get to know doctor dribble

Rob: What sparked the idea to run marathons while dribbling two basketballs?
Dr: Dribble: I ran the Miami Marathon and wasn’t planning on doing it again. A friend of mine was trying to motivate me to do it and suggested I dribble two basketballs the entire time.

Rob: How many half marathons and marathons have you completed while dribbling basketballs?
Dr: Dribble: Twenty-one-and-a-half and nine full marathons dribbling.

Rob: Do you always run—and dribble—for charity?
Dr: Dribble: When I ran my first marathon with the basketballs I was doing it just for the challenge and to provide entertainment for others. I had no idea the amount of attention I would get. Immediately after the race I felt very good about what I had done, but regretted not doing it for a charity. Two weeks later I did another full marathon to officially break a Guinness World Record and, more importantly, to raise money for Our Kids, a charity that helps foster kids.

I chose that charity because I took care of a boy for five years. Jonathan is now on a basketball scholarship at West Virginia University and on pace to graduate soon. I’ve dribbled for different charities, but recently started my own charity, Doctor Dribble’s Helping Hands, to provide free basketball clinics to underprivileged kids and donate brand new basketballs to them.

Rob: What is the typical response of other runners you race with?
Dr: Dribble: Most runners are caught off guard and amazed. It is entertainment as they run and keeps their minds off the pain, making the miles go by quicker. A lot of people take selfies with me during the race. It’s fun and I’m happy to pace other runners.

Rob: What is the best comment you have ever received during a race?
Dr: Dribble: I was at mile 18 of the NYC Marathon about to hit the wall when I heard a voice say, “Do you know who that is?” Then I heard another voice say, “That’s Doctor Dribble!” I looked up and saw two men running the marathon with their wrists tied together.

At first I thought it was strange, but I quickly realized the man who said “Doctor Dribble” was blind and being escorted by the other man. He looked right at me with a smile as wide as his face as he ran past me. The escort told me I dribble so beautifully even a blind man could see me! That memory still gives me goose bumps. It was all I could think of as I crossed the finish line.

Rob: How many balls have gotten away from you?
Dr: Dribble: My balls are attached to me! They are an appendage! Duh! In the 30 half and full marathons I’ve messed up once. It was a cold morning and my hands were so numb I didn’t even realize that I was missing a ball until the runner next to me said “here” and handed it to me. I was pretty embarrassed, but it made me better because I won’t let it happen again.

Rob: Do you consider yourself more a runner or more a basketball skills specialist now?
Dr: Dribble: In high school running was a form of punishment during basketball practice, but I’d run extra to get in better shape. I even ran track and cross country,

(but) I did it for basketball so I didn’t consider myself a runner, just a basketball player running to stay in shape.

Since then, I’ve always been known for the ball control drills I teach to my players. Now that people are recognizing me from numerous races I am starting to give in, and I’m proud to say I am both. It’s kind of like how Happy Gilmore always considered himself a hockey player despite all the attention he was getting from golf.

Rob: What did training look like before you ran the 2013 ING Miami Marathon while dribbling?
Dr: Dribble: Training before the ING Miami Marathon was complete devotion to my physical self. I invested in the physical transformation of my body and my mind took a beating. I had no social life and stuck to a strict diet. When a personal training client looks at me with fatigue and the all too familiar ‘breakdown eyes,’ I can’t help but flashback to the unlimited hours I poured into my own preparation.

Change is absolutely possible. Before the 2013 Miami Marathon I would run two miles in the morning to Newton’s Method Gym where I would train for two hours with kettlebells, battle ropes and a suspension system similar to TRX. At Newton’s we also incorporate natural instincts, body weight movements similar to animal flow and yoga. After two hours of intense training I would run two miles back home. Most evenings I would go back to Newton’s and train for another hour or two.

Rob: What are the rules to getting the World Record for fastest marathon while dribbling two basketballs, which you broke last year?
Dr: Dribble: The entire race must be recorded and you’re only allowed to advance while dribbling the basketballs. You can stop for water but I think you should have to dribble the entire time so I do.

Rob: Tell us about your “water breaks.”
Dr: Dribble: Who would’ve predicted that hydration could be so entertaining? I never stop dribbling. Sometimes I run past volunteers with my mouth open and let everyone toss water at my face. It’s cool as long as it’s water. Gatorade has burned my eyes a few times and leaves my face sticky. I normally drop down to one knee—practicing for the day I propose—and have someone pour the water for me while I dribble.

Rob: You’re a basketball skills specialist and teach NBA players ball-handling skills. How did you get into basketball in the first place?
Dr: Dribble: I tried different sports when I was a child, but had a difficult time seeing. The basketball was big, orange, and I could feel it.

I eventually got glasses, but by then I had already fallen in love with basketball. My father coached me and always encouraged me to work hard on my own. I would spend hours every day practicing ball control, moves off the dribble, shooting, and finishing with my left hand.

Rob: When’s your next race?
Dr: Dribble: I approach every day like I’m racing. So metaphorically speaking, my next “race” is tomorrow. I am an athlete. I prepare my meals, my lululemon gear, my mind and body nightly.

Every day is my masterpiece and I’m running on a canvas like a brush. Sometimes I sprint, sometimes I dribble and I’ve been known to take long walks too. I always try to do good and live with little regret. Life is a marathon, so I am going to make my next step count.

To make a donation to Doctor Dribble’s Helping Hands, a 501(c)3 organization, visit his website.