Sam Whiting
Why: I’ve been running since I was 17 and at 54 I’m running longer and faster than I ever have.
Greatest accomplishment: A year ago, I decided to run the Paris Marathon and wanted to break out of the slow part of my running career. So I hooked up with Kees Tuinzing, who coaches the Tamalpa Runners. He and his amazing group of athletes helped me shave an hour and a half off my marathon time.
Gear you can’t live without: New Balance 1010 running shoes. The key to the perfect shoe: someone who knows how to fit you. My coach, who manages Arch Rival in Greenbrae, and his staff are the best.
Where you train: Marin County, which is why I am moving there. It is running mecca!
Time you get up in the morning: 5 a.m.
Best time to train: Morning, without a doubt. It is a great way to start the day and then it is finished and not niggling at the back of your mind all day.
Most annoying thing people assume about athletes in your sport: That women “of a certain age” can’t reach for and grasp the stars.
Advice you’d give a rookie: At my age, you have a choice: Either get in the rocker or ride the rocket. It’s all about identifying what you will do and then making the commitment (rain or shine), even if it is walking five minutes out your front door and back. The next day, make it six minutes, and so on.
Know someone hooked on a sport? E-mail swhiting@sfchronicle.com.
This article appeared on page E – 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle
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