The Best Part of Me

I figured that there could be no better way to kick off my interviews and start with the most important person in my life. My wife Michele “Chele”has been by my side for 21 years, and we have 3 awesome kids with our first grand baby on the way. Even though I’m sure she thinks I’m nuttier than squirrel shit most of the time she has always been by biggest cheerleader and supporter. She is not only a great wife and mother, but has a charismatic personality with a smile that is infectious. She has the biggest heart and has always been selfless making sure the kids, and myself always have what we need. She’s willing to give just about anything just to put a smile on someone’s face. Making other people happy makes her happy.

Over the years I have had some crazy ideas between fighting mixed martial arts, deciding to pack up our lives and move to a new city , or recently deciding I needed to try a 100 mile race. Even though I know I make her crazy she never questions the why, what or doubts if it can or can’t be done. I couldn’t be luckier to call her my wife and best friend, and partner. So let’s see get the questions started and pull back the curtain to find out a little more about who my backbone Michele is, and what she has to say about our crazy life.

RR-Lets start by asking what is the most important thing to you and why?

Chele- Family, because I have grown up with a strong mom and values. Family has always been the top one.

RR- That being said how excited were you to learn our family would be expanding with our first grandchild?

Chele- Words can’t even express how excited I am. Ecstatic, happy, scared, worried not for them being capable, but the not knowing.

RR- Are you hoping for a boy or girl?

Chele- Honestly a girl!

RR-I agree. I think I would love to have a grandson but having a granddaughter would be awesome.

RR-Is there anything crazy or extreme you have wanted to do but haven’t? Or let me re phrase it. It doesn’t need to be crazy just something that interest you.

Chele- This is tough because I never think of doing things for myself. But maybe dancing or performing in front of a crowd just to know I can do it.

RR- What or where would you love to see or travel?

Chele- I would love to see the northern lights. Even though I hate the cold I would love to stay in a globe airbnb.

RR- We definitely need to try and make it happen.

RR- What is it like to being married to a crazy person like myself?

Chele- It is intense, exciting, and overwhelming.

RR- Is there anything you would change?

Chele- No way. I love the person you are, and being able to see what your mind and body are capable of.

RR-Has there ever been an idea or goal you didn’t t want me to do?

Chele- Ummm no. The reason why is, because I like seeing what you are capable of doing, and accomplishing your goals.

RR-Has there ever been an idea that scares you?

Chele- Yea. The 100 miles you weren’t taking care of yourself training and got dehydrated bad. The fact that if you failed you would have a hard time coming back from it, because you doubt yourself.

RR-Out of all of things we have done together what is the most memorable?

Chele- Definitely the 100 miles race.

RR-Why or what makes this the most memorable thing to you?

Chele- The distance, the training, the dedication, and the heart you put into it.

RR- It was a first for everyone but what was it like being the crew chief for an event like this, and would you do it again?

Chele- It was a total shit show because I didn’t really know what we were really doing. There were so many little things I could have been more prepared on, and there were so many hands in the honey pot. But we made it happen with everyones help. Yes I would do it again because I would be more prepared.

RR- Being my first 100 I didn’t know what to expect and thought I had a plan together. I didn’t realize I had missed vital steps that would have made it easier. What is one thing that would have made the biggest difference?

Chele- The biggest thing is just being more prepared with the knowledge of what was needed, and having set jobs for the people helping.

RR- I definitely wouldn’t change having our friends and family there, because it was a huge moral booster. I guess if or when I decide on the next 100 miler we will need to get everyone together and get some solid plans laid out.

Before we wrap this up I want to do a quick 5 questions.

RR-What is your favorite food?

Chele- Chicken Alfredo or anything with pasta.

RR-What is one song you can listen to over and over?

Chele- George Straight The Chair.

RR- What is one thing daily you can’t go without?

Chele- A kiss from you.

RR- One pice of advice you would give?

Chele- Don’t judge a book by its cover.

RR- Pancakes or waffles?

Chele- If I had and only if I had to choose it would be French toast. But if it was really only between pancakes or waffles it would be pancakes. I hate when the butter gets stuck in the waffle holes.

Well thank you for putting up with me while we did this short interview. I can’t wait to see what our next crazy adventures will be, and where they will take us. I know you have some races planned over the next couple of months, and I am excited to change rolls and be your cheerleader and see what you can accomplish.