Pat Shaw, 49
CPA

I've been running for...

Over 30 years. 

I run about 40 miles most weeks unless I am preparing for a marathon. Then my weekly mileage ranges between 50 and 70 miles a week.

I started running because...

I was told that if you were not a good athlete you should run and that if you were not a good runner you should run long - thus I run marathons. 

My oldest brother is an ultra-marathoner.  I would  "crew" for him at various races when I was in high school and college; and, consequently, became hooked on running at an early age.

If I could no longer run I...

Would scuba dive more.  I like scuba diving almost as much as I like running. 

My favorite run is...

On the island Maui.  Early in the morning just before the sun rises over the mountains, I love to run along a trail that meanders along the southwest coastline of the island.  It's early enough in the morning that nobody else is around, yet light enough that the silhouette of the ocean is visible.  The breeze is warm but gentle and the sound of waves crashing on the shoreline is mesmerizing.  From my resort, I run about 4 1/2 miles south to a point where a pile of volcanic rocks extends into the water.  I love to sit on one of the flat rocks and watch the sun rise over the mountain and contemplate life.  I often times will spend an hour there before running back.

I like to run with...

People who laugh and tell jokes. 

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

Hit the steam room or Jacuzzi - especially after a cold morning run - followed by breakfast with friends.

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

Did I mention diving?.  Additionally, coaching. I coached soccer when my kids were younger - now I officiate some of their games. I enjoy participating in, and/or watching any of my children's activities.

I am inspired by...

People who overcome adversity.  I always root for the underdog.

An obstacle or challenge I’ve overcome with my running is...

Accepting the inevitable physical limitations of aging.  Even though I run slower and have more aches and pains than I used to, I still get a great sense of satisfaction from running.

No matter how bad a day I may be having, after I run I experience a rush of energy and a sense of calmness.  Things that may have been troubling before the run don't seem as worrisome to me after the run; running keeps life in perspective.

Most week days I run during my lunchtime.  Running at this time of the day provides a great break and opportunity to recharge myself for the rest of the work day. 

The local runner I most admire is... 

There are too many to list here.  It would suffice to say that Rockford is blessed with an abundance of talented, fun-loving runners. 

To push myself on a run I...

Run with people who are faster than me - which includes most people.

My greatest running accomplishment is...

My next race.  I've always believed in looking forward rather than backwards.

My next goal is...

To run the Boston Marathon in April.  I'm excited - there's a large and very talented group of Rockford people running Boston this year. 

My advice to other runners is...

Work hard, play hard, and enjoy the journey!  The goal you set must be challenging. At the same time, it should be realistic and attainable, not impossible to reach. It should be challenging enough to make you stretch, but not so far that you break.

I plan to run until...

 May 23, 2027 at 4:10 pm or until men in white coats take me away and put me in a home.