What do you do for a living? Do you fly most for work or pleasure?
Up until COVID-19, I worked in the live events industry: trade shows, conventions, sporting events, concerts, and festivals. While most of my flying is business, I tend to think of it more as pleasure/adventure. I also fly all over the world for half and full marathons, particularly with the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series. What a way to see the world!
What’s the most transformative or meaningful trip you’ve ever taken?
It was definitely the first time I flew across the pond solo. This was before Wi-Fi was everywhere, so I had no Google Maps to help me find my way. I flew SFO–LHR and then had to navigate up to Liverpool for the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon. I learned that good manners and a big smile will help you get wherever you are going. The people in Liverpool were incredibly warm and welcoming, and I’ve since become a Liverpool FC supporter and fly over a few times a year for a match and to run the marathon. YNWA!
What’s the best thing you’ve eaten on your travels?
Pastéis de Nata. I had read about them in “Three Perfect Days Lisbon” and decided to go find out how good they tasted. Oh, and I ran a half marathon while over there just to have an excuse to eat as many as I wanted!
What’s your favorite souvenir from your travels?
I buy a magnet from every place I visit and put it on my fridge. Anytime I need a little pick-me-up, I just look at all of them and remember how lucky I am to have visited so many places.
What’s your favorite United flight you’ve been on?
Last year I attempted to run all five of the United hub Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon races. The last race was in Chengdu, so I flew ORDSFO–NRT–CTU. Polaris all the way! Everyone at all the United Clubs knew I was doing this crazy quest, so they gave me cheers and well wishes on my journey throughout the year. The SFONRT flight crew was outstanding—each member wanted to hear my story and see all the pictures. I landed in CTU, ran the race, flew back to NRT the next morning, and had the same flight crew on my NRTSFO leg. They couldn’t believe I ran a half marathon and got back on a plane.
What place is at the top of your bucket list?
I’ve never been south of the equator. A bucket list thing to do would be to fly into Johannesburg and have an Anthony Bourdain–esque adventure throughout Africa, stopping at all of his favorite places and finding some new ones of my own.
Which famous person—living or dead—would be your dream seatmate?
OK, this is cheesy, but it would be a dream to meet my future partner on a plane. Hey, it could happen! Wedding in the skies for my millionth mile. We’d both be famous then!
Next Up: The Frequent Flyer: Lawrence Sherman
