Get to know Michael J. (Mike)

​How long have you been involved with running?
I have been running regularly for a little over 4 years.
What got you involved with running?
My wife. I asked her if I had been putting on some weight and she said yes. I decided to start running the next week. She hates when I tell this story😊
How many days a week do you usually run?
Depends. When I am training I am run 5-6 days a week and 4-5 when I am not.
What is the greatest distance you have raced?
26.2, marathon
What is one of your most memorable race/event and what made it so special?
Probably the 2018 Baystate Marathon. My wife and I just suffered a family tragedy and I thought about not running the race. My wife encouraged me to continue my training and I finished the race meeting one of my goals.
Do you always enjoy going out for a run?
Some days more than others. I always feel great after finishing though. I get the feeling of accomplishment.
What are some of the things that gets you out the door when you really don’t feel like going out on a run?
GNRC!! The club has made me more accountable, especially during those cold dark winter mornings training for Boston.
What are you working towards currently in your workouts?
I just started training for the Mohawk Hudson Marathon in October. I am also running the Falmouth Road Race in August.
What are some of you long term running goals? I would love to break 3:45 for my Fall marathon and hope to one day hit 3:30. Overall, I just want to remain fairly healthy and continue to enjoy running.
Can you share something about an obstacle you had to overcome and how you managed to get over it? 2018 was a tough year with some personal family issues. Any time the going get’s tough I always try to focus on controlling the things that I can control and not worry about the other things. Running helped me with this and kept me in a routine and allowed me to clear my head.
How long have you been a member of GNRC?
Less than a year. I think I joined in November 2018.
What are some of the things you enjoy about being a member of GNRC? The company. I never thought I needed to run with anyone or that it was possible to run without headphones! Now I cannot run with headphones and hate running alone. I also enjoy the daily runs and the breakfast after Saturday long runs.
Can you share a story that relates to you and the club?
My first race with the club was the Derry Boston Prep 16 Miler in January. I was never a big racer, but this changed that. It was fun to get such a large group together for the race and for some beers after😊
In what ways has the club made a difference in your running?
The club has definitely made me more fit. I never did any hill work or speed work before joining GNRC. Also it’s nice to be part of such a supportive team.