In the weeks leading up to the EWEB Run to Stay Warm, the Turkey Stuffer 5K and the Holiday Half and Hustle, we’ll be introducing you to some of our Team Run Hub athletes who will talk about their goals and how their training has gone. Today, meet 28-year-old journalist and content creator, Ben Schorzman.
Why did you start running? How long have you been doing it?
I started running in high school when I joined the cross-country team as a sophomore. It started as a way to get in shape for basketball season but it’s turned into something I’ve been doing on and off for 13 years now.
How old are you? And what do you do for work (or your favorite non running hobby if you’d prefer)?
I’m 28. I’m a journalist, former Register-Guard sports reporter and current content coordinator for the City of Eugene’s Recreation and Cultural Services departments. Basically I write, take photos and make videos.
Why did you sign up for the Team Run Hub Training Program?
I needed some motivation. It’s been a struggle since I graduated from college in 2010 to consistently run and I’ve only managed it for short periods of times. Having a team to support me and hold me accountable has been great.
What race are you training for? And what are your goals for race day?
I’m training for the EWEB Run to Stay Warm and the Eugene Holiday Half & Hustle, 10K distances in both. My goal for the Run to Stay Warm is to break 50 minutes (8:00 pace). As for the holiday race, if I don’t break 50 at EWEB, I’ll double down to do it in December!
What stands out as your favorite part of training with a group or following a training program?
The social nature of it. Since my time on a cross-country team, running has been a very solitary thing for me. Unlike playing pickup games of basketball (my other favorite hobby), running was lonely. It was easy for me to not go as hard or skip a day. This has held me accountable.
What have you struggled with this training season?
Balancing my work/personal life with getting a run in. I’ve missed a few days because of work or wanting to hang out with friends and just not building in time to run.
Tell us about your favorite or most memorable workout/long run during this training cycle.
Hill repeats on Skinner Butte at sunset! Finishing on top with a great view of the city in the early fall was great.
Nice work and good luck, Ben! Skinner Butte repeats seem to be a common favorite (Sarah’s too). Run Hub’s next coached training program will start in early 2017 in preparation for the Eugene Marathon (half and full).
