Congratulations to Jason M. for completing (and crushing) the Wineglass Marathon in Corning, New York this month. The Wineglass Marathon is a qualifying course for the Boston Marathon, and includes close to 3000 runners in the event. Jason beat his previous marathon time by over 22 minutes! We sat down with Jason to find out more about his experience on the running circuit.
When did you get started as a runner or involved with the sport, what was the catalyst?
I started running about 10 years ago after realizing my lack of physical activity, working at a desk, and finishing the leftovers from toddlers dinner plates had me 35 pounds overweight and on the fast track to developing other health issues. I had my first gout attack (and fortunately last to date) shortly before I started on the path of a healthier lifestyle. Initially, I just ran casually and participated in the occasional 5k, slowly building to longer distances and tackling new challenges, like triathlons, with each passing year.
What running events are you most interested in and why?
I love running events with a local community connection, especially those benefiting a good cause. It feels nice to connect my hobby with support for local charities. Also, these events often attract people I know, including both avid runners from my local running community and those that may only run occasionally. Sharing the experience with others that I have a personal connection with makes the event more special and usually provides stories for years to come.
We heard you just crushed the Wineglass Marathon in New York recently. Can you tell us about why this was such a significant event for you?
Yes, I had a blast at the Wineglass Marathon earlier this October. This was just my 2nd marathon. Last year, I raced the Philadelphia Marathon and while finishing it was a huge accomplishment, I fell short of my goal time. I was able to take the experience from that race and apply it to my preparation for this marathon. The four months leading up to the Wineglass Marathon included a large time investment, many early mornings, and a lot of miles while following a training plan that had me typically running 6 days a week. So it was extremely satisfying that all the energy and sacrifice paid off in the form of hitting my goal time (which included a 23 minute personal best) and executing a race that I felt reflected my current ability and fitness level.
What is some advice you have for runners old and new?
For new runners, build slow, be consistent and get plugged in with a local running group (don’t be intimidated into thinking that you aren’t experienced or fast enough to join “the club”…, clubs have members of all speeds, ages, body shapes. If you run, you are a runner and you belong!).
For experienced runners, look for opportunities to give back to the local running community in the form of leading weekly group runs or coaching others on their journey. This past year, I started coaching other adult participants of my local running club’s marathon / half marathon training program and it has been the most rewarding and enjoyable experience I’ve had on my running journey so far.
Do you have any other hobbies you geek out about besides running?
As with running and triathlon, I geek out doing all things outdoors, including skeet and sporting clay shooting, waterfowl hunting, fishing, grilling and even yardwork (yeah kinda weird). Besides outdoor activities and spending time with my family, my wife and I are self proclaimed foodies and I love playing mixologist / bartender. I am also a volunteer high school youth group leader with my church (for over 20 years)…, it keeps me young at heart!
