Eileen Murphy

Who are you?
Eileen Murphy. I live in Blacklick with my husband JP and our 7yr black lab/german shepard mix named Jack. I work as a Director of Pharmacy Operations. I'm training to run the Columbus Distance Classic AGAIN... this time, I am running for time!

History with MIT?
I am proud to say that I AM an MIT alum...with newbie tendencies... I have trained 2 seasons with MIT. I have been running for 1 year and 2 weeks. I joined MIT because I saw how successful my friends were in their traning with MIT They liked it so much that they ended up joining again... and again and again!

Tell us your story about the Half Marathon.
I ran the Columbus Distance Classic for the first time in April 2007. I ran it in 2:49. I finished strong thanks to my fellow MITers, Hannah, Christi, and Trisha. They gave me the boost I needed at the end to keep going and for that I am thankful. Thank you ladies! This year, I would love to beat my 2007 time. If I could shave off 15 minutes, I would be ecstatic!

Why do you run?
I started running because my friend Morgan told me that I needed to re-channel my stress at work and do something constructive with it. I also wanted to be able to run a marathon by the time I turned 40. Thanks to MIT, I managed to do it 5 years early and without injury. Now I run because I am addicted to the "runner's high" and I like the way I feel after a really good run.

Favorite pre-run meal?
I'm still fine-tuning this one, but Quaker Oat Squares do the trick for runs shorter than 13 miles.

Favorite post-run meal?
Rice.

Health benefits you've enjoyed because of running?
I have lost a total of 30 pounds since I started running and am taking less medication for my diabetes.

Secret running ritual?
I listen to AC/DC really loud in the car on my way to a run!

Tips to prevent chafing?
Six words: body glide, body glide, body glide!

Favorite weather conditions for running?
Overcast, slight breeze, start temp 42 degrees, end temp 60 degrees.

Radio, mp3, listen to nature, talk?
My mp3 player unless I'm running with someone.

Winter nose management?
Tissues! I thought snot rockets were just an urban myth...

What do you do with your race memorabilia?
I keep my race bibs in my journal. My two medals (when I'm not wearing them!) sit on top of my chest of drawers as a reminder of what I have accomplished.

Karen Parks

Who are you?
Karen Parks. I live in Gahanna and I am a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant for OSU Eye Physicians & Surgeons. My family: three sons (Nathaniel age 20, Justin age 17, Cody age 14), Siberian Husky named Kayden (Nathaniel's dog in theory), fiance Larry Pickett. I am a new MITer, training to run the Cap City Half Marathon. I started running 6 months ago.

What are your goals for the race?
Just to finish without dying at the end, but a 12-minute average or under would be great. No matter what my time ends up being, it will be a PR for me!

Why did you start running?
I started walking several years ago ( not consistently) for stress relief and increased energy level. This past spring I started walking consistently, and running short distances (very short). Amy Taylor invited me to walk the Columbus half-marathon this past fall with her and her sister and brother-in-law. I did it (WOW!) and it felt really great to walk across the finish line. It was also a lot of fun. I have continued running because I like how I feel afterwards: 1. I have more energy 2. it helps with stress 3. it clears the cobwebs in your head 4. it is time that I do something for me.

Why did you join MIT
Peer pressure (Larry). Family encouragement (Michelle, Michael, Chris & Amy Taylor - although I think they gave up trying to get me to run after all these years.

Favorite time to run?
Late morning (which work often prevents) or evenings (which kids' sports often prevent)

Favorite pre-run breakfast?
Shot block, banana. I'm not a morning person or a big breakfast eater.

Health benefits you've enjoyed because of running?
More positive outlook on life, increased energy, more relaxed, firmer legs.

Jackie White

Who are you?
My name is Jackie White, and I live in Wooster. Right now I am in seventh grade at Edgewood Middle School. In my family is my mom, June, my dad, Lance and my sister, Rosie. My mom, dad and I do MIT together. This is my first year training with MIT.

Training for which race(s)? Running or walking?
I am training for the Capital City Half-Marathon and I am running all the way!

Do you have a finish-time goal for this race?
My goal is around 2 hours, but finishing is my number one goal.

# of years running?
I've been running since I was 7 years old, so for 5 years.

What is your usual pre-race (or pre-long run) breakfast?
Cinnamon toast! Yummy!

Favorite post-long run meal?
Spaghetti, with marinara sauce (I'm a vegetarian).

