I am currently 61 years old, and have been running since I was 22. I quickly became addicted. Within a year I was running 80 to 90 miles a week, and was competing in every road race I could find. Attached is me finishing the mini in 1983. I was introduced to Camille in 1984 when I joined her Finish Line Racing team. That year I had my best race ever when I finished the mini in 1:16 and came in 67th place. After running pretty seriously for 3 or 4 years, I became your average recreational runner, just keeping in shape and doing a few races a year.
Around 2001 I got somewhat serious about running again and re-connected with Camille at Fleet Feet. I loved the social atmosphere and the track workouts. I’m still good friends with several people that I met at Fleet Feet. I never took running nor myself too seriously, which drove some of my friends crazy, but I was really just out there having fun. I was able to run fairly well into my mid-50s and could win age group awards most races. After age 55, things started to hurt, I slowed down significantly, and running really wasn’t that fun anymore, so I started doing tri’s and quickly became addicted to them also.
I had never done any core work, and found out that my body could not withstand the extra strain of tri’s and had major injuries in 2018 and 2019. In 2019 I was ready to listen to my doctor when he told me if I did not make major changes, I would not be running at all in a few years. I was still in rehab when I was introduced to Erin Carson and EC Fitness out of Boulder in July 2020. I made an immediate connection with her Strength Through Movement program, and it has been an absolute game changer for me. I now work on core, strength, and mobility as much as I do on my running, biking, and swimming. I’m now back to getting a runner’s high regularly, everything feels great, and I am running faster than I have in years. The attached pic is from this year’s mini where I ran a 1:43. I also recently ran a 22:02 5k. I can now see myself running for several more decades.
In addition to being an exercise addict, my other passion is woodworking. Here is a table that I made for my son, Zachary.
Favorite Distance
My favorite distance is the half marathon, with the mini marathon being my favorite race. I am still partial to the original course through Iroquois Park, but also loved the course this year. You have to run all-out to have a good 5k, and the marathon distance is just too far for me. In a half-marathon you get to run comfortably hard for 13.1 miles, and are done before your body is worn out.
Why do you like running River City Races Events?
I have competed in more River City Races than I can count. I like them for several reasons. I love the variety in distance, location, and dates. I also love the size of them. Small enough to still feel intimate, but large enough that there are several people in my age group. Plus, they are a great place to see my friends, and the fast people always show up. The chance to see Jen Alessandro’s smiling face alone is worth the race entry fee.
Do you have any running/walking advice you’d like to offer?
Just get out there, do it, have fun, don’t let anyone judge you, compete, and take advantage of the fantastic local running community. I do have one suggestion. This year I have a coach for the first time in my life. It has been more fun that I could have ever imagined. I feel like I am at Fantasy Camp every week. No matter what your skill level, if you have never had a coach, treat yourself. There are tons of awesome coaches out there. Find one that you can connect to, and you won’t be sorry.