Jason Van Horn
Not everyone starts out as a champion. Sometimes it takes years, and then things just start to 'click.' This is true for Jason.

Jason didn't start out running because he loved it, but because his parents promised him he could drive to school if he went out for a high school sport. It's no surprise that he followed in the footsteps of his older siblings, Jeff and Jennifer, into the sport of running. But he'll be the first to tell you that he was not the shining star his brother and sister were when they were in high school.

He didn't start out running because he was naturally fast, or because he loved to run. He did it for a car! He did make it into the top seven of the Varsity Boys team in Cross Country, and he even ran a personal best of 4:50 for the mile during Track. I guess you could say he did the sport for the social aspect; not with the idea he could be fast.

When did he start to take himself seriously? It started after a few years of casual running, and then he finally started to see his true potential when he joined the Mary Washington College Cross Country Team his Junior year in college. But even here he couldn't totally believe in his abilities.

His true awakening was when he started to coach a local high school cross country and track team two years ago. This is when he truly realized that he had great potential, that he really did enjoy the sport, and that now he was ready to spend the time and energy to succeed. It was one of those occasions where while teaching and giving something to others that he truly started to learn about himself and his abilities.

And succeed he has. In a sense he has come out of nowhere to beat several veteran runners in the area and in the state. He is currently placed 3rd overall in the Washington Running Report for the Open Men's category. This is the highest any Fredericksburg Area Running Club member has ever held.

From being barely able to keep up with his sister a few short years ago, he has now emulated her in winning the 2001 Coldwell Banker Grand Prix Race Series. He has also set at least two course records this year, and this is only the beginning.

Did he have a favorite race this year? He'll be generous and tell you he liked running all of them, but the WaWa 10 Miler at Hartwood holds a special place in his heart. During this race he had what I would call a breakthrough moment. He had been prepared to hold a 5:15-20 mile pace, but at the three-mile mark he was feeling smooth and relaxed. He felt like he could hold that pace forever (5:02 per mile), and made a decision to just go with the flow. Of course winning always feels good, but it was the joy of feeling in complete control over this course that left an imprint on his soul.

Would he, like, win the 2002 Coldwell Banker Grand Prix? This is a no-brainer....Yes! But he has some larger goals in mind. He hopes that the CBGP continues to attract top runners for the great competition so that he and others attain personal bests. But he is also is planning on learning how to race the marathon in 2002 as he feels the longer distances are his forte.

Look out runners, as I predict that Jason will become the fastest FARC marathoner...my prediction? A 2:25 for the first marathon he races.

Liz Boyer
I guess you could say that Liz's rise to the top of the charts has followed a similar path as Jason's.

Liz didn't start to run until her senior year in high school. She didn't have the carrot-stick approach from her parents, but she had a brother who ran on her high school cross country team. He would look at all the other girls running, and felt that his sister would be a natural at the sport. Unfortunately, Liz didn't feel comfortable going out for the team that year, but she did start running.

Right from the start she enjoyed the sport. She never took herself seriously, or felt that she would be particularly fast. Distance running appealed to her though, and she had always admired the attributes of long distance runners. She also liked the individual aspect of racing. When you run a race you only have to depend on yourself, not a teammate like in other group sports.

She also loved (and still does) the flexibility of the sport. She enjoys having an outlet for stress, the quiet time, and even how social long distance running can be.

It wasn't until twenty months ago that she finally had some formal coaching, which has allowed her to achieve more than she had originally anticipated. Up to this point she had run several marathons, but had used training programs from running publications such as Runner's World to guide her.

The key to her success has been the steady training, the running partners up at Quantico (maybe I need to start running up there?), and a good coach (Brett Schmidt). She had her breakthrough race when she ran the 2000 Marine Corps Marathon in 2:52, which was good for second overall woman. Now she knows that she can qualify for the Olympic Trials, and is approaching the 2002 racing season towards achieving this goal.

She has enjoyed competing in Fredericksburg, and has appreciated all the support the local runners have given her. Her two favorite races in the Coldwell Banker Grand Prix Series are the Colonial Beach 10K and the Riverbank 12K.

The Colonial Beach 10K was the site of her first victory as a runner. So this race holds a special place in her heart for this reason. She enjoys the Riverbank 12K for three reasons: Her respect and admiration for Kevin and Kate Breen, the scenic course, and the challenge of running a quirky distance. It's not what you would call a normal racing distance.

Liz would like to come back as a winner next year for the CBGP, but states that the races will have to fit into her training plan for Grandma's Marathon (Duluth, MN) in June where she WILL qualify for the 2004 Olympic Trials in the marathon. (Hey race directors, can we move all the grand prix races to June? Please? This old lady would like another shot at winning. Debi)

She will qualify!

(These profiles were reprinted with permission from The Relay, the Fredericksburg Area Running Club's newsletter. Congratulations to Liz, Jason, and to all the other 2001 Coldwell Banker Grand Prix Series Winners!)