Name:

Michael Herron

Town:

Hanover, NH

Where are you from originally and what brought you to this area?

A suburb of Chicago.  What brought me to the area was a job at Dartmouth.

What do you do professionally?

Teach at Dartmouth.

How long have you been running?

I started running a bit in college because I had to be in shape for Air Force ROTC.  I think the first race I did was The Great Race, which is a 10K.   This race is still running, but the online results do not appear to go back to the late 80s.

How long have you been running competitively?

That’s a bit hard to say as I have had plenty of years off between the 1980s and now.   

Why do you run?

Because it’s fun.  I like the purity of running, meaning that almost no equipment is required.

Best athletic accomplishment and why?

I have finished three ironman triathlons.  My run times in these races were pretty slow but I was happy to finish.

If you like to race, favorite race distance? Why?

Something between 5k and 10k probably.  

If you like to race, notable race moment? OR most memorable race?

I like racing and do it as often as possible.  Having a clock at the end is good motivation.   A memorable race for me last year was the Manchester Half Marathon.  I had not run anything close to 13 miles prior and was happy to finish under two hours.

Training partners?

People who show up for the Saturday morning UVRC runs.

Cross training activities?

Cycling.

Favorite local running route?

I like running up Balch Hill in the winter.  My favorite route is around four miles with around 900 feet of elevation gain.  Spikes are necessary for this route.  Depending on conditions, it takes me anywhere from 45 to 55 minutes.

Favorite post run treat?

Whatever looks good at Lucky’s.

What made you start running?

Just to get in shape.

Who is your running “idol”?

Not sure that I have one.  But I would say that anyone running in their 70s is an inspiration.

Are your reasons for running now the same or different than the reason you first started?

Not really.

Why did you join UVRC?

I cannot recall but I’m glad I did!

Ever run in a costume?

Only if one counts a Bears football jersey as a costume.  :-) 

The only running shoe for me is ___.

one that fits

Ever been injured? How did it happen?

Like most runners, I have had various injuries.  I am healthy now but in the past have twisted various joints.

Hot or cold weather runner?

Definitely prefer cold.

Morning or evening runner?

Morning. But that does always mean that I manage to pull this off.

What is your motivation?

Just to stay in shape and enjoy being outside.

How did you become interested in running?

I started because I needed to get in shape, and running seemed like a good idea.  I decided to try a marathon because I was in college in Pittsburgh when the Women’s Olympic Marathon Trial was the Pittsburgh Marathon.

What is your favorite race?

The next one.

How about favorite work out?

I alternate between cycling and running and swam a fair bit pre-pandemic.

What is your diet like?

Vegetarian.

Aside from running, what are your hobbies?

I like building things.

What are your priorities in running?

My priorities are to keep running and stay healthy.