Photos: Michael Wardian on left in both start photos, wearing a black new balance Pacers jersey; red & blue leggings in the winter Jingle Bell 10K Photos by Kathy Freedman, Jingle Bell 10K start (left) and Saint Patrick's Day 10K start (right)

"Let us, then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things."
- from the Inaugural Address of President Thomas Jefferson, 1801, in The Patriot's Handbook, selections by Caroline Kennedy

Michael Wardian returned from Cape Cod in August with a satisfying result, "finally"; he placed 32nd in the highly competitive Falmouth 7.1 Miler with a time of 35:57. Wow, Eddy Hellebuyck has a tremendous kick, he related; Wardian approached the finish with the American masters runner and witnessed a final burst of speed that brought 1996 Olympian Hellebuyck to the line nine seconds before Wardian crossed. In an e-mail with photographs from the race taken by his girl friend, he added that he was one of the few athletes to walk unaided after the race, which was held in humid summer conditions. This year, he has raced several times in events with top notch competition and performed well: the US National Cross Country Championships (57th of 70 in the Men's 12K with a time of 45:52) in Houston on February 16, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (25th, 52:00, compared to 54:33 in 2001) in April, the New Haven 20K in Connecticut, and the Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon (a personal best of 1:06:30, compared to 1:10:45 in 2002) in September.

The Washington area running scene has a variety of talent with many athletes working full-time and training within busy schedules. It is a privilege to talk to top local road racers who derive happiness from harvesting quick race results from hours on the roads, trails, and track. Running provides essential balance to sedentary output on the job; shared anecdotes of joy, injury, and adventure while practicing the sport provide a sense of connection with other enthusiasts. Michael Wardian, a 29-year-old graduate of Oakton High School in Virginia, engages easily in conversation. He played varsity lacrosse, endured long bus rides with the Spartan team to games out 'East,' and lived in a fraternity at Michigan State University. After college, he returned to the Washington area and thought about trying a marathon--lacrosse and soccer players run to stay in shape; often they drift into running for fun. Wardian completed the 1996 Marine Corps Marathon in 3:06:54 at age 22, placing near Malcolm Lester's 3:06:46. This qualified him to run the Boston Marathon, where he enjoyed the event and finished in about 2:54.

Michael Wardian has a low key attitude that explains why he didn't get bent out of shape when Pacers turned down his request to join their racing team. Like the famous Michael (Jordan), he worked hard to improve his ability and did track workouts with the team. His vindication came in the 1998 WaWa Hartwood Ten Miler, where he finished sixth, ahead of the Pacers, with a time of 57:31. They had to let him join the team. That autumn, he tested his body with a grueling schedule of races: he ran the Chicago Marathon (2:40:29), Marine Corps Marathon, New York City Marathon (2:45:44), and JFK 50 Miler (7:54:19). Wardian has a college degree in international relations and a wanderlust sensibility. An article on the DesSables Marathon in Morocco aroused his interest in an event suitable for a camel; he paid the $2500 entry fee, bought equipment, and placed 26th overall, 1st American. Outdoor Life Network included him among five featured athletes in their televised coverage. Wardian showed an ability to complete a huge quantity of mileage and decided to dedicate himself to running. The Pacers coach suggested that he drop his participation in triathlons and ultras to focus on the marathon.

If a runner possesses desire, the potential for a big breakthrough exists. Wardian understands the value of high mileage to reach the next level of performance. Two years ago he set a target to improve his marathon time and qualify for the 2004 Olympic Trials in Birmingham, Alabama (2:22 is the standard to participate). Last October, he set a personal best of 2:28:39 in the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. He has been running weekly mileage of 100 or more and training through shorter races; he went on a long run the day before racing in Falmouth, for example. He runs in the morning before work, goes on lunchtime runs, and does Tuesday evening track workouts in Arlington. Wardian placed third (14:55) in the Kentlands 5K on Saturday, August 30, then placed 28th in 1:03:41 on Monday at the USA 20K Championships in New Haven, CT.

Recently, Wardian drove to Michigan, visited some friends at MSU in Lansing, and headed to Detroit for another shot at the Olympic qualifying standard. He started the race at his own pace and ran 5:25-mile splits consistently and comfortably to place fourth in the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank International Marathon on October 5 with a time of 2:21:48 (1:10:41 at 13.1 miles). He reacted with great joy at having achieved his major goal for 2003!

Progress in running is a cooperative venture. Group training allows everyone to challenge each other and exchange training ideas; Wardian credits his improved speed to these workouts. His partners include Heather Hanscom, Frank Sprtel, Chris Farley, Aaron Church, and Glen Mays. He credits a supportive employer for an ability to pursue athletic ambitions while working full- time; he can schedule time off to participate in distant locations such as a trip to the Himalayas during October 2001. His efficiency on the job has improved due to better time management skills. His girlfriend embraces his passion for the sport and accompanies him to races. Sponsors Pacers/New Balance, GU, and Race Ready gain visibility when he crosses the finish line, an incentive for Wardian to run his best. His willingness to share ideas on what works for him adds to a sense of community among runners; many of us look for the wonder of improved performance.