Those of you who drive on Shallowford Road, Sandy Plains Road, or Highway 92 in the morning may see a lone runner with a red Camelback and a black visor. This runner is 59 year old, East Cobb resident, Robert Gray. Although he trains alone, Robert is part of Team Lung Love and is preparing with his teammates from around the country to tackle the Marine Corps Marathon. The race will take place in Washington, D.C. on October 27. Team Lung Love is raising money for the Lung Cancer Alliance, to help find a cure for lung cancer. We asked Robert about his training and his reasons for doing something he once thought was impossible for him.
Q – Why are you running in the Marine Corps Marathon?
A – After completing 2 half marathons, I felt like I could tackle a full marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon is an outstanding race for novices and the sights around the DC area are fabulous.
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Q – Why are you running with Team Lung Love?
A – Team Lung Love is a team that is involved in many races to raise money for the Lung Cancer Alliance. My wife and I have lost several family members to lung cancer. Last year, my wife was diagnosed with lung cancer and had to have a lobe of her lung removed. She is one of so many non-smokers being diagnosed with the disease. I am running with Team Lung Love to help eradicate this disease.
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Q – How can people make donations to help raise money to fight lung cancer?
A – Go to http://bit.ly/1aRsh46 , click on Give Now, and follow the instructions. All donations are sincerely appreciated.
Q - Have you always been a runner?
A – Absolutely not. In junior high school, I couldn’t run 600 yards without walking. I hated running.
Q – So when did you decide to become a runner?
A – I did the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk a couple of times and I also lost a lot of weight. I would often go to the Georgia Tech track during my lunch hour and walk. One day, I just decided to try to run one lap and I couldn’t do it. I decided to keep trying each day until I finally did it. Then I tried to add a little more each day. Eventually, I was able to run a mile so I started training for a 5K. That led to a couple of 10Ks, then a couple of half marathons, and now I am training for a full marathon.
Q – How are you preparing for the marathon?
A – I am following the Hal Higdon novice program. This is an 18-week program with 4 runs each week. I run on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The longest training run is 20 miles.
Q – What useful advice have you learned from other runners?
A – The team at Big Peach Running Company on Johnson Ferry Road have been great. I took a running class there and I learned a lot about Good Form Running and how to improve my form. Using proper running technique has allowed me to increase my distance without having to walk. Their advice about shoes and nutrition on runs has been invaluable. I also learned to listen to my body and not to be stupid, as I was during my 16 mile run when I got dehydrated and ended up in the emergency room.
Q - How do you think you will feel when you cross the finish line?
A - My knees will be screaming at me, my ankles will ache, but I won't even notice the pain. What I am going through pales in comparison to what lung cancer patients and their families must endure. This run is not about me, it is about them. I will be so happy and grateful to have made a difference in some small way.