Brian Fruechtenicht, 42
Software Engineer

I've been running for...

10 years.

I started running because...

I had lower back problems playing basketball.  After two months of physical therapy I was looking for something else to do that would help me improve my general fitness.  I happened upon a marathon training program brochuer.  I signed up even though I didn't have the mileage base they recommended.  I started out with a 9:00/mile group and soon advanced to the 8:00/mile group, and finished my first marathon that fall in 3:42.

I typically run 20-30 miles a week, or more if I'm training for a marathon.  My body doesn't handle high mileage well, so I supplement my running with biking, walking, and swimming.

If I could no longer run...

I would walk or bike or swim or whatever.  I find it doesn't matter much what I'm doing, as long as I'm able to be active.

My favorite place to run is...

On trails, and my favorite events are trail races.

I like to run with...

Pretty much everybody.  Coaching the half marathon training program this year was a lot of fun.  I'm an introvert by nature but I made an effort this year to run with several different partners in the program.  Now, I continue to run with some of that group.  I like having everyone post their runs on the website.  Then if I feel like running faster or slower, or if my schedule prevents running at my normal time, I can always find a group to join.

The strangest place I've ever run is...

Through waist deep water and ice in December at the Cross Country Challenge.  Unfortunately you never know if the course will be wet, but when it is this event is a lot of fun.

My favorite thing to do after a hard run is...

Relax with friends.

When I'm not running I like to...

Go backpacking, hiking, birdwatching, or just about anything outdoors.

My favorite running gadget is...

Nothing.  That's one thing I like about running, all you need is shoes and shorts.  Don't buy me a GPS for Christmas, it won't get used.

I am inspired by...

Two things come to mind.  One is seeing runners in their 60s, 70s, or even 80s.  That's a big part of my motivation.  I don't care if I live longer than the next guy, but I want to have good quality of life throughout my years.  The other is seeing children run.  They move with natural grace and they have fun doing it.  Danny Dreyer mentions in his ChiRunning book that you should watch children run to help understand proper form.

The local runner I most admire is...

Marilyn Goepfert.  After surviving the 10K trail run at Rock Cut last winter (wind chills below zero and a nice layer of ice on the course) I was astounded to see Marilyn's name in the results.  And I heard she finished the race with a smile.  I also appreciate the efforts she and the other RRR officers put into supporting the club.

To push myself on a run I...

Just relax and have fun.

My greatest running accomplishment is...

Anytime I can motivate someone to start running or improve their running.  Over the years a couple of my friends have made running an important part of their lives.  I'd like to think I had something to do with that.

My next goal is...

The Hobo run.  I think ultrarunning fits well with my philosophy.  I just don't know if my body will be able to adapt to the challenge.

My advice to other runners is...

Enjoy yourself.  Don't get hung up on training schedules, beating the next person, or analyzing your splits to the hundredth of a second.  You can use those things as motivators if necessary, but don't let them add stress to what should be an enjoyable activity.