Between now and race day, we’ll be featuring Hogeye runners past, present, and future in the “Meet a #HogeyeHopeful” series. If you’d like to share YOUR story, please contact racedirector@hogeyemarathon.com — we want to hear from you!
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Meet Greg! 
We asked Greg a few questions that will help you get to know him better as a runner and as a #HogeyeHopeful. Thanks for chatting with us, Greg!
Age: 41
Hometown: Fayetteville AR
Profession: AP Psychology teacher at Bentonville High School
When did you start running?
There’s two answers to that question: I started running for fun about 15 years ago, got serious about it five years ago.
WHY did you start running?
A coworker asked me to train for a half marathon with her, which I had zero interest in doing. But I said yes, anyway.
Where do you prefer to run? Do you have a favorite route?
My go-to run is the Scull Creek Trail, but I love the entire trail system and am on it weekly. Sunday afternoons were made for a lap around Lake Fayetteville.
What was your “I’M A RUNNER!” moment?
Crossing the finish line at the 2010 Chicago Marathon, completely exhausted, under crystal clear skies. I knew immediately that I wanted to do it again.
If you could go back and give yourself a piece of advice as a beginner, what would it be?
Invest in quality running gear. Drink water all day, every day. Sleep.
What has running taught you about yourself?
I was that kid growing up that did nothing, and it never dawned on me that I could do things. Running changed that really fast. It gave me an identity that I’d never had.
Do you run solo or with a group?
I’m a solo runner, but will occasionally head out for a few miles with a friend.
What motivates you in running? Medals? PRs? Fitness?
I’m motivated by the physical exertion that feels so good after a run. I also love the clarity of thought that I experience.
Do you have any racing superstitions or traditions?
I always start toward the back of a corral.
Do you have a running motto or mantra or favorite quote?
Run bold.
Have you run the Hogeye before, or will be 2015 be your first Hogeye?
I’ve run the Hogeye Marathon for the previous two years. In 2014, I registered the day before at the expo on a whim. It was one of the best marathons I’ve ever run.
Why do you run the Hogeye? What makes it special?
As much as I love big city marathons, the Hogeye is one of my favorite events every year. It’s the perfect combination of local flavor, inclines, and crowd support. But the fellow runners are what makes it special.
Is there anything we didn’t ask that you want to share?
In the latter miles of a marathon, I think about the people I love. It’s emotional.
Connect with Greg:
He tweets about running, education, and the quirks that make life beautiful @pucknation. And he also writes a blog about running: lifelacedup.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing your story, Greg! See you on the trails!
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Between now and race day, we’ll be featuring Hogeye runners past, present, and future in the “Meet a #HogeyeHopeful” series. If you’d like to share YOUR story, please contact racedirector@hogeyemarathon.com — we want to hear from you!
