Subscriber of the Month:
Eric VanOsdol
Can you imagine running six marathons in six days on a 208-meter indoor track? (Me, neither) But Eric VanOsdol, long-time subscriber and friend of M&B
, can imagine it because he did it, AND he's signed up to do it again this year! We recently talked with Eric about how he got started running and what it takes to run six consecutive marathons on a track.
M&B: First of all, who is Eric VanOsdol?
I'm a 43-year-old vegan, introvert runner originally from Indiana now residing in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with my wife and cats/dogs. I picked up running because I gained a lot of weight after I quit smoking. I'm a member of the River City Running Club and and also the editor of the club's newsletter. When not running solo, I run with the local ultra runners or my blind English Shepherd pup, Fred.
M&B: You know the exact date that you started running. What is significant about that day?
August 22, 2010. I joined the Y and went to the exercise room. The treadmills were the only thing free, so I got on one. Who knows, if the weight machines were open, I might be a muscle man. I ended up running a total of 2.5 miles over 3 runs that day.
M&B: What made you decide to run a marathon?
I ran my first 5K in October 2010. When I crossed that finish line, I felt like my heart was beating out of my chest, and I could not get enough air. But I was hooked on racing, and I knew I had to run a marathon. I ended up running it sooner than I had planned. In the spring of 2010, I signed up for a 10K that had only 8 runners. I finished in 6th place, the 3rd male. I won a free entry into any race distance in the fall. My friends encouraged me to sign up for the marathon.
M&B: But you didn't stop with marathons ... you've run ultramarathons, too. Tell us about that.
I like to say that I got in with a bad crowd. "It's just a marathon with a 5-mile cool-down," they said. I read somewhere that they give out belt buckles, and I wanted one. My first ultra was in 2011, the Incline to Nodine, a fat-ass road 50K put on by some members of my running club starting just across the river from La Crosse. I didn't decide to run it until about 3 hours before the start. Not sleeping the night before the race, I woke up at 3 AM and asked myself "What happens if I don't finish?" The answer was "Nothing." My wife wouldn't leave me. I wouldn't get fired from my job. So, I went back to sleep, slept well for a couple of hours, and then ran my first ultramarathon.
Although not technically an ultra, the Maple Leaf Indoor 6-pack (6 marathons in 6 days), has been my most epic experience so far. I don't really remember why I thought it was a good idea - I think it was because it was close to my mother's house and that the price was right. Whatever is the opposite of "a moment of clarity" - that's why I signed up. As for signing up again... I like the challenge.
I treated each of those races just as a single stage race. I read up on some race reports and tips for stage races and used some of their suggestions. I'll tell you one thing: Never before had I eaten so much in one week!
M&B: You've been running since 2010 and you've done 23 races of marathon or "beyond" distance. What is your training like?
Most of the time I don't really train. I run. Streets, trails, treadmill, and hills. I like to get in at least 35 miles a week and usually max out around 60. I try and throw in a long run every now and then. I love running 2-a-days, and I also like doing back to back long runs, but they don't happen that often. Eventually, I want to run a BQ and will have to train, but I'm not ready for that yet. I want to continue just enjoying putting one foot in front of the other.
M&B: You've gone from a non-running smoker to a marathoner/ultramarathoner. What advice can you give to people who say, "I could never run a marathon"? And, what can you tell us about how to stay motivated?
I used to be a person who could never run a marathon. I realized that I had to quit smoking when I walked up a single flight of stairs and had to stop to catch my breath. I worked hard to become a person who could run a marathon.
My advice is to set smaller goals first. Try walking a 5K, run one, then a 10K. Build up and see where it takes you.
Motivation. I usually lose motivation for about 2 weeks after a race. I think it's just my body telling me it needs a rest. I listen. I'll drop mileage down a lot and just run a few easy miles.
But if I'm just in a rut, then I make up running games for myself - like trying to run down every street in town, mapping all the drinking fountains, running with my camera, or finding geocaches. But the best motivation for me is to be signed up for a race. I like to always have a race on the horizon.
M&B: Do you have any parting "words to live by"?
Relax and enjoy what you do. Seek out rewarding experiences because that's where the memories are made.
