Most of Derek’s extended family runs, so when he was growing up, races were basically family reunions. One thing he noticed as a kid was that family members who finished first always came back and ran with those who had yet to finish. As Derek got older and better, he started to place higher. In one out-and-back race, he ran a 10k while most of his family ran a 5k. Turning back to run the rest in, the final person in the 5k was his 85-y/o grandpa. His grandpa said that many people told him to turn around and not run the whole race. He looked Derek square in the eye and said, “I don’t operate that way, I finish what I start.” It’s a motto Derek tries to live by in all he does in life.
Personal Bests
- 400m – 51.9
- 800m – 1:57:89
- 1600m – 4:23:55
- 5k – 15:49
- 1/2 Marathon – 1:19:11
- Marathon – 2:44:19
Current Goals
- Break 4:30 again in the Mile
- PR in the 5k, Half & Full
- Sub 40 S2S
Connect with Derek
A few of Derek’s favorite things…
His wife and two kids.
Playing games and hanging out with friends.
Watching or playing just about any sport.
