Putting his running on hold, Rich enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school. He served for eight years, marrying his wife Tina along the way. After leaving the service, they eventually settled down in Baldwinsville with their children Ryan, Steffan and Samantha Jo.

In 1998 at age 34, running again became part of Rich's life. After lifting weights with the guys at the Lakeland firehouse where he worked as a volunteer, someone suggested they finish up with a mile run. Rich was all for that, as he had given up a 16-year smoking habit two years earlier and was curious to see what he was capable of. The run renewed an interest from his past. Soon after, he saw an advertisement for the Mountain Goat. It became a goal of his to run the Mountain Goat 5K, as well as finish in under 30 minutes (although he really wanted to complete it in less than 25 minutes). Rich achieved his goal, crossing the line in 25:24. He was so close to his sub-goal of finishing under 25 minutes, he became hooked. He wanted to continue running and work on improving his speed in the 5K.

Rich has gone on to complete countless other races. He has greatly improved his 5K time with a personal best of 20:07. He also earned pr's in other distance events including the Kingston Classic 10K in 46:09, the Utica Boilermaker 15K in 1:13:37 and the Casino Niagara Marathon in four hours seven minutes. One of Rich's favorite races is the Jordan Alpine Classic. He describes it as a glorious 8.5 miles of trails and roads. According to Saxby, "I love it because it is not for the meek, as I am not a slight fellow, I am suited for just such a race."

Over the past few years Rich has become active in Clydesdale running. Walt Rudy told him about races with separate divisions for larger runners. He did some research on the internet and found a group in New England who supported Clydesdale running. He contacted them and eventually with their assistance, brought a series of Clydesdale races to New York. Rich is hoping to put together a separate series in the state for the Rochester and Syracuse areas.

Rich has many goals for the years ahead. Paramount to him is to guide his children into becoming well-adapted adults. He would like to eventually move south where he can run year-round without snow. He also has hopes of breaking 20 minutes in a 5K as well as running a marathon in under four hours. Perhaps one of his most imposing goals is to complete the 'Badwaters' ultra-marathon that starts in Death Valley.

We hope that Rich achieves all his goals. It is certain he will do his best to see them through with total determination and enthusiasm to boot.

May, 2002