Favorite local race?
The Woosterfest 5k, my dad helps host it

Favorite race to travel to?
Anywhere I can run!

Health benefits you've enjoyed because of running?
I feel good about myself and I am in shape. Not many girls my age can say that anymore.

Secret running ritual?
Start fast, then people have to catch up to you.

If money was no object, what running gadget/gear would you get?
A pink wrist GPS.

Favorite weather conditions in which to run?
Cold, but not too cold. I go faster then.

Favorite distance to race? What is your PR and where/when?
3.1 miles, or a 5k. my PR is 22 minutes in New Washington.

What shoes do you run in?
Bright pink Jana Star from Nike.

Strangest thing you've seen on the road during a run?
A person picked up a dead squirrel on the road and threw it out of the way! It was nasty!

Joan Landry

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in Worthington; I work as a Project Manager, Engineering Global Planning & Services for Abbott Nutrition. I am married with three children (Alex - 11, Lisa - 8, Lauren - 4). I am training for the Flying Pig Marathon. I am looking forward to the experience. I hear it's hilly. I am not sure what that means other than it is nothing like the Olentangy Trail.

Why did you start running?
Because I was tired of being 'tired' all the time. I would come home from work and find it extremely difficult to separate myself from the couch. I was 37 years old and realized that it was the one thing that does not get better with age. I knew I had to do something and was not sure what to do, until I set a goal of running the Race for the Cure 5K. I started a walk/run program about three months before the race and was not able to run more than 10 minutes at one time. By some miracle, I was able to run the entire 5K. I could not run more than a block for the next month, but it started me on my journey.

What is your history with MIT?
I began running with Fleet Feet's initial marathon program around 3 1/2 years ago. I joined as a result of an e-mail I received from Fleet Feet. It mentioned training for a marathon, but I skimmed over that part, since I was looking to join the group for the social aspects. I did not consider myself capable of running a marathon. My goal for the session was to work up to a 10K distance. If I did well, I thought maybe I would do a 1/2 marathon the next year. I was surprised that I was able to follow the program, keep up with the increasing mileage of the long runs and complete my very first marathon that fall (Columbus). I have been with the group ever since. This is my first season as a coach.

What else should we know about you?
I have a profound high frequency hearing loss in both ears. I normally wear hearing aids. Since most hearing aids are sensitive to heat and humidity, I cannot wear them when I run. I do read lips very well. One interesting story with this is that my first running partner, whom I met through the Fleet Feet group, happens to be an audiologist, Cindy Creek. Cindy is now one of the other coaches for the 11:00/mi pace group. We started running together about a month before my first marathon and have been running together since. Often at MIT social events, she will help with translation of anything I did not hear. It is kinda cool how the group brings people together.

Shoes?
Brooks Adrenaline. I'm looking for another pair to alternate with.

Tips to prevent chafing?
I started using the Monistat Soothing Care chaff-free powder-gel. It goes on like vaseline from a tube but dries to a silky finish. For me it works better than Body Glide.

Long-run nutrition?
I have an Ensure drink before I leave the house and I usually have a Zone Perfect bar within 20 minutes of finishing, on my way home. I always drink a Diet Coke on my way to a race.

Favorite weather conditions in which to run?
I like to run during a first snowfall. Especially if it is during the evening. There is nothing like the quietness and calmness of an early snowfall.

Favorite distance to race?
I like to run distances. Part of me wants to see if I can run beyond a marathon. I am slow, so the concept of 'outlast' (from the show Survivor) is very appealing. My PR is the Marine Corps Marathon this past fall... 4:23:16

Favorite local race?
Spring Powell 5K. It is a very family friendly race and well organized. Last year everyone except my 4 year old ran the race. They have a 1-mile run/walk with Stinger for kids or those not able to walk a 5K. The race starts and finishes at the park so little kids can play in the playground during the race.

Crosstraining?
I do strength training two - three days a week. I recently added Bikram Yoga one day a week; it is an amazing experience. This past summer I did my first sprint triathalon (Columbus International Triathalon). Running has given me the courage to try other things.

Treadmill or Dreadmill?
I do not run on a treadmill. It makes me feel like a hamster... I already drink from a water bottle and at times feel like I live in a cage... mentally the wheel is too much. I love the challenge of running outdoors no matter the weather.

