Meet the Coaching Staff

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While I always believed I could finish a marathon, I never understood why anyone would want to run 26.2 miles. After completing my first marathon in 2003, I finally understood why marathon runners are so passionate.

I’ve run a total of 18 marathons — 15 and counting with Fred’s Team! What I love most about Fred’s Team is the experience of training with an incredible group of people who are all committed to helping others by running. There is no greater feeling than seeing our runners out on the course supporting each other, crossing the finish line, and accomplishing their goals.

Originally a South Dakota farm boy, I now call New York City home. I’m a doctor, a marathon runner, and a fanatical Fred’s Team member. I’ve run 17 New York City Marathons and another 23 marathons and ultramarathons in the United States and around the world. No matter where I run, I’m always wearing my Fred’s Team orange.

My passion for running found new depth and meaning when I began training with Fred’s Team. Part of my job as a pathologist involves diagnosing cancer, and we all know someone affected by this disease. I’m proud to raise money and awareness for cancer research and combine it with my love of running. What could be better than running and training with my friends and helping them achieve their goals?

While training for my second marathon in 2015, my mother-in-law passed away from brain cancer. I decided then that all my future marathons would be for a cause, and Fred’s Team was a natural choice because both my parents are cancer survivors. I joined the program in 2016 and have run eight marathons with Fred’s Team since then. It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was initially concerned about whether I would enjoy running with a group. This quickly faded as I got to know my teammates. Our coaches take great care in preparing and boosting the confidence of everyone, and my fellow runners inspire me with their strength and passion. One of my favorite proverbs is “If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together.” I am humbled to be a mentor and look forward to running far together.

As an MSK schoolteacher, I was familiar with Fred’s Team but never considered running a marathon. However, in 2015, my mother was diagnosed with her second cancer. Watching her go through treatment again at the same time as I was working with children facing cancer, I decided that I had to give back. The next thing I knew, I had registered with Fred’s Team to run the 2015 New York City Marathon to raise money. Being in my 50s and never having run more than a 10K, I was very nervous about my new challenge. Fred’s Team took me from 5 miles to 26.2 miles in five months. The coaches, mentors, and teammates were always there to provide motivation, support, advice, and company. I’m extremely honored to be a mentor. Fred’s Team has become an integral part of my life. I am proud to wear orange!

In June 2005, my dad passed away from lung cancer without having the chance to see his two grandchildren grow up. In 2006, I decided to run the New York City Marathon a second time. (The first time was in 2004, and I was undertrained, which made for a long day.) While researching running charities, I came across Fred’s Team. Eighteen years and 19 marathons later, I am not with a team, I’m with the Fred’s Team family. Together we can make incredible strides.

Whether you are in the tri-state area or across the globe, on the first Sunday of November, you’ll be able to throw out a huge high five to someone on 1st Avenue and 67th Street, home of MSK. Trust me, it will be a moment you will never forget. By the way, if you are nervous to take on a marathon, so was I. Being part of the Fred’s Team family means we run together, we celebrate together, we cry together, and we raise funds together — all to imagine a world without cancer. I’m here to assist you in any way possible, and I can assure you that you can and will cross the finish line. I look forward to cheering you on and giving you a big, roaring WOOOHOOOOO!!.

In 2014, I decided to run the New York City Marathon. I had always been in awe of marathoners but never thought I could run one. I knew that I needed a community of teammates to help me train and that I wanted to run for a cause. I kept seeing orange Fred’s Team shirts around New York City and eventually decided to sign up. My mother is a cancer survivor who was lucky enough to be part of an experimental drug protocol during her treatment, so I understand the value of cancer research.

The support I received from the Fred’s Team coaches, mentors, and staff made training for the marathon more fun than I thought possible. I have made so many dear friends through Fred’s Team that I can’t imagine my life without it. I figured running the marathon in 2014 would be a one-time-only experience, but after I crossed the finish line, I knew I would be back. I have run eight marathons with Fred’s Team and am looking forward to another season of long runs, new friends, and sweaty high fives.