Forward by Coach Erin: Let me preface this by saying Luke is one of our OG’s, and also basically the mascot of Rocksport Training. To know him, is to love him! Luke is as famous for his unrivaled sense of humor as his fascinating antics both on and off the race course. Definitely don’t miss reading his most embarrassing moment!

Where are you from?  Indianapolis, IN; currently reside in Louisville, KY.

How did you get into endurance sports?  I was a short fat kid in elementary school. In 6th grade, I started running on my own to train to keep up with my soccer team when we had to run laps before and after practice.  Then I grew 7 inches and got fast; I joined the track team in 8th grade and ran my first half marathon when I was a freshman in high school. The rest is history.

When did you first start with Rocksport coaching?  March of 2016.

Favorite two races?  Urban Bourbon Half Marathon; Ironman Louisville (hopefully it comes back one day but if not; it was fun while it lasted)

What is the achievement you’re proudest of as an athlete? Finishing Ironman Louisville in 2017 after leaving work at 5a the morning of the event and being 27 hours sleep deprived at the start. I left the hospital and walked straight to transition/body marking.

Morning or evening workouts? It’s a mix pending my work schedule but I have no preference as long as it’s dark.

What’s your bucket list race? Leadville 100. 

Three songs most likely to be on your training playlist?  I don’t listen to music while running or training outdoors but occasionally while cycling on the trainer I’ll listen to Freakonomics podcasts 

One song that would NEVER be on that playlist? “Red” by Taylor Swift

Favorite running shoes? It’s a toss-up between Brooks Adrenalines and Brooks Ghost; I get whichever is cheaper at the time of need.

Most embarrassing racing (or training) moment?  I was at the exact halfway point of the bike in Ironman Chattanooga and in the midst of my own fart circus when a woman cycled beside me and played the chorus to “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi and asked me to sing it with her. (I obliged, of course). BUT…there is no way she did not hear and/or smell my biological output. She didn’t say anything about it but I felt super bad because she made the halfway point of the bike special; I did too but in a very different way.

Most inspiring athlete? Oscar Pistorius; he’s great at conveying what not to do.

What movie makes you laugh out loud? Dodgeball

Any podcast, book or YouTube channel you recommend for training motivation? Ultrarunner Podcast with Eric Schranz. He interviews both male and female ultrarunners from all backgrounds and skill levels to discuss races and what motivates each individual

Ultimate goal as an athlete?  To train as much as my wife and my life can tolerate.