About Me
Intro
Hi, I'm Will. I am an ultrarunner and ACE certified personal trainer that lives in Arlington, VA. A dedicated husband and father, I work in the technology sector and can often be found out on the local trails with our faithful dog, Bud. I created this site because I enjoy writing, and thought it would be a fun way to share experiences as I pursue my goals of running a marathon in all 50 U.S. States and completing the Western States 100 miler. I am so grateful to have my beautiful wife, Sarah, and our precious little girl, Abby, supporting me along the way. I hope you enjoy following our adventures!
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Early Years
Growing up I played several sports and did many outdoor activities, but also ate a lot of fast and unhealthy food. Unfortunately obesity, diabetes, and heart disease all run rampant in my family, and by the time I got to college at Virginia Tech I weighed 240 pounds. During my sophomore year something happened that would forever change the course of my life though: my father had triple bypass surgery. Given our family history you would think I would have known better by then, but it was in that moment, when I saw him in a hospital bed, that it became real for me. I simply decided to fight back.
Transformation
I started out small at first, cutting out candy, late night pizza and cigarettes (gross!), and replacing them all with healthy alternatives. Some of my favorites in between classes were apples, protein bars, almonds, and jerky. Eventually I started running a few times a week, which was another big step in my journey. As the months went by and the pounds rolled off, I developed more confidence in all areas of life. My energy levels increased, my grades shot up, and I graduated with honors weighing 190 pounds. I also joined Bodybuilding.com, immersed myself in the world of fitness, and became a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Since then I have always done my best to educate and inspire all those I encounter on my path.
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Adaptation
Although I no longer work in the fitness industry, my passion for fitness has never waned. I got into obstacle racing in 2011, as I had just finished graduate school and was looking for a new challenge. I was also getting used to life in corporate America, with all the long hours, meetings, and sedentary activities that brings. My job at the time required frequent travel to places where there were few healthy dining options and no gyms to be found. As a result, I had to improvise and adapt in order to keep a healthy lifestyle as a young professional. I invented new workouts in my hotel rooms, I ran the stairs during lunch, I did burpees in airports, and I always packed nutritious snacks. Whatever it takes!
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Races
Over the years I have completed numerous Spartans, Tough Mudders, and other races, running in both the open and elite heats. The highlight of my time as an OCR athlete came at the 2018 Spartan Ultra World Championship in Iceland, a grueling 24 hour event on a frigid December day. After an unfortunate shoulder injury in 2019, I shifted my focus away from obstacle racing and have since completed over 12 marathons and ultras, including two 100 milers. I know I will have to continue adapting as life changes, but I have no plans to slow down anytime soon!