Strangest thing you've seen on the road during a run?
I have been running before work in my subdivision for the past 6 months. When I need to add some additional mileage, I add this stretch of road. For some reason, I am surprised everytime I hit the same spot and see this skunk with his tail sticking up. I keep running the route wondering if I will get sprayed as I run past. Luckily he has let me pass.

Has running helped you overcome any challenges?
Running has enabled me to see all that I am capable of doing. I use to think that some people were able to run marathons...not me. Some people are able to balance their work and home life better... not me. Some people can be bold at work and ask for a promotion... not me. Running has proven that I can accomplish far more than I think I am capable of.

Beverly Groth

Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Columbus; I currently live 0.9 miles from TWHS, although I haven't yet run to a Saturday morning workout. I'm an IT Solutions Analyst for Nationwide Insurance. I have two sons, who will both have milestone birthdays this year (18 and 21). I also have two dogs, Belle and Simba. I am training for the San Diego half in February and the Kentucky Derby half in April. I'm new to MIT.

Why did you join MIT?
Great referrals from other running friends, wanted the company, wanted a reason to get my long run done early on a Saturday and because it finally switched from Sunday to Saturday (I wondered if all MITers were atheists !).

What is with you and all these half marathons?
I have a goal of running half-marathons in half the states before I turn 50 and I'm well on my way to getting that done - so far, I've run 20 half-marathons in 11 different states (PR 2:01:18). In 2004 I was reading an article in Runners World about marathoners running marathons in all 50 states. Within the article was a little inset that said "If marathons in 50 states sounds like too much, how about half-marathons in half the states" and a goal was born for me. At that point I had already run in 3 states. My first half was the Indy mini-marathon - it was the one I worked up the mileage for and now have run 5 times. I had run in Chicago on a trip with a girlfriend who was also a runner and of course, I had run in Ohio. So, I paid my one-time $9.95 membership on the www.half2run.com website, got my shirt and started planning races. It really is fun to figure out how to get this done ! I try to always include a race in any travels and can usually do about 4 a year (this year I'm hoping to get in 5). Recently I had a work trip to Hawaii (ask me about that on a run and I'll be happy to give details) and so I ran a half there (it had a "magical" start time of 5:30 AM - but it was worth it). I want to do the Alaska cruise which includes a full marathon - done in stages and one of the stages is 13.1, so it will count. Obviously I'm going to get all of the surrounding states done since that is easy in terms of travel logistics and then I want to do the key states too (CA, TX, NY, etc). So, I find races on the website and look for them from other sources too. The rock-n-roll races are always good - Virginia and Tennessee were those and Arizona will be too (that's in the future). So, if anyone knows of a great race in another state, please let me know !

What do you do with your race bibs and medals?
During my running career I did one marathon - in 2005 in Columbus. My sister was there and surprised me at Christmas with a scrapbook with my marathon... then she had added my first 4 half-marathons in different states. So, now for my half-marathons I always get a picture at the beginning, and buy the race photos (I've run with my camera more than once). Then, Brenda takes pictures of the bibs and medals and shrinks them and we do a two scrapbook pages for each half. Often times there are non-race pictures included too since I travel to places where friends and family live and include other activities in a race vacation (dinner, sight-seeing, etc).

What shoes do you run in?
Saucony 3D grid hurricanes

Treadmill or Dreadmill?
My preferences: 1-Outside (ideal weather: about 40 degrees, overcast, no wind), 2-Indoor track, 3-Treadmill

Crosstraining?
Some weights and elliptical

Which activities were listed in your HS yearbook next to your senior picture?
Marching band and volleyball.

Why did you start running?
Growing up I always wanted to be a runner but could never do a run without having to stop and walk, so I gave up. Then my oldest son did Cross Country in middle school and I went to the Coach/Parent meeting. As I'm listening to what he needs to do (food, shoes, etc.) I keep thinking "I can do that"... so I went out and bought shoes and went out to try to run... still had to walk.... so my husband said "Slow down"... and those two words changed my running life. I slowed down enough that I could keep going without walking (power walkers were passing me!) and I did it ! I kept at it, thoroughly hooked and over time got faster and stronger.

Health benefits you've enjoyed because of running?
Body fat lowered by over 10% during my first year of dedicated running, better circulation (I don't need socks to keep my feet warm when I sleep anymore !),, lowered stress level,and some great ideas happen during long runs.(ask me about my younger son's scavenger hunt birthday party !).

