Date of birth: April 11, 1978Hansons-Brooks Distance Project start: September 20, 2001
Hometown: Woodbury, PA
Personal records: 10K 28:28, half marathon1:03:38, marathon 2:10:47
Events currently training for: Brian competed in the 2008 Olympic Men's Marathon on Aug. 24, 2008. He finished 22nd, with a time of 2:16:07.
Miles run/week: 140
Why do you run? I run because it's something I can see myself getting better at every year. Running is not like football or basketball, where a coach can decide if you play and how good you become. It is all up to you--that's what I love about it.
The best thing about being a Hansons-Brooks athlete? Running for Brooks has been great. I have a house, and a pretty good life thanks to Brooks. They show a real commitment to making their products better, which I have seen in the last five years.
When did you start running? I started running in 10th grade to stay in shape for wrestling and football and won the District 5 championships in the 1600. From then on, I decided to take running more seriously.
What challenges do you face as an athlete? Running at my age becomes a constant battle between chasing a goal and knowing when to quit. When I quit running, nobody is going to give me a retirement package or take care of my family until I find a job. We know we are temporary and when the next batch of Hanson runners comes in, we will be forgotten like everyone else. I have outside influences telling me I should give it up and go back to school every year, but as long as I am getting better, I want to see how far I can go.
What do you like to do when you're not running? I like to ride motorcycles, fly, ride mountain bike, play with my daughter Lily, and work on my house.
Favorite event: Marathon
Favorite workout: 2 x 6 miles at 5-10 seconds per mile faster than goal marathon pace
Favorite pre- and post-race foods: (pre-) Spaghetti with marinara sauce; (post-) BBQ bacon cheddar burger
Role models: My dad, my uncle Paul, my mom's family. All the tough people I know
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