Global Run Challenge Profile: Running does not define Michael T Anderson but it is an integral part of his daily life

RUN THE WORLD: Michael T Anderson started running as a sophomore in college after he quit the baseball team, had put on weight and realized he needed to get back in shape.  "There was a race in November called the Turkey Trot which I wanted to run," he says.  "I trained all summer, losing about 30 pounds in six months."  Michael ended up coming in 8th overall and shocked everyone. "I was totally hooked. A year later in 1978 I ran my first marathon in 2:50 at the New York City Marathon at age 20.  That began a life long love with this sport that has never stopped," he says.   Running is an integral part of his daily life.  "I love running and it is part of my daily life. It doesn't define me, but has provided motivation, focus, competitiveness, dedication and spirit to my life."  He has logged in almost 130,000 miles since he started back in 1977.  He has run 53 marathons and two ultra-marathons.  "My PR is 2:25:02 at the New York City Marathon in 1981."  He has won four marathons and was part of a masters relay team that won the overall masters title at the Hood To Coast Relay (10th overall).  I asked him about being part of this challenge.  "I think this is an amazing endeavor! To show that this can be done with a little organization, determination and passion by so many people who are involved in this sport/activity is beyond description."  Michael (60) has lived in Atlanta GA since 1982.  "I have been married for 31 years to an ex-marathoner, Molly who has a PR of 3:15 and now is an endurance swimmer due to knee problems."  They have two children.  Most recently Michael ran the Peachtree 10K on July 4th logging these miles for Run The World.    

posted Thursday July 5th
by Bob Anderson