Strangest thing you've seen on the road during a run?
In one of the Last Chance for Boston races it was so cold (1 degree) that everyone's sweat was freezing on their backs, heads, everywhere ! When I first noticed it I thought what is that white stuff on that guys back??... It was a PR for me that day (2:02), guess I really like the cold weather for runs.

Cara Cloyd

Tell us about yourself.
I live in Upper Arlington with my husband Bill, and two daughters, Bella (2), and Caroline (6 months). I am a consultant to non-profit organizations and help them raise money. I am training to run in the Boston Marathon to raise money for children with serious illnesses to attend a Hole in the Wall Camp for FREE – and to help build a camp for seriously ill children in Ohio called Flying Horse Farms. I would appreciate any MITer support in sponsoring me as this is my very first marathon and I am trying to raise $10,000!

Do you have a finish-time goal?
I just want to finish. After all, these kids are counting on me.

Tell us about you and running.
I've been running on and off for 10 years (was pregnant 2 of the last 3 years and didn’t run while pregnant). I like to challenge myself physically and mentally and I like the feeling that I get when I am finished. I am feel that I have accomplished something good for my body and soul. When I run I am doing it for no one else but me. Running has relieved stress, has helped me to sleep better, and has helped me to understand my body better.

Why did you join MIT?
I had run in Jeff’s races before and heard that he offered a program so I contacted him about it months ago. I was nervous, VERY nervous in fact, to even tell my family and friends I was considering it. I am certainly no athlete, but Jeff is a great guy and VERY supportive of beginners to this process. Rich and Brenda are great coaches. I couldn’t do this without them and my pace group. I am grateful to all of them.

Pre-race/longrun breakfast?
I swear by Trader Joe’s steel cut frozen oatmeal with a dozen or so golden raisins. It is the closest thing to homemade. Delicious!

Favorite distance to race?
I like 5Ks and 10Ks equally. My PR was 25:30 in the Race for Vision 5K in September 2007.

Favorite local race?
HighBanks 10K. So scenic and peaceful. Unlike anything else I have ever done. I've never experienced a race in another city, but I did a nice 10 miler in Hilton Head a few weeks ago while it was 70 and sunny. Pure joy!

Shoes?
Mizuno Wave Nirvana 3.

Radio, mp3, listen to nature, talk?
I like my iPod when I am alone, but when running with others I appreciate the conversation. We laugh a lot.

Crosstraining?
I swear by weight training and the stairclimber.

Has running helped you overcome any challenges?
Signing up for a marathon was a challenge enough for me. I thought about it for months wondering – can I do this? As John Bingham says, “ the miracle is not that you finished, but that you had the courage to start.” I try to remind myself of this every single day as I train and put it on my desk. I am no athlete and never have been. This was something I wanted to do for myself, to help the charity I am raising money for and to be able to tell my daughters, once they are older, that I ran a marathon. I wanted to help inspire them to challenge themselves beyond what they feel their limits may be and to help others in the process who may not be as blessed.

Winter nose management preference: tissues, bandanna, snot rockets?
Tissues only. Others should do the same. :)

Stacey Bittinger

Who are you?
I am Stacey Bittinger. Married to Aza with two girls ages 4 and 18 months. I'm a stay-at-home mom and I'm also pursuing my certification as a personal fitness trainer/coach (should have that in February). I've been an alum with MIT for 3 seasons but this is my first time as a winter runner. I'm training to run the Cap City Half in April. My goal for that race would be to finish under 2.30, but really it's just to have fun!

Why do you run?
I have been running since I was twelve years old and my middle school started its first Cross Country program that year. I run now to stay in shape physically but mentally as well and to show my girls what a healthy lifestyle is about. I'd like to still be running when I am 80.

Favorite time of day to run?
Most definitely mornings. Breakfast is a cereal bar and coffee. I used to have secret running rituals before kids, now its all about just getting out the door. Some days I am happy to have socks on and be able to find my shoes.

Favorite Local Race?
Columbus Marathon

Running miscellany?
I run in Brooks, I use Vaseline to prevent chafing, and now that I have the kids I have made peace with the Dreadmill and actually consider it my friend on those days I can't sneak a run in early enough and one or both of them let me sneak it in while they watch Dora.

