This month's Athlete Profile is of Gary Allen, Founder and Director of the Mount Desert Island Marathon, which has been crowned North America's Most Scenic Marathon. A lifetime runner who has a lifetime of fast times, he is part of an elite and very select group of people on the planet that have run sub-3 hour marathons in the last 5 decades.
When he hits the track and road, it's all business, but as you'll read, he has a great sense of humor and is going to fit in just fine with the Dirty Crew!
-First off, why did you decide to make the trek to Northern Maine for this wack-ass event anyways?
I hope to ride a moose and I love mashed potatoes way too much, plus I have always prefered people who drive skidders over those who drive Mercedes Benz.
-You have an extensive racing background. What is your favorite event and why?
New York City Marathon is an amazing event and amazing city!
-What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I'm proudest that I even started and suppose I will finish when I'm done, or not!
-You're of the running elite. Have you run 30 miles at one time before, and are you nervous about the "other" parts of the Dirty 30?
I have run 50 miles in one sitting in 6:21. Other parts? Do tell!
-Your motivation for training daily is:
I just need to sweat and am not very pleasant when I don't.
-Goal for AD30:
I'll do my best not to father any Canadian kids.
-What's your training playlist look like right now?
No playlists here. I run with the wind.
-Anything else you'd like to say???
I can't swim and saw something about water?
