Director of Sales at HD Pallet Company

I <3 RUNNING: What started as merely a means to an end on a weight loss journey has become something bigger and more important to me. I love the emotional and mental benefits, being outdoors, challenging myself, and the joy I feel after a good run.

BUCKET LIST: Half Ironman is on the list. I have always admired triathletes from a distance and would love to complete one.

UP NEXT: 2025 St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend

HOMETOWN: Lakeland, TN

FAV FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: My favorite is signing up for my first race in 2019. I had no idea what I was doing, but I am proud of myself for being vulnerable and taking the first step in a life-changing fitness journey.

SPEED BUMPS: I was on a weight loss journey for my first half marathon, and I injured my knee a week before the race. I was unable to compete and was heartbroken, but I volunteered at a water station. I cheered on all the runners and strengthened my resolve to come back. The following year, I did just that and was able to finish and beat my goal of a sub 2 hr. Half Marathon. I don’t know if my dedication and love for exercise would’ve stuck without that initial adversity, so I am thankful for it. MY GROUP: I am currently obsessed with pickleball and am a member of a competitive league that plays every Thursday at Bluff City Pickleball.

FAVORITE JAMS: BigXthaPlug

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: For my friend’s 30th birthday, we organized our own 7-mile race titled “A Little Over Half of a Half Marathon Birthday Run for Burgers and Beers.” We designed t-shirts, made race bibs, and all of the wives set up water stations and cheered everyone along the route. It was a lot of fun, and we all got a good laugh.

BEST EATS: El Porton. I love the steak and grilled chicken tacos.

DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Ernest Hemingway or Hunter S. Thompson — as long as their drinks aren’t on my tab!

GO-TO GEAR: My watch. I am a data nerd, so I feel naked without it.

INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: Eating sour gummy worms without my girlfriend scolding me. Seriously though, running has allowed me to learn a lot about myself. Having a healthy outlet to decompress and process stress has been life-changing and inspires me to continue my journey.

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch. The book and TV series are fantastic.

PET PEEVE: Running distances that aren’t round numbers.

BINGE WATCHING: “The Pitt”

QUOTE: “Celebrate we will. Because life is short but sweet for certain.” – Two Step by Dave Matthews Band

Photo by Tindall Stephens