Leading up to the Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon, we are featuring a few of our Team Run Hub athletes who have been training with the group since the end of January. If you’re interested in joining a future Team Run Hub training group, click here. Our next training program starts in August for the EWEB Run to Stay Warm. Registration will open in July.
Meet John Bowden, long time runner who is excited not to be working at the Eugene Marathon this year
1) Why did you start running? And how long have you been doing it?
I ran track in high school because the coaches noticed me. I won a short distance all-school competition and was (briefly) a running back in football. My main event was the 440 (back when yards were the measure, not meters) 220 and 100. My 440 best was 53.2, not particularly good with the state champion at around 49. And my claim to fame is that Ian Dobson went to my high school in Klamath Falls.
I began running after college with my Dad. He needed to lose weight because he was overweight and had high blood pressure. So we decided to run the Crater Lake Marathon. It was brutal…94 degrees the day we ran it. It was during the “running boom.” Lots of exciting races and runners – Alberto Salazar, the first women’s Olympic Marathon, Joan Benoit, Grete Waitz, etc.
Can you spot John?
2) Why did you join Team Run Hub?
To make new friends and stay motivated
3) Which race are you training for? And what’s your goal for race day (could include time, feel, effort, experience, etc.)?
The Eugene Half. I’ve been part of the Eugene Marathon since it started. My goals are just to run with a friend and enjoy not working the finish line that morning. 🙂
4) What motivates you to run?
Mental and physical health, competition and being outdoors, especially on trails
5) What stands out as your favorite aspect of the training program so far?
Kimber’s strength workouts and Kristen Tucker’s foam rolling classes. I ran for years without these and now wish I’d started earlier!
6) What is your favorite during run fuel? Post run recovery meal?
Clif-Shot Mocha gel. Salmon. Maybe with salad. Always with a beer. The best post race refreshment award: Circle the Bay (Coos Bay) Hot chicken soup & beer.
7) Do you have a running mantra you repeat in your head when things get tough?
Yeah, but it’s not for just when things are tough…It’s LGG…Love, Gratitude & Grit. I also check in with posture and remind myself to breathe (sometimes).
8) What is your biggest running mistake that you have made and would caution others to avoid?
My biggest mistake is definitely going out too fast in a marathon.
9) What is another activity you enjoy when not running?
Whitewater rafting. I’ve floated many rivers including the Colorado through the Grand Canyon, Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho, the Klamath, Thompson in Canada.
10) Do you have a most memorable run or workout? Or favorite place to run? If so, tell us about it.
My most memorable run/race was the last 10K of the old NIKE/OTC Marathon in Eugene doing 6:46 miles around 1982/83. [For reference, the OTC/Nike Marathon was put on annually in Eugene from 1973-1984. More info can be found here.] Favorite Marathons: Crater Lake Rim Run and New York City. Favorite training run location: Deschutes River Trail near Benham Falls
