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RUNOHIO
MID-JANUARY/MID-MARCH 2018
2017 RUNOHIO Grand Prix Winners and Interviews The 2017 RUNOHIO Grand Prix was a series of races chosen by runners and the staff of RUNOHIO to be part of a statewide grand prix. Criteria used in determining the RUNOHIO Grand Prix races were: 1) Runners ranking from RUNOHIO, 2) Race Organization, 3) Quality of the race field, 4) Size of the race, 5) Geographical location, 6) Date of the race, 7) Distance of the race. RUNOHIO also tired to have only one race on a given weekend and not pick holiday races. Up to seven races for individual scoring.
push my body to see what its capable of as well as inspiring others.” What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix and what grand prix races were your favorite races last year and why? “As a post collegiate runner it’s a good way to stay motivated to achieve a goal. My favorite race this past year was the Capitol City Half Marathon, not only was it host to the USATF Half Marathon National Championships, but the atmosphere is always exciting.”
Early races on the 2018 RUNOHIO Grand Prix include: March 4th – Columbus Arnold 5K/Arnold 5K Pump and Run, March 10th – Cleveland St. Malachi Church 5 Miler, and March 18th – Cincinnati Heart Mini Marathon 15km.
MEN OPEN EVAN SCHWARTZ Evan Schwartz, 24, lives in Columbus and is the manager of the Short North Columbus Running Company When and how did you first start running? “The first race I ran was a 1 mile fun run for kids before the Columbus Marathon in 2000. I finished third and loved being able to actually cross a finish line competing against other people. From then on I ran a handful of road 5ks until I joined the track team in middle school. I continued to run in high school then in college at Ohio State. I was cut from the OSU roster after my second year for not being fast enough. I was motivated after that to get better and I joined the Columbus Running Company team in 2013 and have been loving running Ohio road races since.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I like to run quite a bit of volume/weekly mileage since I’ve found that works well for me. This year I’ve averaged 120 miles per week with a high of 150 when focusing on marathon training. Typically I’ll do a bit longer easy run or workout before going to work then do another 30-45 minute run after work. I’ve found running
by Matt McGowan
Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Consistency over time!”
MEN MASTERS DUSTIN SPRAGUE Evan Schwartz
Eli Gerlach
twice per day helps reinforce the concept of a routine and helps with overall consistency. My favorite workout is a long steady tempo run in the middle of a long run.”
ing. Being able to set a routine and enjoy getting out the door as much as is convenient for you should be the biggest priority. Other than that, knowing that one run does not make or break you, but the cumulative efforts over time make you reach your goals!”
What do you like about running and racing? “I really enjoy the culture of distance running and racing. The types of people you meet on the starting line are some of the best people out there that all share the same passion for training to become better versions of themselves and express it by racing.” What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix and what Grand Prix races were your favorite races last year and why? “The concept of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix is fantastic. Being able to see familiar faces and multiple races makes for a less stressful race day and reinforces the community that distance runners belong to. My favorite few races in the series would have to be the Columbus 10K because it is a local race, JohnnyCake Jog 5 mile because it’s in a different part of the state, and the Jeff McGowan Memorial 5K because it supports a great cause.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “My advice would be to focus on being consistent with train-
ELI GERLACH Eli Gerlach, 28 lives in Portsmouth where he is a Safety and Health Engineer When and how did you first start running? “I first started to run in 5th grade, I noticed during football practice I was able to run more than my classmates without getting tired. But I actually didn’t run cross country until my sophomore year of high school.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I’m currently coming off of marathon training, and would like to keep a similar focus into the spring for my half marathon and 10km racing with the focus on the long run workout. I average about 80 mile per week which is comprised of a long run workout, tempos, minute runs and easy runs.” What do you like about running and racing? “ I like to
Dustin Sprague, 42,livrs in Kettering where he is a Public Service worker for the City of Kettering. When and how did you first start running? “I started running in the eighth grade on the track team. I was a new to the sport and really spent the season finding my event. I decided being a hurdler was what I wanted to compete in. In High School (Lima Shawnee HS) I competed in the 11 meter high hurdles, 300m hurdles, 1600 relay and my senior year I also competed in the 3200 relay. I excelled at the hurdle events setting the school record in 300 hurdles at 39.1 and it still holds. I did not run in college and spent the years after high school just running to stay fit, but not competing. It was when I was 37 years old my wife, Shannon, convinced me to run a 5km a year after meniscus surgery. That kind of lit the fire.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “Anyone who follows me on Strava would probably agree, there’s no rhyme or reason around my training cycle. My training method is very simple. High mileage weeks, week after week for 52 weeks a year. I’ll finish 2017 with around 4,300 miles running and have logged 4 consecutive 4,000 plus mile years. I do mix different types
Dustin Sprague of runs and track work into that mileage and how I decide what I am going to run really depends on how I feel when I walk out the door. It’s not complex. It really is about challenging myself every mile of every run on every day. Some days are easy recovery runs, some are fast tempo runs and other days might be long endurance or progression runs. I think the key is to listen to your body, it will tell you what you need.” What do you like about running and racing? “Running and racing really go together for me. I don’t think I would enjoy running at this level if I weren’t competing. I may be one of the most competitive runners out there. I really don’t like to lose and I definitely take bad racing performances too hard. The way I see it is I’m 42 years old and I don’t have a lot of upside. So every race matters and you will rarely ever see me give any less than 100%. That’s very evident if you have ever seen one of my finish line photo’s. There is nothing better, though, than when I have a great race and that is what I love! When you realize the culmination of all the hard work, dedication, sacrifice and preparation. That’s the stuff you will never forget, it stays with you forever and fuels future success.” What do you think of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix and what Grand Prix races were