Today's runner is my long time friend Tim W. I've known Tim since I was a kid. We attended the same church and I quickly learned I could always count on Tim for a hug and some encouragement.
When I was toying with taking up running in a slightly more serious way, I heard Tim was running (having discovered it a little bit later in life) and I was impressed!!!
Here's Tim's story...
At what age did you start running and what motivated you to get involved in the sport?
63. A colleague had just run the Tower of Terror 13K at Disney and was telling me about it and I said, "That sounds like fun," and she said, "Why don't you run with us next year" I did.
How has running changed your life?
I feel better physically and psychologically than I have in the last 20 years. I have run places I never dreamed of running, like down 7th Avenue in NYC, along the water front in Seattle and through all four parks at Disney World.
What do you get out of running? Why do it?
I get to feel good and that saying a lot as I near my 66th birthday. It's amazing. I can feel terrible and go out and run and wind up feeling good. I don't understand it, but I know it works. I also enjoy the comradery of running with friends and the shear pleasure of being outside and enjoying nature.
What is your favorite race (distance) and what is your best Personal Record (PR)/ fastest time?
13K is about right for me. It's just long enough, but not too long. Not sure what my best time is at that distance, probably a little over 1'20". No matter the distance, I usually run a 10 minute mile pace.
Where is your favorite place to train?
Since most of my training takes place where I live, that would be around the UF campus. Other than that, anywhere I happen to be that new and different.
What is your proudest running moment? Do you have a favorite or most meaningful running experience (a race or a day when you pushed further than you thought you could go?)
My proudest running moment would be completing my first half marathon at age 64. Never in my life before beginning training for the Disney half had I even given thought to running that far. I ran the entire way and finished at a little under a 10 minute mile pace. My proudest moment in the race was around mile 11 when my friend and I reached an exit ramp that climbed steeply up to the road that would take up to the finish. We ran by a large number of people on that climb, which said we had some reserves others didn't have. That felt good. My favorite running experience was the NYC half marathon. I loved every minute of it and finished 7 seconds faster than I did in the Disney half.
Do you have a favorite song on your ipod to run to? Or if you don't listen to music, what do you think about when you run?
I don't use an ipod. I love the sounds of nature, of life. Thinking is not my forte. I am extraverted to the point of being handicapped if put in a room by myself. Running has helped me go deep within myself, which includes opening my heart to God. I am a Christian and have been since I was six years old. However, praying has always been hard for me. It's not that I don't believe in prayer; it's that praying means spending time by myself talking to someone I can't see and my extreme extraversion make doing so very difficult. Spending a lot of time running by myself has helped me spend more time inside myself and when I spend time inside myself my heart naturally turns to God. Of course, I think of other things, including my family and work. I get a lot of things worked out in my head when running.
(Tim & his bride Shirley-she's nice too!)
What do you find most difficult about running and how do you overcome this difficulty?
The most difficult thing about running is finding the time to do it. I still work full time and travel a lot, which makes finding time to run problematic. Depending on where I am and my schedule I can often find time to run, but not as often as I would like. When in the office I am usually able get away about 30 minutes early and run on campus. Sometimes my wife, Shirley, comes to campus and walks while I run. That's a big encouragement.
Do you have a race coming up? When and where?
My nephew and I are running a 5K at Disney's Animal Kingdom October 1. I would like to do one before then but it's too hot in Florida.
Do you have a favorite movie or book about running?
"Born to Run" is a must for every runner. No movie.
Who is your favorite running hero?
All of my friends who have encouraged me to run are heroes to me. I followed Marty Liquori's career years ago and still admire him, partly because we live in the same town, now.
Can you offer me any advice on how I can best train to get to the 2011 NYC marathon finish line?
Take your time and increase your distance gradually. Be sure and plan for light training week or two before the marathon so you can build up some strength. Have fun. I'm proud of you.
What's your best advice for fighting negative thinking when faced with a challenge like running 26. 2 miles?
Run with a friend, someone you know can finish and will stay with you and encourage you. Have Bearden and Konjit wait for you at the finish line. You'll get there faster that way.
Anything else you want to say about running?
Just that I'm so glad my friends encouraged me to try it. In turn I encourage everyone to give it a try as long as their joints and heart allow.
Thank you Tim, for your inspiration!!! I just love that you found running at age 63!
Words of wisdom from a wise friend, follow his suggetions. Wonderful interview!!!
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