Whether they’re near or far, we’re the product of the people we interact with most when it comes to our training. Friends and training partners are essential in bringing out the best in ourselves. In my next marathon in Duluth, I will be working directly with a former teammate and current friend to try to run sub-2:19, hopefully his first time doing so and my second. Through the build up, we will both be outlining our training and recording our daily runs side by side to emphasize the importance of teamwork and sharing ideas, and to express how people under different training plans and in different life situations can hopefully converge to accomplishing the same goal. To record Rory’s unique view on the process, I also hope to feature a few of his opinions on the daily training grind over the course of the next three months. In the meantime, see our daily training in my Training Log, and follow us over the next 12 weeks!
WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU, YOUNG RORY:
If you know Rory, then you know that he’s……well, he’s Rory. Quite a character in his own right, he’s been one of my closest friends since he started making fun of my youthful appearance my freshman year of college at THE University of Texas. Through ups and downs, and a move to Houston and London, the close bond has remained over running, The Omelettry, and casual banter through social media. Now, I’m so pumped to tackle this marathon with the guy that I asked him to join the blog as Young Rory, and write a little bit about himself. While his “story” came in the form of exactly 23 text messages, I’m pretty sure I understand what he wants to say…he’s excited to be back.
After qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials with a half marathon PR of 1:04:52, Rory ran at the 2016 Olympic Trials in Las Vegas on an excruciatingly hot day that left a majority of the runners with a “DNF” next to their name. Rory was one of the finishers, but struggled through as most did with his first marathon finish in 2:35:53. While it was inconceivable to me that this might possibly remain his personal record, after a year or more of watching Rory enjoy the non-running life, I was convinced of his contentment with hanging up the spikes for good. I guess he had finally had enough of the good life, however, because about a year and a half ago he began the slow grind to get back into shape. As hard as it is to train for a 2:19 marathon, its been cool to see Rory come back from a long, self-imposed retirement from the sport, and to watch his passion return.
From Rory Himself…
“100 days until grandmas marathon and my shot at returning to the Olympic marathon trials…
If you would have asked me after finishing the 2016 Olympic marathon trials if would I ever run another competitive marathon my answer would have been “Never again”! After that race I attempted to regain my motivation to train and race, but it didn’t come back and before you know it I had stopped running completely for about a year. After many beers and good meals, and a few pounds heavier, I started the comeback but was sidelined with injuries that held me back for a few more months. Before you know it…one year had then become two.
In January of 2018 I began a much slower and more controlled build to regain fitness and get my body back. This journey has been more manageable with the guidance of my coach John Schrup, and over this last year I have run some respectable races and I feel like I am in a good spot to achieve my usual lofty goals. My body now feels about as good as it ever has and I finally feel ready, 3 years after my last competitive marathon, to not let the distance get the better of me again.
I’m excited to let you have a closer look inside my training as we get closer to the big day!”
Do Good,
Young Rory & Young Austin
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