Birthday: 10/1/59
Years running at the time of profile(2003): 25 years or so...wow, am I really that ancient?
Occupation: Graphic Artist
How many miles a week do you run? Normally about 40 miles..during training for ultras, it edges up to 60 miles.
How did you come to join Bayou City?: I went to a dinner party with some old high school buddies when I moved back to Houston in '88 and JR Wacasey was there. He told me about this great running club that met near where I lived. I took it for a test drive and I was hooked immediately!
My proudest running accomplishment is: 45 marathons and counting...
My favorite training run is: A route that I do that starts at Rice and winds all over town (Memorial Park, Tanglewood, Galleria area, West U, etc) and has stops every 4 to 5 miles along the way for cokes and snacks.
My favorite race is: Love the relay races...any of them. These always inspire such team spirit. Also, any long trail race. Love being out in the middle of the woods enjoying the smells and sounds of nature.
My best distance is: Anything over 30 miles or so (and if it's warm, that's even better)
I run because: It keeps me level and makes people think that I am laid back. It's easy to look laid back when you just finished a long run.
My philosophy for life is: "Soak up every minute. Stop and smell the french fries."
My next goal is: Leadville 100 Trail Run...huge goal!
Favorite training food: Potatoes, salmon and a good cold beer (or two)
When I'm running I think about: The fact that I am lucky to be able to be out here doing this...and where I'll stop and buy my next cold coke."
The best running advice I could give would be: Don't spend too much time fretting over times..just enjoy the fact that you are out there doing what you love to do.
People would be surprised if they knew I: was in a sorority in college (was actually an officer!)
The top thing on my dream list is: Run the Athens Marathon...and just keep traveling around the world with my buddy Timmy :-) while we have the health, the means and the time!
If I could have been anything, besides my current occupation it would be: A ballet dancer
Other hobbies besides running: Traveling, Hiking, Glade Skiing, Biking, Valhalla ;-)
I would love to spend the day with: Don't laugh... Oprah Winfrey. She is such a success and still manages to keep her feet on the ground.
The most embarrasing thing that has happened to me is: I was at an airport sending my hanging bag through the x-ray machine. When it came out the other side, I grabbed it quickly and started to move forward but the hanger was caught on something. When I looked back, I was shocked to see that it was caught in the fly of the man behind me.
The most profound thing that has happened in my life is: The death of my step-son, Nick. It has taught me to take nothing for granted and cherish every moment you have with those you love. Nothing else in this world is more important. Bless Nick Murphy!
