"on a shoestring"

Before we end this Octoberfest, let me present to you a friend of mine from the other side of the running world who loves to SanMig as his post-race drink (who doesn’t?). He is one of the few readers/follower of my blog when I was just starting out and his comments served as a timely encouragement as I write. Thanks Sir, your the Man this October!

O'neal Jones- The "Shaq" of Running World?

Runner’s Profile #4: Kenley Oneal Jones

Website:  Essence of Running

Hometown: Havelock, North Carolina, USA

Age: 35

Training Ground: Spring Meadows Park in Boiling Springs, PA

Years of Running: Past two years seriously, Before that: off and on for 5 years.

Favorite Runner: Martin Yelling from MarathonTalk

Favorite Race: Harrisburg Half Marathon: Nice weather, Flat course, well organized

Half-marathon PR:2:13.40

Marathon PR: To be determined on Nov. 14th, 2010

Best 5K Time: 29:32

Fave running shoes: Asics Gel Kayano

Running gears: Whatever is Comfortable

Unforgettable Moment in Running: Finishing Harrisburg Half Marathon with wife at finish for support.  I can never forget her excitement and how she was proud of me. Also just going out for an easy run with my wife in the neighborhood.  Having a running partner is great!

Reasons for running: Overall Health, To challenge myself, It’s fun!

Fave Running Quote: Pain is Temporary, while Achievement Lasts Forever!

Worst injury: No injuries as of yet (knock on wood)

Post-race food: Chocolate Milk or a San Miguel Beer

Kenley also adds,

I started running in high school my freshman year, and after that I had a long hiatus of running.  I took back running 7 years ago, because I knew I had to do something with this body that was looking rather feeble from the amount of sitting around.  When I started back, I did the Couch to 30 minute running schedule.  I remember when I ran my first 2 miles and I just thought that was something else.  Now I am attempting my first Marathon Nov. 14th, and have since lost about 25 kg.  I feel better and I love it.  I would like to mention that none of this would be possible with out God and my very loving and supportive wife.  She really motivates me and is there for me all the time.

Here’s some additional info I learned from him during the interview:

James: If there is one tip that you want to share to newbie runners what will it be?

Kenley's 1st HM nearing the finish line

Kenley: Start out slow, Rome was not built in a day.  If you have never ran before, do not hesitate to walk, because you are still getting some where.  Remember, running is about getting from location A to B.  Don’t go out smashing your body to bits thinking about time all the time, or else you will fall out of love with running.  You must enjoy it.  Join a running club if there is one near by.  Join a race here and there to gauge your performance.  Listen to your Body.  You will not have peak performance all the time.  Finally, Running is about you, not the next guy or gal out there.

James: What do you do when you are not running?

Kenley: Spend time with my wife hiking, going to church, involved with church choir, blogging, and just enjoying life to it’s fullest.

James: How sweet is that, some hiking with the wifey huh. How about crosstraining?

Kenley: I do not do any cross training really that much.  If I do, I will go out for a hike or ride bike.  I do a bit of strength training as well.  Mostly my cross training involves a lot of typing and keeping in touch with my running mates near and abroad mostly in the Philippines.

James: For a moment, let say that you could solely train for 6 months, with unlimited support and training, what could you do a single mile in?
Kenley: 5:59

James: Wow, that’f fast! But I’ll try to beat you man! hahaha How about any long term running goals?

Kenley: Yes, to develop a running camp, running club in the Philippines when my wife and I move there to enhance the sport of running.  I also plan to be involved with ultra marathons here and there, and to develop speed.  I would like to be able to bust out a sub 5 minute mile.  Half Marathon goal: sub 1:30.  Marathon Goal: sub 3:00.  In so doing, I would like to qualify for Boston as well.

James: This is exciting man! I would be very glad to be of help with this. And you also mentioned the Boston, hmmm… that would on my list too. So, we will train harder for that 3:00 Marathon goal.

Thanks a lot Sir Kenley for the very informative interview. I have learned a lot from you and your goals. Btw, I really like the topics on your blog, crazy, hilarious and witty! I hope you can visit it too: ESSENCE OF RUNNING

Hope to run/train with you soon when you get here in the Philippines.