Please allow me to introduce you to a man who really devotes himself to his sport!

GERWC member Al Langen’s first race was the 1995 Thanksgiving Day Run.  He’d done some walking, so he decided to participate, not even sure how long 5K really was.  As for motivation?  “Shortly into my walk, I discovered the last two ladies, pushing their strollers, were about to pass me.”  That’s all the inspiration he needed.  He subsequently participated in the Jingle Bell Run that year, won a 4th place trophy, and was hooked!

Al progressed from walking to running at the 2001 Race for the Cure.  He received a 1st place award at that event, and has been a self-described “plodder” ever since!  (Wouldn’t John “The Penguin” Bingham be proud?)

Also motivating Al to the finish line is Chris, his 15 year-old grandson.  Chris participates with his grandpa when he isn’t busy with soccer, and always meets Al at the finish with words of encouragement and a cup of water.

Al’s weekly workouts include both walking and running around the Central High School area, plus workouts at Elite Fitness Center.  This combined with occasional hiking and backpacking keep him race-ready.

Favorite races include the YMCA Series Cup, the Laufenfest, and (gasp!) the Monte Cassino Hill Climb at St. Meinrad.  He appreciates this last one for its challenging course and scenic beauty.  He has also added the Toyota Spring Day 8K to his list of races not to miss.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Al has many goals for this year.  Last year he participated in 18 races; this year he plans to finish 20.  At the recent Energy Run Classic, Al met one of his goals for the year—he finished with an average 9:19 pace per mile, surpassing his goal of a 9:30 per mile pace!  He’d also like to vary the length of the races he runs.  He’s done well this year so far—the Spring Day 8K, the Indianapolis Mini Marathon, and the River Run 12K.  His times are ever-improving; he bettered his Indy Mini Marathon time over 2000 by 22:30!

Al’s advice to walkers and runners sums it up best: “My advice to any of you plodders who are getting into running/racewalking is DO IT—it is self-rewarding.  Besides the physical fitness, you meet so many wonderful people, from elite runners/walkers to pluggers trying their best.  Also, once you start, always keep this in your plan: stay ahead of the ladies pushing their strollers!”