36; Medical Dosimetrist at West Cancer Center | Derek Morgan, winner of the 2021 St. Jude Memphis Marathon
FAVORITE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Winning my hometown race, St. Jude Marathon, with a time of 2:36:48! INSPIRATION: I like to compete. I like to be surrounded by like-minded people and see if we can get the best out of each other.
GO-TO GEAR: Nike Alphafly
MY GROUP: Breakaway Racing Team, Marx-Bensdorf Cycling, and Journeymen Racing Multisport
SPEED BUMPS: In 2016, I was hit by a car on my bike just a few days after winning the Cat 3 State Championship. In 2017, I came back to win the Cat 2 State Championship. Perseverance is key!
FAVORITE JAMS: No music! Memphis is beautiful, soak in your surroundings and listen to your body!
BEST EATS: Soul Fish is my jam. I always get the salmon with a ton of veggies. I LOVE MY SPORTS: Running and cycling are special to me because of the camaraderie. My closest friends have come from running and cycling.
RECENT RACE: In 2021, my main focus was the St. Jude Marathon, but I was able to run personal bests in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon along the way. The big one was running 1:13:14 at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC Half Marathon. That gave me the confidence to race St. Jude aggressively.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Dirk Nowitzki. I’m a big NBA fan and he was my favorite player.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: I just finished Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and it was a gem!
INDULGENCE: A good cold beer post-run, specifically an IPA. QUOTE: “Only the disciplined ones in life are free.” – Eliud Kipchoge
Photo by Tindall Stephens
