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Runners on the Way Up
John Elliott: Traveling the World for Competition
Full Speed AheadBy Chris Saunders
January/February 2005
Columbia, MD
For the Washington Running Report
Photo by Bob Mallet
John Elliott loves to compete. His love for competition has taken him around the world. You are just as likely to see this active 66-year-old Columbia, Maryland native on the starting line for a small local event as a large event that is taking place in a far-off country.
As a Political-Military Analyst for the U.S. Army, Elliott spends a lot of time out of the country. He does his best to fit in a race around his busy schedule. The top ranked masters athlete doesn't just show up for the experience; Elliott thrives on the competition and enjoys pushing himself to new levels.
His success speaks for itself. In addition to finishing among the top finishers in his age group at numerous local events, Elliott has also fared well on a national stage. He won the silver medal in the 1993 World Duathlon Championships and followed up that performance with a bronze in the 2004 event held in Belgium.
"I like everything about competing," says Elliott. "It is very invigorating to compete and nice to see everyone at the races."
While this world traveler has racked up some serious frequent flier miles in pursuit of competition, Elliott believes that the events that take place in the United States, in particular local events, are superior to those found in other parts of the world.
"I really admire the race organizers," says Elliott, who competes in duathlons, triathlons, and running events. "The organization is quite superb. I also really appreciate all of the work that volunteers do. We couldn't do it without them."
With his primary focus on multi-sport events, Elliott has found that discipline is the key to his success in his sport.
"Discipline is the essence to my sport. Without discipline you will not get anywhere."
As a self-coached athlete and a frequent traveler, John has to carefully structure his training program to meet his demanding schedule. When traveling to other countries, swimming and biking are pretty much out of the question. Instead of taking time completely off, he focuses on his running when he is away.
"It is always a problem when you travel to swim and bike," says Elliott, who has been working with the Army since 1956. "You can run anywhere. In fact, you can usually find some good running outside of airports."
With a nearly 40-year career with the U.S. Army, retirement may seem like the next logical choice for Elliott, but don't plan on seeing this motivated father of three relaxing on the beach anytime soon.
"I have no plans for retirement. I have no time for that. I really have no reason to retire."
Not only does he not plan on retiring, his competitive days are also nowhere near coming to an end. In fact, he is already planning for next year. Elliott says that he has already been working on his 2005 training plan and has targeted a few events that he would like to participate in during the coming months and years.
"I plan on doing a half-marathon somewhere where it is sunny. I am also thinking about the US Cross Country Championships in February."
Elliott is also considering attending the World Duathlon Championships that will be held in Edmonton in 2005. With a silver and bronze in the prestigious event, he still feels like he has something to prove. "I have won the silver and the bronze, but there is still one medal that I am missing." (Editor's Note: Elliott reports that work has already intervened to cancel this trip.)
He has booked his flight to Portland for the cross-country nationals in February.
For those that have competed against John on the local scene, his travels won't keep him from jumping into the same local events that he has been competing in for years. If John Elliott had a choice, he would do all of his racing close to home.
"The local events are so well organized here," says Elliott. "The competition is very good around here."
Some of Elliott's 2004 Performances:
RRCA Club Challenge 10 Miler (2/22/4) 1:08:36
St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/14/4) 41:19
Pike's Peek 10K (4/25/4) 40:55
Navy FCU 5K (10/2/4) 20:30
Somerset 8K (10/10/4) 33:28