He has won numerous major American road race championships and was a member of the 2004 Olympic team in the 10 km and marathon.

[3] He graduated from The United States Military Academy with a major in Spanish & Portuguese and a minor in Systems engineering in 1997.

While at West Point, he became the only cadet to ever run a mile under four minutes (3:59.37), and set school records in the 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 meters, which remain unbroken 10 years later.

[4] Upon graduating from West Point, he underwent basic officer training before being invited to joint the Army's World Class Athlete Program.

He was later approached by legendary running coach Alberto Salazar about joining the Nike Oregon Project.