AGE:  54

PROFESSION:  Trial Lawyer (Business Disputes)

HOMETOWN:  Buffalo, NY

COLLEGE:  Yale University

FAVORITE FOOD:  Berries, mushroom pizza

FAVORITE PLACE VISITED:  My wife’s body

PLACE YOU WANT TO VISIT:  Peak of Mt. Shasta, Haleakala National Park

FAVORITE MOVIE:  Dr. Strangelove

FAVORITE SINGER:  Nick Cave, Nat King Cole

HOBBIES:  Running, swimming, baking, playing drums, reading, writing

BACKGROUND:  I have always been athletic, and I was an average athlete in high school and college.  When I took-up competitive running and swimming again in my 40’s, I was amazed that, with intelligent and intensive training, I could match my times from 20 years earlier.  My times have slowed somewhat in my 50’s, but not too badly.  I ran my first marathon when I turned 50 (and qualified for the Boston Marathon, which I ran when I was 51).  In 2008 (at the age of 50), I ran the mile in 5:10, which qualified me as “All-American” in my age group, something I am very proud of.  That time was just 8 seconds off my best time in high school.  Contentment is not in my blood – I am always trying to meet or exceed goals in every aspect of my life (professionally, athletically, emotionally, etc.).   I am committed to reach my potential – physically and intellectually – and have no regrets.  Give me a challenge…that’s living.

What is your current exercise routine?  I do Sonki Fitness on Monday/Wednesday/Fridays, including a 2 mile warm up run beforehand and hill or stair sprints afterward, followed by some weight training occasionally. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Sundays, I do a track workout focusing on various interval sprints.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  Seeing how far I can push my body, mind, and spirit.  Setting aggressive goals for speed, strength, and distance – I love a challenge.  Oh, and vanity.  This is LA after all – I do want to look good in a bathing suit, as well as have the endurance for indoor sports.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  Risking injury.  At my age, pushing as hard as I do includes a constant risk of injury.  For me, cross-training and weight training are keys to avoiding injury.

What is your key to success?  A natural desire to meet my ultimate physical potential.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  The combination of strength, speed, and endurance training under Sonki’s professional guidance and the friendly competition from other boot camp devotees are perfect training for the mile race, which is my best and prime event.

What advice would you give to others about fitness?  You don’t have to be a total maniac like me to be fit and enjoy life.  Make goals, take pride in yourself, and push just a little harder each time you exercise.  Avoid ruts and try different exercise routines.  If it motivates you, weigh yourself each day, take your picture in a bathing suit, etc.  Eat from the produce aisles.  The vast majority of people can be in better shape in their 50’s than they were in their 20’s!

Any other comments?  I wish I could run faster than Sonki.  But heck, maybe I can beat him in a swimming event.  (Sonki:  Yes Tom, you probably can beat me in swimming. I have a very hard time floating on water…)