A former runner.
Back from retirement.

At 37, chasing the U.S. Olympic Trials standard in the marathon.

MY STORY
JOURNAL

Hello, I’m Derek.
I’m a runner—again.

After a 13-year break from competitive running, I returned to the sport almost by accident. What started as a challenge to run a sub-3 marathon quickly became something more serious.

Today, I’m training with intention, balancing a full-time career while chasing a long-term goal most would consider unrealistic: qualifying for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon.

MY STORY

2:33:46

Debut Marathon (2025)

<2:16:00

Olympic Trials Standard

2:22:27

Current Marathon PR (2026)

The Journal

Stories and reflections on the work, the races, and the long pursuit behind chasing a marathon standard.

Running Journal
2026 Houston Marathon: 2:22:27
2026 Houston Marathon: 2:22:27

A tactical decision at mile two. Five miles into a headwind. A late-race negotiation between mind and muscle. My 2:22:27 at the 2026 Houston Marathon wasn’t a miracle — it was accumulation. A checkpoint on the road toward the Olympic Trials standard.

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Little Rock Marathon: From the Couch to A 2:33 Debut Marathon
Little Rock Marathon: From the Couch to A 2:33 Debut Marathon

A hometown marathon, a disciplined race plan, and a 2:33 return after thirteen years away. The story behind my Little Rock Marathon debut — from restraint to the final surge.

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Navigating the Pre-Race Anxiety Maze: Little Rock Marathon Strategy
Navigating the Pre-Race Anxiety Maze: Little Rock Marathon Strategy

As race day approached, the challenge wasn’t fitness — it was execution. A look inside the pacing debate, risk calculation, and five-part strategy behind my Little Rock Marathon debut.

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Papa Loco: A Cold, Chaotic, and Confidence-Boosting Half Marathon
Papa Loco: A Cold, Chaotic, and Confidence-Boosting Half Marathon

A disrupted training week, a freezing start line, and an improvised kit — Papa Loco became an unexpected checkpoint in the marathon build.

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Rebuilding After 13 Years: From Hiatus to Hansons
Rebuilding After 13 Years: From Hiatus to Hansons

Thirteen years away from structured running, a marathon commitment, and the slow rebuild that followed — humidity, setbacks, and the discipline of the Hansons Marathon Method.

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Tahoe Bachelor Party: The End of My Running Retirement
Tahoe Bachelor Party: The End of My Running Retirement

A bachelor party in Tahoe. Thirteen years away from racing. A marathon idea that lingered longer than expected and quietly reopened a door I thought was closed.

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SEE MORE

Next marathon on
the calendar

Houston Marathon

January 17, 2027 · Houston, Texas

EVENT DETAILS

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