8 Random Things

My friend Tim tagged me....he wants to know (and wants all of you to know) 8 things about me that you didn't already know...seriously? 8 things...ok...here we go...

1. I've said before that I have an 'events background'. What does that mean? My first job out of college was working for the Boston Athletic Association. They are the organizers of the Boston Marathon. No, I wasn't a volunteer, I was an actual employee. I was there for 6 races. During that time, I was also a consultant for a company called DMSE. I'm a little biased, but I think they put on the best events anywhere. I learned so, so much from working with Dave McGillivray both at the marathon and at DMSE.

2. For the past 16 years or so, I have been involved with the Falmouth Road Race. It all started when I was at the Boston Marathon. I went down to volunteer in the press area for the lady who has had the biggest impact in my career, Sue Smith. Everyone needs a mentor and she has been mine; she provided the foundation for all of my career successes. Anyway...Falmouth...I went from volunteer to organizing the media efforts, back to volunteer (job change those years) and then back to organizing the media efforts and, in most recent years, working the media credentialing on race weekend and organizing the press tent and athlete escorts. I love every minute of it - hey, who wouldn't like "working" on the beach for a weekend? The Cigna Falmouth Road Race is in less than a week.....I can't wait to see the co-directors and the other dear friends that I don't see often enough!

3. The first person I met in the cycling industry (aside from the triathlon folks) was Rob Vandermark (long before Seven was formed). But, not in the capacity that you'd think. He had just created the first titanium racing wheelchair. It was light, fast and pretty darn cool - won a lot of races and set some world records, too.

4. The first bike race I attended was the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic back in 1991, with some friends. Didn't know a thing about bike racing; just went for the fun of being with friends. Went back to the same race in 1996, with a good friend to watch her new boyfriend compete. I learned a lot that year about tactics, teams and chalking the road (yes we did!). It was a blast - and the new boyfriend, who later became a husband to my friend, won the race.

5. Non-career fact? I don't eat meat. I'd say 'vegetarian' but I do eat fish sometimes so I don't know if that counts in the truest sense of vegetarianism, but no meat for me. Not since 1989.

6. I'm an animal lover (gee...you might have guessed by the previous fact). I love all kinds of animals, but I love big dogs the most, probably. Grew up with German Shepherds, but my favorite are Rotties. I had the friendliest doggie you'd ever meet who was a Rottie. Until she passed, she'd come here to the office and made friends with everyone in the company. Not a mean bone in her body.


7. I'm a NASCAR fan. Big. Huge. Grew up at race tracks in New England - racing is in my blood. On a Sunday I'm watchin' the race (or at least have it on while I'm doing other things). Favorite driver? Jeff Gordon. Hands down. But, I am also a Jimmie Johnson fan and a Dale Jr fan - I can't tell you how happy I am that they will all be racing for the same team next year. I've been to races at Loudon and Bristol. Been to Fontana but not for a NASCAR event, saw an IRL race there.

8. My favorite movie of all time is Moonstruck. Hands down. I just love all the nuances of the Italian family depicted in the movie. Perfect.

That's it...8 things you probably didn't know about me before right now. Do you feel better knowing all that? I can't imagine how, but I'll play along....so now I get to tag 5 people...

1. Carlton Reid - Quickrelease.tv
2. Roland Burns - R.E.Load bags
3. Jill Hamilton - Haro Bicycles
4. Jonathan Maus - Bike Portland
5. Chipps Chippendale - Singletrack Magazine

Can't wait to hear what you five have to say!