Runner’s World+ Member: Jon McMath
Jon is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
From about age 30 when I started running consistently while in the Army at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, it has always been a part of my life, so it has accompanied me as my life went forward rather than changing me at a specific point in time. It has kept me healthy, been a source of pleasure, and a stress reliever. I always enjoyed doing 5Ks with the colorful starts and the excitement of the race. I was a mid pack runner until I got into my seventies when I started winning or placing in the 70 plus age group categories. To know I might win gives added motivation and pleasure. The other day I was looking at some 5K times from 10 years ago, and they were 10 minutes faster than my current times. As I tell myself—a slow run is better than no run!
I still enjoy reading about running and runners, and learning from the experience of others.
All of the above—the health benefits and the pleasure. I have many pleasant memories of runs that I did on trips or vacations in beautiful settings.
I have a three mile loop here in Southport that goes along the Cape Fear River and has views of the ocean. It has a couple mild hills and starts and ends at a waterfront park. I enjoy seeing other runners and cyclists along the way.
I am a Saucony shoe fan and love my current Freedom 3’s. They provide great protective cushioning, but also excellent energy return.
I had open heart surgery a year ago to replace a blocked Aortic valve and I firmly believe that my running gave me a strong heart that led to a successful surgery and a recovery that allows me to continue to run.
To run or jog/walk 3 miles twice a week, strength training twice a week (now at home), and one more age group win!
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