Sean Hicks

Q: When did you begin running and why?
Ran high school track and cross country. After college, my old roommate decided to run the NYC Marathon and needed company, so I agreed. Thus began my marathon career.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
While preparing for my 40th Birthday, I decided to run a race and have my family and friends join me. I found the JFK/MLK races and decided to do both. A little while later my friend/co-worker joined and convinced me to join after nagging me for a bit.

Q: What are you training for right now?
Nothing specific. Hoping to find a good Boston qualifier in the spring. Will do the Snowball Series to get back in shape.

Q: What is the toughest run or race you’ve ever participated in?
2018 Boston Marathon—hands down! My only DNF after about 35 marathons. Too painful a memory to recap here.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
The cozy yet competitive community of runners. The environment is very conducive to personal improvement.

Q: What’s the most important lesson running has taught you?
A simple classic is Run Your Own Race!

But a more unique one is figure yourself out. We’re all different and therefore have our own unique rules. The cliches aren’t always correct. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Q: What is your favorite route in the area?
The W&OD Trail. The Capital Crescent Trail would be second.

Q: What race day traditions do you have?
No real traditions, just like to arrive early and get settled. I’ve learned to warm up as needed.

Q: What’s your proudest running moment?
There are 3 that distinctly stand out:

• 2010 MCM—shaving 6 minutes off of my 1st BQ and PR at Steamtown after a 3-week recovery
• 2013 Boston—following a 3:04 run 2 days earlier with a completely unexpected 3:03
• 2016 Stennis Space Center Marathon (MS)—very hard to beat a marathon win and massive PR (2:53) which still stands to date. Hoping to change that soon! This also capped a year that I went sub-3 for the first time. Liked it so much I did it 4 times!

Q: What’s your life like outside of running?
Beautiful wife and 3 kids, devout Christian and an Engineering Manager. I can’t complain one bit!