Name: Paul Wester
Self-described age group: 50-55
Residence: Beltsville, Md.
Occupation: Director of the National Agricultural Library
How has your running changed in the last few months: Except for the mask and reducing mileage because of the heat, not much.
Why you run: Fitness and to clear my mind for the day.
When did you get started running: May 2009
Have you taken a break from running: Since May 2009, not really.
Training shoe: New Balance 1080v10 (RED)
Coach or training group: College Park parkrun
The hardest race you’ve ever run: Vermont City Marathon, May 2010
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: I am not terribly adventurous, so deciding to run a marathon in 2010 was pretty adventurous for me!
Running mentors: Kara Drake (a friend who inspired me to start running), and Kara Goucher and Hal Higdon
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Around Lake Artemesia and on the Paint Branch Trail in Prince Georges County, Md.
Favorite local trail: Paint Branch Trail (College Park parkrun course)
My best race was: Each one that I have finished
Favorite local race: Azalea 5K in University Park, Md.
Ideal post-run meal: Plain steel-cut oatmeal
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: Salted Caramel GU
Pet peeve: Running with earphones
Goals: Run at least a mile everyday until Thanksgiving 2020 … I am on day 246 (07/30/2020)
Your advice for a new runner: Just start and keep at it.
Favorite running book: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
Song in your head during a run: None, see pet peeve above 🙂
Have you dealt with a major injury: No (knocks on wood)
Running quote: “It’s not so much that I began to run, but that I continued.” – Hal Higdon
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: The plentiful trails and beautiful parks and historical sites; friendly people; and except for a few weeks here and there, consistently decent weather.
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Ten years ago, a federal shutdown came in one of the busiest months for road racing,and nearly cancelled the Marine Corps Marathon.
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After a nearly year-long hiatus, Pace the Nation has returned with St. Andrews graduate and Georgetown recruit Tinoda Matsatsa.
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