|
Ruth Jassmann Larson, 62
Physical Education Teacher
I've been running for 60 years.
I started running because walking is too slow.
If I could no longer run, I would have to learn to walk faster.
My favorite run is hands down, the trails at Rock Cut. I'm primarily drawn to the peace and quiet and the beauty and serenity of the park. I love the feeling of dirt instead of pavement under my feet and I love the downhills! (I have a love/hate relationship with uphills.)
I like to run with anyone I can keep up with.
Something most people don't know about me is when I was 3 years old my nickname was Chubby. Also, I'm a two-time cancer survivor. I know that many people have suffered much worse with cancer and other illnesses. Family, friends, my students (it's impossible to feel sorry for oneself when a 5-year-old has come to you for her first hug of the day.) Softball, volleyball and, yes, running got me through cancer. There were times when I just told my husband, "I've got to go run." And I would run and run around the track at East H.S. |
After a COYOTE morning run I enjoy having some of Jim's "chocolate coffee" and Joyce's baked goods. After an evening run -macaroni and cheese, good bread and a glass of merlot.
When I'm not running I enjoy going out for breakfast, playing volleyball, softball, reading, photography, scrapbooking, gardening, and being with my children and grandchildren.
I am inspired by strong (physically and emotionally) women.
I'm continually learning that I can do more than I ever thought possible. I completed the 15 mile Hobo Run! Over a year before that, I never ran more than 2 miles at a time. 8 years ago, I earned my master's degree, finishing it during the semester that I was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. It would have been almost impossible to do that if I couldn't have continued to run and play sports.
The local runners I most admire are Connie Marsh, Tonya Thayer and Joan Gillette.They are all three strong, compassionate women.
- When I first met Connie, she had a huge brace on her leg; amazingly, a short time after that (it seemed to me anyway), she was running --and running well! Now she's going to Boston!
- Tonya works so hard on Tuesdays at Road Crew to make sure that we all have successful runs and that we are safe doing it. And she works harder at her running than anyone.
- Joan not only works to improve her running, but she is the ultimate fan and supporter of all who run; she cheers each on from the first across the finish line to the last person to come in.
|
 |
To push myself on a run, I run hard to the next tree/rock/mile marker, etc; then when I reach that, choose another landscape goal and go for it. My greatest running accomplishment is the 2008 Hobo Run. Before that the longest race I had done was a 5K. I had run 9 miles once before on a Saturday morning, but never in a race. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't feel difficult until about 12 miles.
My next goal is finishing the 2009 Trail Series, and then running the Literacy Half Marathon.
My advice to other runners is to accept yourself where you are now, while continuing to work to become stronger and faster.
I plan to run until the pain overcomes the euphoria. ��
Interviews by Carol Bingley
If you'd like to recommend someone to be our next "I'm a Road Runner", send an email to carol@b2design.com |
|
|
|
