|
Below is an article from Gold’s Gym online - Star Power Articles
November 7 2000
Marathon Man
Jerry Dunn is running, and running, and running his way into the record books
By Ron Matejko
Jerry Garcia once said, "You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only ones who do what you
do."
The late Grateful Dead member could have been speaking directly to Jerry Dunn who in January began a yearlong journey to achieve a remarkable feat of endurance which he, admittedly, is probably the
only one crazy enough to attempt.
While most people were sleeping off hangovers on Jan. 1 following the celebration of the dawning of a new year, Dunn was running the quiet streets of Carlsbad, California.
The early morning jaunt marked the first of 16 consecutive days he ran the course of the San Diego Marathon, and the beginning of his quest to complete 200 marathons in one year--or "200 in 2000" as he
refers to it.
"I could have picked 105 or 150, but I have a habit of creating catchy names for my projects," said Dunn, who set the unofficial world record of 104 in 1993. "I want to make sure
if someone decides they want to break my record, that they will have to work like hell to do it."
The 54-year old Spearfish, South Dakota resident will run 17 official races and 183 solo treks, all on
certified marathon courses. For the first six months, Dunn averaged 17 consecutive solo runs leading up to the day of the official race, but he reduced his schedule as the year went on. His 26.2-mile runs
religiously begin at 6 a.m. and take around five hours to complete, which equates to about 11 minutes per mile.
At first glance, this almost unfathomable exhibition of endurance would appear impossible, but
Dunn has continually tested himself as a runner. During the last two decades, he has concocted unusual goals for himself including running the Boston Marathon course on 26 consecutive days and the New York Marathon
29 times in a row. Accomplishing these feats gave him the confidence necessary to even dream of completing his current mission.
"I knew it wouldn't be a piece of cake, but I had a strong base and
knowledge of what it would take," said Dunn, who conducted this interview during marathon 159 while running through the streets of St. Louis. "Having done the Boston Marathon so many consecutive times made
me believe I could run 17 in a row, so it wasn't something I was afraid of."
Dunn will trek 5,240 miles in this endeavor, or the equivalent of running from Los Angeles to New York and back to Las Vegas.
Two previous long-distance excursions have established a freakish stamina within Dunn who has become accustomed to pushing his body to new limits.
His first undertaking was in 1991 with the "Shore to
Shore in 104" where he trekked from San Francisco to Washington DC in 104 days. Two years later, he completed "93 in '93" where he was planning to run 93 marathons in 1993, but exceeded his goal by
completing 104.
These borderline obsessive practices have become commonplace for Dunn. He has competed in the ultimate game of one upmanship with himself since adopting running as his positive addiction
after swearing off alcohol and drugs 17 years ago.
"Research has looked at runners and classified that many of them do engage in a positive addiction," said Dr. Darren Treasure, an associate
professor of Sport & Exercise Psychology at Arizona State University. "Whether he is replacing the negative addiction, I don't know, but the psychological demands on him to run day in and day out are
extremely arduous."
Dunn surpassed his own record for marathons within a year in early July and is scheduled to complete his 200th on Dec. 10 in Tampa, Fla. at the inaugural HOPS Marathon. He said there
is little chance of continuing on, like in 1993, and is looking forward to spending time with his wife Elaine who he met, and married, at marathons.
Running has been cathartic for Dunn who has identified it
as his meaning in life. Dunn has previously run in fundraising efforts and now focuses his attention on "Run for the Lungs", a national marathon running team he co-founded, which raises money for lung
cancer research. He is also seeking to establish enough sponsorship to continue a career as a marathon runner and public speaker while serving as a goodwill ambassador about running for health.
"I
realize that most of what I have been doing this year is just about me, but I want to do things that can help other people." says Dunn who lives by the philosophy of "Don't limit your challenges -
challenge your limits."
It's ironic this amazing athlete's last name is Dunn, because he never appears to be finished running. But maintaining his grasp on the moniker of America's Marathon Man isn't
something he takes lightly.
As Dunn approaches the latter stages of this year, his body is becoming weary, and the effects of completing more than 4,000 miles are apparent in his wind burned face and the 17
pairs of running shoes he has worn out. While preparing for those tough days leading up to his crossing the finish line for the 200th time this year, Dunn is soothed by reminding himself of the mantra of recovering
alcoholics by taking each run "one day at a time."
While this record will be recognized by the U.S.M.M.A. (United States Mega-Marathon Association), Guinness has refused to include Dunn's
remarkable triumph in their book of world records because they only recognize official races.
<
BACK
TO THE MEDIA PAGE - NEXT
ARTICLE >
Visit the Gold’s Gym online at www.goldsgym.com
|
