Gary is an exercise physiologist, an RRCA certified running coach and has been working in the fitness industry for many years since retiring from the Air Force. He began running in high school 100 years ago and then ran on and off until he moved to Albuquerque in 1992. In 1994, he got very serious about his health due to bad family history of heart disease and started running regularly. Since then, he has run 71 marathons and 31 ultramarathons, including numerous 50 and 100-milers and at least one marathon in all 50 states. Although he doesn't necessarily recommend this much running to most people, he says that it is all about challenging ourselves to see what our bodies are capable of. In this pursuit, he has coached the largest running group in Albuquerque - USA Fit Albuquerque - for 15 years, including being the organizer for the past 6 years. His greatest joy is to help his runners accomplish their running goals, especially when they cross the finish line for the first time. Their lives will never be the same. He also serves on the board for the largest local race in Albuquerque, the Run for the Zoo, and has helped them to put on a race that all local runners come back to year after year. Gary has been married for many years to his wife, Kathy, has two awesome grown kids and tries to keep up with his four grandkids.