Tuesday, June 23, 2009

She sure is a runnin' fool ...

This is the second in an ongoing series of short profiles highlighting an ardent local running enthusiast. Up today: LANA TORKILDSEN of Charlotte, current president of the Charlotte Track and Triathlon Club, which sponsors the extraordinarily enjoyable Trenton Guy Sr. Summer Track Series at Myers Park High School. (If you go to tonight's meet, you'll see her there at the timing station!)


Age: Between 20 and 70.
How long I've been running: Since 1984.
What I love about running: It relieves the stress.
What I hate about running: Hmmmmm... can't complain.
Current running shoes: Asics Gel Kayunos.
Most beautiful place to run in the Charlotte area: Dilworth/Myers Park. Specifically, Dilworth Road.
Do you prefer to run alone or with a group? Group, I do more chatting than running.
Favorite annual N.C. race: Any race that has beer at the end.
Favorite distance: 26.2.
PR for that distance: 3:38, at Kiawah Island, S.C., in 2004.
Got a running disaster story? Learned the hard way not to eat sushi and Thai food before an evening race.
How do you feel about running skirts? A woman can look athletic and feminine at the same time.
Advice for novice runners? Don't worry about the other runners. Just have fun!
What's next on my race calendar: The Huntersville Firecracker 5K on the 4th of July.
Details on the above photo: Lana with her husband Tom, taken after they finished the 2008 Disney World half-marathon in Orlando.

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Know of another running fool? Tell me about him or her in an e-mail to tjanes@charlotteobserver.com.

2 comments:

Torkfan said...

Lana and Tom are awesome, running icons in the charlotte area!!!

Anonymous said...

I am delighted to see Lana focused in your blog! I have to pleasure of working with her so I get to discuss running with her on a daily basis. You won't find anyone who loves running and racing more than Lana. She strikes the right balance of being passionate about running but without taking herself too seriously. If you see her at a race (and if you do any race in the area you probably will) go introduce yourself to Lana. She is quick with a joke and some great running advice and motivation!