Tell us about your 2007 marathons:
My medals from the four marathons I've run/walked are hanging on the mirror in my bedroom. There is one medal (Chicago) that stays in the drawer until I go back someday and complete that race. So as for the strangest thing I've seen on the road while running .... I guess it'd have to be the thousands of runners I witnessed come to a complete stop at mile 17 of the Chicago marathon last year. As we were rerouted and told we could not complete the course, people were in disbelief. Cell phones came out, people were yelling - some cried. It was unreal. That experience was such a mind blowing event. To reconnect with family was a real challenge, and once you did you realized how bad the situation really was. There was little water and the first aid tents were overflowing. The sound of sirens was deafening. Now I can look back and say I was blessed that race was canceled. With the support of MIT (especially Ted, Kathy, Jeanne and Jeff) I had the best marathon two weeks later in Columbus. Not my best time (I barely got under 5hrs) but the best MEMORIES, the best crowd support and just the reminder about what life is all about. For me, its the road and the ones you get to travel that road with as you live out your dreams.

Ted Despres

Who are you?
Ted (well actually Thomas) Despres, northeast Columbus halfway between Thomas Worthington and Sharon Woods Park. Retired from the State Library of Ohio since 1995 . Will turn 64 a couple weeks prior to the Columbus marathon. Married for 39 years with three grown daughters; one in San Francisco, one outside Yokahama, Japan and one right around the corner from us. The Japan daughter does triathlons and met her husband at a competition.

New MITer or alum?
MIT participant since summer of 2003. I got talked into it by a former participant who was a bartender at Chili's.

Training for which race(s)? Running or walking?
I call it slogging, combining the words "slow" and "jogging." Probably do the same set of marathons this year as last year — South Bend, Air Force, Columbus and Sacramento — and several local halves (halfs?). My only new races this past couple of years have been the Sacramento (twice now) & South Bend marathons. In my first Sacramento I finished more than 50 minutes slower than an 84 year old runner, and at South Bend I missed a turn around Mile 9 and ended up off course and running more than the 26.2 miles.

Do you have a finish-time goal for your marathons?
I'm happy to finish without obsessing about the time. In 10 marathons to date I've had times from 4:53 to 6:15. I'm more focused on trying to jog the full 26.2; so far the farthest I've been able to run before having to walk has been 22 miles, which I've only managed twice, both times in 2007.

Favorite weather conditions in which to run?
Warm to hot, but preferably with shade. I can't believe I signed up (again) for the winter session.

Why did you start running?
When I first joined Bally's gym, running was the easiest activity for me to do; too many of the machines required two hands, and I always preferred a real bicycle to a stationary one. I didn't make it to the gym often enough to do me any good for the first few years but one winter in the mid 90's I just started going more regularly. It took a long time to work my way past a mile and a half but one day I fell into pacing myself behind another runner and managed 4 miles. After that I was hooked and ran regularly on my own. The first race I remember was Bay to Breakers in San Franciso in 1998 and locally the Old Hilliard Days 5 Miler in 1999.

Usual pre-race (or pre-longrun) breakfast?
Bagel and coffee whether I'm running or not. At my first Sacramento marathon the hotel I stayed at said they would set up the continental breakfast early to accommodate the runners and then didn't. I started the race without any food beforehand and paid the price around mile 18.

Favorite post-race refreshments?
I appreciate oranges and a good cold beer at the finish line.

Favorite time of the day to run?
Mid to late mornings. Access to Sharon Woods makes the heat easier to take because of the amount of deep shade.

Favorite local race?
Nothing really, but that's probably because familiarity breeds. I do like the Columbus marathon but always have problems with the last 7 or 8 miles. For the Columbus Distance Classic half marathon the run around the OSU Horseshoe was pretty impressive (this from a non-Buckeye fan). The Home Stretch 20 Miler course through Sharon Woods and along the Alum Creek trail is mostly flat and mostly shaded — what more can you ask for?

Favorite race to travel to?
Any of the northern California races. San Francisco is my favorite city to visit — our oldest daughter lives there, there are lots of good record and music stores to feed my collecting habit, and Pirro's Pizza on Taraval Street has the best pizza I know of anywhere.

Health benefits you've enjoyed because of running?
I needed heart surgery in 2005 to replace a leaking valve. My doctors couldn't believe that I wasn't showing any of the usual shortness of breath/dizziness/etc. symptoms, and being in shape from running certainly made the recovery process easier. And it is satisfying to hear your doctors say they appreciate having a patient who attempts to keep fit.

Secret running ritual?
None. I put on my shoes and go.

