Runner Spotlight Let Me Introduce David

Today is Spotlight Thursday

This week I'd like to introduce David.

I asked David several questions, to tell part of his story and introduce you all to him

Tell us what distances you like to run?

I like anything from 5K to a marathon, my favorite is probably half marathon

How long have you been running? Or when did you start running?

I started running April 2012 with Couch to 5K What has been your favorite race and distance you have ever run? Tell us why?

36th Annual Clarence DeMar Marathon 29 Sep 2013. This is my favorite race because it was my first, and to this point only marathon. It was a very scenic course fall foliage was out, it was a great day. I was never so happy to see a finish line. 

If you could run any race in the entire world, where would it be and why would you pick it?

2014 Boston Marathon, 2 reasons 1 it is Boston, and 2 what happened in 2013, and I will be running it. 

Do you enjoy running in the spring, summer, fall or winter the best?

I like Spring and fall the best, the best weather to run. 

Have you experienced any trials/injuries/health issues that you have had to overcome? Tell us about them.

About a month and a half before my marathon I was 10 miles into a 20 mile long run, and my knee hurt so bad I could not take another step. I had to take 2 weeks off training. These 2 weeks were excruciating mentally, but I made the marathon. 

Tell me what goes through your mind when you cross a finish line?

It depends sometimes I happy, sometimes I’m disappointed, when I crossed at the marathon I thought, I can’t believe I just did that, and I’m glad it’s over. 

Do you have a specific distance and PR that you are proud of? Tell us about it.

My PR at 5K is 21:48 run May 14, 2013 the reason I’m so proud of this is June 12, 2012 was my first 5K ever my time was 35:39. It was a nice spring night. I did not think I was running any faster than normal, when I was at the halfway point I noticed Ally ( A member of the Greater Lowell Road Runners). Ally said lets go get you a PR Dave. When we got to a water stop at 2.5 miles I thought I had nothing left. Ally said don’t even think of slowing down. My previous PR was 22:30.

Have you run races in any other countries before?

No 

What is your favorite kind of running, solo running or running with a friend or group?

My favorite is running with a group, bevause of this I belong to 3 running clubs. Greater Lowell Road Runners, Shamrock Running Club, and Mystic Runners 

Do you listen to music while you run? Give us the top 2 running songs on your playlist.

I do not listen to music, but when I did Journey’s Don’t stop believin, and A Flock of Seagulls’ I Ran 

What is your must have running gadget, or item?

My Garmin Forerunner 10 

In your spare time What other hobbies or sports do you love do?

Genealogy 

What type of things motivate you and push you towards success in life? 

My family, and a drive to be better than yesterday 

Do you have any tips of suggestions for someone who is thinking of starting up running? 

Couch to 5K without it I do not think I would be a runner, and join a running club. I was intimidated about joining a running club (all these good runners what would they think of me). They are some of the nicest, and helpful people I’ve ever met 

Any New Years goals you have set for 2014?

Sub 4 hour marathon, first 1 was 4:03 

Do you have a great accomplishment you have achieved in life? Do you mind sharing?

I was named 2012 Greater Lowell Road Runners most Improved runner, and followed that up with 2013 Shanrock Running Club’s most improved runner 

What are a few of your dreams or bucket list items?

1 Bucket list Item should be taken care of on April 21 run Boston. I would love to run a sub 20 5K.

What got you started running?

I was overweight, and needed to exercise, at least that’s what the Doctor said. I started C25K, and I hated running. I said to myself I will do this to lose weight, but how can anyone enjoy this. I lost 90 pounds along the way, and somehow fell in love with running. 

You can Follow David Via Twitter @davidburns49