3rd place Male 55-59 Age Group Polar Bear Grand Prix
How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?
I have been running since way back in high school. I have continued it as a lifestyle both for good health and the friendships that I made within the running community.
Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?
I have been running the Polar Bear for over 15 years and love that it starts in December and runs right up to the Spring races. The course is always challenging and to participate in all three races for the series awards gives you something to strive for and train over the winter months.
Favorite distance?
I enjoy the 5ks. It is enough to get a good workout and still be able to recover and run another 5k the next week!
Favorite place to run?
I have always enjoyed Seneca and Cherokee Parks. You can run the loop at Seneca up to 8 miles in both parks. You will also always see someone you know running those same routes.
Favorite or most unique race you have run?
Our team participated in the Bourbon Chase since the inception of the race. It covers 200 miles with a relay team of 12 runners. Not only challenging to run your 10-17 individual miles but the lack of sleep over the 22 hours of the race.
Favorite thing about running?
It is an individual sport yet running is a community sport. I do enjoy running alone however a group run or meeting a friend to run makes it go by so quickly and you don’t realize you are getting healthier and chatting with friends (old or new).
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
Start the journey! Go out and walk, progress to a walk/run and then run. I promise that everyone can do it, and you will feel better. The only person you are competing against is yourself. There are tons of races on Saturday’s, running groups, track workouts and weekday running clubs in all parts of town. If you can’t find any, ask me.
Why do you like running River City Races events?
I love running the River City Races throughout the year as they provide an opportunity to see how you are progressing on your training. I am also comparing myself to “me of last year" and hoping to keep fitness as I age. The extra benefit is that these races are usually an opportunity to help a charity and donate to a great cause.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Running a personal record or beating a specific time in a race doesn’t make you a runner. Going out and doing your best and making yourself better makes you a Runner. Many times, we hold ourselves back from something because we think we can’t do it, trust me you can. If you show up at a 5k, 10k or any race and just walk it, run it, or race it, You are getting it done. The barrier to a healthier or faster person is usually us. See you on the roads or at the next race