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Below is an article from Gold’s Gym online - Star Power Articles
November 7 2000
Born to Run
Genetics a key in Jerry Dunn's quest to make history
By Ron Matejko
Jerry Dunn laughs when he is called a freak of nature. Largely because he realizes there is a lot of truth in the statement. He would prefer to be known as
the most durable long-distance runner on the planet, but either label applies to someone who has run almost 200 marathons this year.
The mere mention of Dunn's run for glory would make a triathlete feel
lazy. When you consider that he is 54-years old, this unchallenged feat of endurance reaches another level of amazement.
Many years of living a self-described renegade lifestyle and an ongoing 20-year
recovery from past alcohol and drug use have instilled a cavernous determination within Dunn. What else but deep ambition could motivate a middle-age man to awake at 4:30 a.m. and complete a 26.2 mile run by 11 a.m.
for nearly three weeks out of every month?
"The behavior of the mind is extremely powerful," says Darren Treasure, associate professor of sport and exercise psychology at Arizona State University.
"Often we can do what think we can do, but the mind can also be limiting. We have the physical capability to go beyond what we think we can do."
If you're looking for a trade secret to becoming
successful at long distance running, Dunn doesn't have one. He doesn't cross train. He doesn't lift weights. He doesn't even stretch before a run, that's what the first three miles are for. Dunn watches what he
eats, but is far from fanatical as the occasional fast food meal also has its place.
Physically, Dunn was blessed with the ideal runner's body at 6 feet 1, and a lean 152 pounds. Despite this physiological
gift, his ability to run 5,240 miles without injury goes against most conventional medical thinking. No person, especially at his age, should succeed at putting his body through so many repeated tests of endurance.
Even a car would need an oil change or two after so much use.
"Most physicians would recommend I stop, but I am of the contention that we can condition our bodies to do many things," says Dunn.
"I trust the medical profession to a certain extent, but they also discourage you on certain things."
Despite having previously run 104 marathons in one year, and possessing superior conditioning,
Dunn's ability to complete this mission was predetermined long before he laced up his first pair of Brooks running shoes 20 years ago. Other athletes may have the same initiative and also be in excellent shape, but
genetics is the ultimate factor.
Mother Nature has smiled on Dunn, who counts four lost toenails and soreness in his quadriceps as the only ailments to strike him this year. He has dodged the overuse
maladies runners frequently suffer. By now, he should have suffered some wear to the articular cartilage in the joints of his hips, knees, and ankles, but it hasn't happened.
"Literature supports that
long distance running can contribute to the breakdown of articular cartilage, but there are multiple factors why one person is more susceptible than another," says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Emerson, who
has worked with numerous high-profile professional athletes during his career. "You can condition your body to a point. Some people are inherently genetically fortunate with a strong articular cartilage
foundation which is enhanced by training to prevent breakdown."
For Dunn to complete all 200 marathons as scheduled, he runs an official course for as many as 17 consecutive days. His ability to recover
from each 26.2-mile trek is vital to reaching his goal, but he is limited to what steps he can take to recover properly.
A tight budget has reduced refreshing massages to once a month, and he only soaks in a
hot tub if his hotel of the week has one, leaving him to depend on a daily regimen of supplements to recharge his batteries. One is Cosamin DS, a nutraceutical that contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and
is intended to relieve discomfort in knee joints.
"There are some supplements, one of them being glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate, which have shown relief of arthritis pain in approximately 70-75 percent
of the population," says Emerson. "But they already have arthritis and breakdown of articular cartilage. No studies have shown it prevents the breakdown."
Dunn admits there will be some void
in his life when he completes this yearlong endeavor at the HOPS Marathon in Tampa, Fla. on Dec. 10, but he is also looking forward to taking a long break. However, he does want to continue a career as a marathon
runner. But after running 5,240 miles, it may be tough to create another challenge for himself. What about running across China? As crazy as it sounds, he could probably do it.
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