All About Jonathan

United States Army National Guard

The Stars Hollow Running Club

Loves to Run: 5k- Marathon

How did you start running?

In 2004, I started running after joining the United States Army National Guard.

How did it feel to run a full-marathon?

Back in January 2015, I did the Disney Marathon.

When I was training, I was running close to the full-marathon distance.

There were moments during the race I thought, “Am I going to finish?” In a marathon, there is a time limit which adds pressure.

There were a lot of different view-points for spectators. My wife was there cheering, and her support means so much to me.

I always stopped to take pictures with the Disney characters. My favorite were the people dressed up as ghosts outside the Haunted Mansion.

What was your first Half Marathon?

I finished the Miami Half-Marathon in 2007, while attending Florida International University . The course was all through Miami and South Beach. I did this race back to back in 2007 and 2008. I would love to run it again, with a group of friends in the future.

What is your most recent half-marathon?

The Suffolk Half Marathon.

Long Island is divided up into two counties, Suffolk and Nassau. Each year, the two counties have races. This is the second year Suffolk is doing these races and I think it is pretty good.

There is a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and full-marathon going on at once. The course is pretty flat, not too many hills.

What are some other races have you run?

The Blue Point Brewery, ten mile run here in Long Island NY. There was lots of delicious food after the race.

A few weeks ago, I did a very hilly run with another local brewery and only fifteen people showed up.

There was a virtual mustache run, and my finisher medal looks like a mustache.

During the warmer months, I finished a Tough Mudder with a group of friends.

Where do you train for races?

Locally, in Long Island NY.

I like to run on my treadmill.

Where are some of your favorite places to run?

I enjoyed running through downtown Miami, South Beach.

Working, I travel a lot. Once, I went running through Texas in August. It was super hot and probably a bad decision to run outside. I should have just run on the treadmill.

Upstate New York is a beautiful place to run.

What foods do you like to eat?

Usually the night before a race, my tradition has always been to eat tacos.

Right before a race, I have a bottle of Gatorade with grapes for a snack.

What do you like to wear running?

Saucony the Guide Version 8 sneakers.

Usually, I wear shorts and running shirts.

Do you have a motto?

Talk fast Run Faster.

My race medal holder says, “To give any less than your best is to sacrifice a gift.”

Do you have advice for other runners?

For anybody starting out, just take it slow. Some people feel like they have to go out there really fast, just take as much time as you need and you will love what you do.