Tips to prevent chafing?
Bodyglide, Bodyglide, Bodyglide. I forgot to apply it for a 20 mile long run last fall and had to quit after 14 miles even though it was a cool day.

Favorite distance to race?
What is your PR and where/when? Prefer longer to shorter, partly because I feel I have to beat the clock in a shorter distance. Lately though somewhere around mile 20, I've been asking myself why I don't stick to halves. Marathon PR was 4:52:54 at my first Columbus in 2003 but I thought I actually ran better races in 5:15 & 5:22 finish times last year. My best race ever was a 15K in Muskegon, Michigan when I was trying to hit every mile marker within plus/minus five seconds of a ten minute pace and nailed all but one of the miles.

What do you do with your race bibs/medals?
I write my finish times, weather and course conditions, happenings etc. on the race bibs. Most of the medals hang from the top of the computer room door. My favorite medals come from the Air Force marathons — big, heavy and with raised designs that change from year to year on both sides. One side is whatever plane is being used as the theme that year.

Favorite race story that you like to tell on the trail?
Not a race but a run in Sharon Woods park back in my Walkman music listening days. One of the songs on the tape was Mercenary, sung by the Del Lords (80's rock group). Think "Secret Agent Man", and one of the lines is "See you in a week down in Costa Rica." I was passed from behind by a couple of cyclists exactly as this lyric was being sung, and the woman was wearing a shirt with Costa Rica printed on the back. I found them stopped further along the trail and they wanted to know why I had laughed so much when they went by.

Radio, mp3, listen to nature, talk?
Talk now, but prior to MIT I had one 90 minute tape that I ran to every time for at least 10 years. I used the same playlist when I finally bought an iPod for the gym last winter but frankly I'm dismayed by the proliferation of iPods at races and on the trail. I went from being a lone wolf to practically unable to run without someone to talk with. Thank you Terri, Stacey, Tami, Shannon and everybody else.

Winter nose management?
Shirtsleeve. My pet peeve is people who spit directly on the trail.

Shoes?
Asics now; used to be New Balance back when they were the only shoe I could find that fit.

Treadmill or Dreadmill?
Dreadmill. Last time I was on one I stopped too fast, got tossed off the back and plowed my foot through the wall behind me (in an exercise room that just been painted and refurbished).

Which activities were listed in your HS yearbook next to your senior picture?
The 1962 Lair (Rogers High School Golden Eagles, Wyoming/Grand Rapids, Michigan) didn't list student activities, but I'm still trying to live down the personality thumbnail of "Tut, tut, my man, the women won't hurt you." I wouldn't have dreamed of doing track & field and still find it hard to believe I'm now doing marathons.

John Eichelberger

Vital stats:
John Eichelberger, age 61. I live with my wife on the family farm near Springfield. My vocation is dentistry, but my avocations are gardening, bee keeping, old cars (Model A). Our three daughters are grown (the youngest graduating from college this summer) and we have a one-year old grand-daughter.

Training for:
Flying Pig. I have never run a race longer than a 5K, but I like challenges. My goal is to qualify for the Boston!!

MIT experience:
I have my wife to thank for my finding MIT. When I finally convinced her that running a marathon was something I really wanted to do, she insisted that I get as much information and professional help as possible. She had heard of MIT through a friend and pestered me to look into it for which I am most grateful.

Running history:
I’ve enjoyed running all my life (ran cross country in high school before there was technology and decent shoes). I gave it up in my 40’s due to knee problems. It was when my youngest daughter invited me to run a 5K with her at her college that I decided to try it again (of course I couldn’t let my daughter beat me). After three 5K’s and no major injuries (trading converse tennis shoes for “real” running shoes), I’m ready to try a marathon.

Health benefits:
I consider myself active. I roller blade on the bike paths while my wife bikes along side (we did over 100 miles in one day – I like to set goals!). We enjoy walking and hiking (we climbed Mt. Wilson 13,400 ft at Great Basin Nat’l. Park – very windy and steep just ask my wife!). However running has provided me with lowered blood pressure, weight loss and general well being on a daily basis. I hope to keep running as long as my knees hold out!

Gadgets:
I must admit I have been investing in some items of technology to assist me in my training program. I figure at my age I need to take advantage of all the help I can get in order to reach my goal.

A big thank you to MIT staff and fellow runners for information and support. I feel confident that I can reach my goal – see you in Boston!!

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