Over the years, I’ve completed 10 races and counting, each one a different experience, a different challenge, and a different reminder of why I run.

I’ve raced in Arizona and California, and even completed my very first 5K in Colorado at just 12 years old. I don’t remember every detail of that first race — just that I had a lot more energy and a very competitive spirit. I pushed myself hard back then… and in many ways, I still do.

Some races are tougher than others. Heat, hills, crowds, emotions — every finish line carries its own story.

Here are just a few of the races featured in the photos below:

• Pacific Beach 2022
• Santa Run 2022
• Mesa Turkey Trot 2022
• L.A. Chinatown Firecracker 2022
• America’s Finest City 2025
• Lake Havasu 2025
• La Jolla 2025
• Phoenix 5k 2025
• Fountain Hills Turkey Trot 2023
• Run for Beer 5k 2021

Each step, each mile, each finish line is for AJ. 💙