SOMbands hero of the month- January 2011- Alan

[SOMbands]

Alan is a self proclaimed former “fat man” who changed his life by starting to run! He works for the Denver Sheriff’s department and tries to motivate his co-workers and friends to get active.  Since he started running 30 years ago he has done almost 40 marathons and a number of longer and pretty grueling events.   Read how Alan changed his state of mind and started living!

 

SOM: Tell us about your life before you started running:

Alan:  “I was a fat beer drinking lazy person”


SOM:  What made you want to make changes in your life and start a fitness program
Alan:  “A friend started running, and I thought if they can do it then so can I.  At first I could not even run half a block and I the sad thing is I lived in the middle of the block”


SOM:  How does being fit and active help you in your job?
Alan: “We work 12 hour days that are both physically and mentally hard.  Being fit helps a lot.”


 SOM:  What type of events have you and do you currently compete in?  (Its ok to brag a little here)

Alan:  After 30 years I’ve done the double on Pikes Peak Ascent, Bighorn trail run, Leadville silver rush 50 miler, and almost 40 marathons.  

SOM:  Quick note for those of you who have never heard of the Pikes Peak Ascent- it is a weekend of grueling races up the 14,000 foot Pikes Peak.  The Pikes peak marathon is considered the toughest in the country and those who do the double complete the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday!

SOM:  What is your favorite thing about running?

Alan: “I work in a jail.  It is loud, has bad smells, rude people and is generally a nasty place to work.  I love running because of the freedom, fresh air, no nasty people and it is very relaxing.”


SOM:  What is the hardest event/work out you've ever done?    What kept you motivated to keep going?

Alan:  The Silver Rush 50 mile trail run in Leadville Colorado was very tough!

SOM:  How does your attitude and state of mind affect your training? 
Alan:  “The fact that my co-workers think I am crazy, I just flat out enjoy running so much.  I am also a runner with a bad biking habit”


SOM:  What wisdom and words of advice can you give others who want to accomplish something like you have? 

Alan:  Start slow.  If someone would have asked me 30 years ago if I would be where I am today I would have said ‘not a chance!’.  But things change and I got “all growed up” as a runner.