just knew I would have to stop running. I saw a podiatrist who helped me get right back on the pavement.
MY GROUP: I run with the local chapter of Black Men Run and train with Breakaway annually to help prep for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend.
FAVORITE JAMS: Podcasts! I listen to the Breakfast Club, Teachers Off Duty, and the Educator’s Room.
RECENT RACES: I run the St. Jude half annually. Last December was my seventh year.
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: My most memorable fitness event would be my first time running the St. Jude half. Before that training season, I was not a runner. I started training with friends and surprised myself when I finished the race.
BEST EATS: Cao Bella is my new favorite restaurant, and I enjoy their BBQ chicken pizza and, guilty pleasure, an Old Fashioned.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Eliud Kipchoge. We are the same age, and he has won a few marathons. I’d love to hear any tips he might have on diet and training.
GO-TO GEAR: I can’t leave home without my Garmin watch!
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: Improving my overall health. My dad struggled with his health when he was alive, and I promised myself that I would take care of myself.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: I enjoy reading and can’t pick just one, so this is hard! But I just read “Change Leader” by Michael Fullen for grad school, which is a good book for anyone in school leadership.
PET PEEVE: You are probably not drinking enough water. It’s annoying to me when I don’t get enough in and when I encounter people complaining about not feeling well and their poor bodies are just dehydrated.
BINGE WATCHING: Abbott Elementary
QUOTE: I’m a school leader, so daily, I tell my students to “go be great on purpose.” It’s a motto I’m choosing to live by.
