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| My dad displays some of his old marathon medals |
He's run New York four times, Philadelphia twice, and Marine Corps once, with a PR of 3:51. He is the main reason I am now addicted to marathons, and there is no doubt it is a large bond we share. Even though I've heard them countless times, I still enjoy talking shop with him and hearing his old running stories. He's come out to support me in nearly every large race I've ever done, even running portions of some with me.
I e-mailed him some questions about his life in running, and here are the answers:
How did you get into running?
Obviously I ran a lot as a soccer player through high school and college. I also played soccer in the Army and when I was stationed in Korea I ran a bit to stay in shape. I continued running a mile or so at a time a few days a week in graduate school and then in law school. It gradually increased when I graduated from law school.
How did you get into running marathons?
It was just a natural progression from running two miles to three, to doing a four-mile race to longer races.
What was your favorite marathon moment?
Crossing the finish line in Central Park at my first marathon - 1980 New York Marathon in 3:58:56.
What was your least favorite marathon moment?
Throwing up after finishing one New York Marathon over four hours, then passing out in the hotel elevator.
What do you like about running?
When my doctor looks at my test results at my annual physical, smiles, and says, "I love runners."
What do you dislike about it?
Watching the Glory Days and your PR's fade into the past.
How has running changed in the several decades you've been doing it?
The commercialism of the big races, such as the Distance Run becoming the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. The technology. I never had a chip in any marathon I ran. The number of "slower" marathoners.
What keeps you getting out the door for a run?
Knowing that at my age, if I stop for a week it will take 3 weeks to get back into it. And when your father had four heart attacks and your mother one, you feel like you're running for your life.
What advice would you give to current marathoners?
Start slow, then ease off. Run like an antelope out of control. Seriously: stick with your plan, run with a group if you can, and listen to your body.
You wake up early every Saturday to run with a group. How long have you been with them?
About 25 years, maybe more.
How did you start running with them?
I can't even remember. I think Harry Turse told me about the group when we lived in Medford and I went out one Saturday.
Anything else to add in regards to running?
The health benefits are obvious, but the social benefits are there as well. I've made a lot of good friends over the years and had a lot of good times. And when I can't run anymore, I'll walk.
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| My dad's first marathon - the 1980 NYC Marathon |
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