Jeff Grimsley is a hill-eating, quip-slinging, mile-crushing runner who has cemented his place in NRC as a running mentor with motivation to spare! While he’s had his share of sidelining injuries to overcome, his special blend of humor, healthy attitude and good ol’ fashioned grit have always gotten him back to the sport he loves.
While Jeff’s subtle Tennessee twang may not give it away, he was born in Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Yep, Rhode Island. (That has to be an NRC first!) His father was in the Navy and stationed at the Quonset Point Naval Station when Jeff made his entrance into the world. Not long after, his father left the service and moved the family to Smyrna, TN to pursue a career as a mechanic. So, Jeff has lived in Smyrna, TN since he was a small child.
When Jeff isn’t running at o’ dark thirty, he’s getting up before the sun to get to work! Dedicated to his work and clients, Jeff gets more done as a representative for Metro Roofing & Metal Supply Co. by lunch time, than most people get done all day! He enjoys working with people and loves solving building solutions. He’s not above using his building supply experience to help his running club, either. Case in point, when 100-degree heat hit on a Wednesday night run, his resourcefulness turned a professional paint sprayer into a cool post-running mister
Often seen trekking around Nolensville surrounded by a pack of tried and true friends, Jeff wasn’t always a runner. It was a major life change that motivated him to take up the sport as a way to re-center his mind, body and soul. Then, his good friend Craig Roberts told him about NRC as a good way to meet other runners with his same goals.
Since joining, Jeff has run everything from 5ks to marathons and Ragnars. One of his favorite memories was the Carmel Marathon in 2014. He will never forget how that year he and his friends were running along and then it started pouring down rain! Jeff recalls, “Instead of seeing it as a negative, we all began laughing and enjoyed the moment.”
In addition to the 2014 Carmel Marathon, there are a few other races that stand out to Jeff as favorites. His first half was the Music City, which he admits he was just proud to finish. Then, his first full was Rocket City and he was just as excited when he crossed over that finish line! His best PR was during the Four Bridges Half Marathon where he snagged a 1:41 finishing time. “Now, I look forward to running each afternoon with fellow runners,” Jeff says.
This summer, Jeff had begun training for a full marathon when he had a set back with his foot. Being smart, he took the time off to recoup and heal. It was hard not being able to run with his crew, but he knew how important it was not to rush it from his experience in 2015. That was the year he tore his Achilles! (Ouuuuuch!) It was a major setback for Jeff, and it has taken a long time for him to get back to the pace before his injuries. His determination is a big part of how he’s worked through those challenges, as well as the inspiration he gets from other NRCers including Wendy Mucci and Jason Loyd. He says, “Watching these two improve over time has been a big motivator.”
Now that Jeff’s off the injured reserve, he isn’t taking the easy road and matter of fact, chooses some of the hilliest routes in Nolensville to increase his strength and endurance. When asked what he would do if he had no limitations and could run any race, he answered that his big goal would be to stay healthy enough to break the 4-hour marathon.
The other huge reason Jeff stays running strong is his tight crew of friends! You can bet that when Jeff’s hitting the road, he is with his running buddies Greg Warren, Katherine Cain, Vicki Victory and Anthony Shelly. So many memories have been made with this group of awesome runners, and there are many more to come!
After finding a deal he couldn’t refuse, Jeff’s moving on up to the west side to a deluxe high-rise in the sky! While he’s not just down the road from NRC anymore, he promises that he will keep coming out to runs! (OK, Jeff. We’re holding you to it!) So, next time you see Jeff, tell him congrats and be ready for a fun run (and some hills) if you decide to tag along!
ROTM Speed Round
Fave Mid-Run Fuel: Maurten Hydrogel Sports Fuel
Hobbies: I love to play golf and am a huge football fan.
Recent Scenic Trip: Hiking the Grand Canyon
Favorite Halloween candy: Snickers, anytime, all the time.