When I was younger, I saw running as something you had to do to get into shape to play soccer. I went out for track (mile) a couple of times in high school, but injuries discouraged me and I didn’t stick with it.

I ran more and less through my 20s and 30s. I ran for fun and fitness, never with any kind of race or numbers goals. As my metabolism slowed in my early 30s, I turned to running for weight control (and fun, still). It worked! I miss those lunchtime runs in Jefferson City. After moving to Kansas City I fell off the wagon again and took another run at 200 # (close, very close). Then, I rediscovered running as I approached 40 and I’ve stuck with it ever since switching to a natural landing a couple of years ago.*

I hadn’t raced since high school when a friend talked me into doing the Kansas City Zoo run in 2010. That did it. We started running together. It was “just” a 4 mile run, but at some point he said, “you want to run faster, don’t you?” I answered honestly, and took off.

As my fitness improved, I added the half marathon and eventually the full marathon to my resume. I enjoy all distances, but the mental challenge of the marathon makes it my favorite. I’ve also run a couple of ultras. All of these are post-40 (aka “Masters”) – I wish I had started earlier!

Personal Records:

5K: 19:59 (Run with the Birds, 11/13/11, 1st Place 40-49, 9th overall)

5m XC: 34:57 (Shoal Creek Wilderness Run, 11/03/12, 1st Place 40-49, 6th overall)

10K: 41:05 (Firecracker Run, 7/4/15, 2nd Place M40-49, 13th overall)

Half Marathon: 1:30:32 (Sedalia Half Marathon, 3/18/17, 6th overall)

Marathon: 3:09:33 (Chicago Marathon, 10/12/14, BQ, 233rd Place 40-44, 1825th overall, NEGATIVE SPLIT)

50K: 6:28:50.2 (Psycho Wyco, 2/8/14, 12th overall, in the snow! My only 50K so far).

100 miles: 28:34:44 (Arkansas Traveller, 10/6/18, “Finishing Is Winning!” My only 100M finish after a crash and burn attempt of the distance in 2017).

100 mile DNFs: 2017 and 2019 Arkansas Traveller; Tunnel Hill 2019, dropped to 50 mile

Marathons:

1. Kansas City 2011 (3:18:29)
2. Heart of America 2012 (3:22:28)
3. Kansas City 2012 (3:13:55, PR, BQ, 1st place 40-44M)
4. Garmin 2013 (3:11:03, PR, BQ)
5. Heart of America 2013 (3:19:51, 3rd place 40-44M)
6. Kansas City 2013 (3:18:01)
7. Boston 2014 (3:16:28)
8. Garmin 2014 (3:18:19)
9. Edmonton 2014 (3:12:21, BQ)
10. Chicago 2014 (3:09:33, PR, BQ)
11. Boston 2015 (3:11:25, BQ)
12. Heart of America 2015 (3:31:15, run as a supported training long run)
13. Kansas City 2015 (3:11:05, course PR, BQ, 1st place M45-49)
14. Kansas City 2016 (3:31:27)
15. Boston 2017 (3:16:33, BQ)
16. Boston 2018 (3:46:48, certificate says wind, rain, cold, but doesn’t say “undertrained following injury”)
17. Heart of America 2018 (3:47:24)
18. Garmin 2019 (3:31:47)
19. Heart of America 2019 (3:31:48, 1st place M 45-49)
20. Heart of America 2020 (4:06:02, PW (personal worst), 1st place M 50-54)
21. Garmin 2021 (April 17, signed up!)
22. Heart of America 2021 (Labor Day, 2021, signed up!)

* DISCLAIMER – Statements made on this blog about low drop shoes, forefoot/midfoot striking, barefoot running, nutrition, and anything else relating to health or wellness are based on the author’s personal experience only and are not intended as medical, legal, or spiritual advice. As far as the author is concerned, they are full of truthiness. Results may vary. Consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program. Keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times.