The marathoner and ultra runner brings a passion for life-long running to the Marathon Training Academy community.
The closest Steve Waldon got to sweating as an athlete growing up was playing billiards for money.
In his late 20s, Waldon knew he needed a change and found the joy and camaraderie of running. Starting out with 5Ks, he has gone on to finish 20 marathons and 15 ultras, including a 100K in the Bavarian Alps and two 155-mile stage races (one in Chile and the other in Iceland).
Now, he brings his passion for life-long running as the newest coach for Marathon Training Academy.
Waldon's running journey began because he simply "wanted to do things" but wasn't in shape. He started running, slowly, but was making friends in his New York City club, Front Runners.
His friend persuaded Waldon to join him at the Atacama. There was one issue, however.
He and his friend, Mike Sanderson, ran the entire 155-mile race together.
"The race itself was incredible," he said, recommending to search Google for "Atacama Desert images" to see why it's perfect for adventure racing.
As Waldon became proficient in running, he had the same questions a lot of runners do: How do I get faster? How do I train for longer distances?
But Waldon understands that all runners are different, and should receive individualized coaching.
Waldon focuses on training runners' systems, which leads to better and faster running.
Waldon heard that Marathon Training Academy was looking for coaches. When he visited the website, he quickly learned that it wasn't just a website — it was a community with a lot of resources.
As a trained coach, Waldon understands how to weed through all the various information that circulates through today's electronic and print media.
MTA coaches like Spencer and Waldon will separate the quick-fix hype from realistic training plans that work for the individuals.
Who can finish an ultra? You can.
While MTA prides itself on helping runners cross the marathon finish line for the first time, Waldon believes that anyone ambulatory can become an ultra finisher. "The barrier to finishing an ultra versus shorter distances is largely mental," he said.
For those interested in the longer distance but unsure of what it would take, Waldon suggested trying a half marathon or marathon on trails.
But it's not just preparing one's body for an ultra.
Living glory days . . .
While Waldon will be focusing on his athletes' goals, he still has some things he would like to accomplish.
"I have friends still doing marathons and BQing in their 70s and I would like to do the same," he said.
Point of pride: Maintaining a relatively injury-free running career, while still achieving bigger and bigger goals every year.
Favorite race distance: This is a toss-up. I like the marathon distance a lot because it's short enough that it's still fast — my marathon pace is around 6:35 per mile, which is MUCH faster than a typical easy or long run pace (closer to 8:00). And who doesn't like running fast, right? The feeling in a marathon of a fast final 10 kilometers is exhilarating, especially when passing lots of people suffering (is that sadistic to say?).
However I also like the 50-mile distance because it's close to my typical easy pace so I'm never really nervous before the race; it's a very calming distance. When I run a 50-miler on trails, I feel like I'm exploring some really cool places: mountain ranges, deserts, sleepy back roads, river towpaths that stretch on forever. I love getting to the top of a peak and seeing where I've come from and where I'm going. It's such an adventure, especially for someone who lives in Manhattan!
Favorite pre-race or training food/drink: This is sort of a new thing, but a bagel and cream cheese are my go-to food options before a race. Coffee is a must, although I have to cut myself off within 90 minutes of a road marathon or else I'll be hopping in the port-a-loo in the first 5K. For trails it's not such a problem since there are plenty of bushes to jump behind!
Favorite or inspirational song to run to: I've never run with music. I like to be in the moment when I run. This sounds boring/crazy but I tune out a lot of sights and sounds when I run. I think about my act of running: my cadence, form, breathing, etc.
Favorite or inspirational mantra/phrase: "You've got only one job to do today." When I feel nervous on race day morning, I tell myself that I've put in all the training, and all I have to do is one very simple job, one singular task: I have to run a set distance [that I've trained for] at a set pace [that I've trained at]. Simple, right? I don't have to look good, or feel good, or feel intimidated. I just have to execute!