Monumental Runner – Paul Wester

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.

Recent Stories

Race pacing for fun and fitness

A break from racing one of my favorite events gave me a chance to help other runners reach their time goals.

Eight local runners will compete in the Olympic Marathon Trials Saturday morning in Orlando.

Running Shorts

St. Albans alumnus wins club cross country championship.

Running Shorts

Locals contribute to NCAA titles, another Trials qualifier, Prince William County moves toward an indoor track and comments are sought for the Capital Crescent Trail.

Race to the Rescue 5k

Join PetConnect Rescue at 9:00am on Sunday May 19th for their second annual Race to the Rescue, 5k and children’s fun run.

Taking place at the beautiful Franklin Park in Purcellville VA, this is an event perfect for all. Run/jog/walk

Hero Dogs 5K9

5K race professionally measured and timed by Windsor Running. 8 am start – early bird prices starting at $30 includes a t-shirt and swag bag. 1K fun run and silent auction are also available. Post-race snacks and DJ. The race

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