Occupation
Software Architect
Web Site
http://xcskiwinn.org/community/blogs/panmanphil
College
UW-Green Bay
Employer
PAi

How long have you known about RAAM?
Just a couple of months
How long afterwards did you decide to enter the race?
About a month.
What triggered your decision?
I thought the charity was excellent and the experience and team something to look forward to.
Athletic history (cycling results & other):
I am not a bicycle racer though I have done lots of pack training rides in my area. I am a high school cross country ski coach and have used cycling as a summer training alternative. No athletic awards I can remember, I'm a mere mortal.
Considering all sports, what were the events or outcomes that most impacted your life in both negative and positive manners?
Getting involved with the American Birkebeiner ski marathon has shaped my athletic life since the early '90s. The people I have met and the experiences I've had with them, including entering RAAM this year,have kept me focused on health and life long activity for the last 15 years.
Who are your heroes? Why?
Nearly any skier, biker or other athlete that is still going over the age of 60! The race winners are amazing of course, but for me the people who go for it for the long term even without any hope of glory, impress me the most. Their reasons are personal as is their motivation.
What intimidates you most about RAAM?
Big mountain downhills!
Are you supporting an organization or Charity?
Tell us why.
Our team is supporting Make A Wish of Wisconsin. The idea of a group of us, many over sixty but still healthy enough to ride across the US, helping kids in a dark hour is I think a great thing to do if we can help spread their message and earn some funds at the same time.