Russ Stringer, 51, Birmingham, Server Engineer and Retired US Army Officer
What inspired you to start doing races?
My first marathon was forced upon me by an Army Commander and was totally involuntary. After swearing off long distance (anything over two miles), I was “encouraged” to run a half marathon from the Officers Club at Fort Sill to the top of Mount Scott (Think 13 miles uphill the whole way). That pretty much solidified my anti long distance running stance. I tore my ACL and meniscus during an Army Physical Training session. I had the ACL replaced, but the rehab was hard for an old man. Jump forward to 2011, I had a friend who had started running marathons and I told him about the WDW marathon. He said that he wouldn’t do it because of the cost of travel. My wife and I are Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, so I arranged for a room and my friend agreed to run the marathon. I would be his personal cheer section.
After watching every excuse I had for not running across the finish line, I set my mind to running the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. My children wanted to join me in the endeavor. I told my father in January (2012) about our goal. My father had COPD and drove his scooter while I walked to finish the rehab on my knee. He loved the idea, and told me he wanted to be there at the finish, but he died the next month. We set 2014 as our year to do it and after a setback in April of 2013 when a coworker broke my leg, I was able to complete the 2014 Half and set my sights on running the Mercedes Half Marathon a month later. In the meantime, I had a Glass Slipper Challenge (1oK and 13.1 on consecutive days) bib offered to me so I took it and that is what really solidified my mindset. Every run is dedicated to my dad and children, for his honor and so that they do not lose me like I lost him.
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
I am a Galloway method runner. I run, walk, run, walk …
What distances do you do?
I have run The Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon), Rebel Challenge, Glass Slipper Challenge (10k, half marathon) as well as individual races.
How many have you done?
Marathon: 4 (1 involuntary, 3 voluntary)
Half Marathon: 5
10k: 6
5k: 6
Dopey Challenge: 1
Rebel Challenge: 1
Glass Slipper Challenge:1
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
That’s a tie between the first half marathon and finishing The Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, 13.1 and 26.2 on consecutive days). I finished my first half marathon with my children after all the obstacles that were placed in the way, but The Dopey Challenge is just a tough training schedule and a very grueling race weekend.
Favorite race and why?
WDW Marathon because you run through the parks and there are good crowds. I used to be a cast member at WDW, so it is good to go “home”.
Do you travel for races?
Yes, Disneyland was the farthest.
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
Budget, budget, budget. When we signed up for the Rebel Challenge (Star Wars 10K on Saturday and Half Marathon on Sunday), we did not go to WDW all year to pay for it. However, using frequent flyer miles also helped.
Must-have gear on race day:
Hydration Belt/Pack
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
No place weird, just the usual thighs/nipples.
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
Cool, but I will take anything.
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
O’hana, the restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
For the Princess Half Marathon in 2014, I wore a Kilt (King Fergus). I had 9 women during the race ask me if I was wearing underwear or not…
Worst experience during a race:
Rocket City Marathon had a ½ mile portion of the route as a sugar sand trail, right about mile 18. It was not good on the knees and I still had a long way to go.
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
During the 2014 WDW half, I passed Chris Powell and got a chance to tell him about my journey. I saw him again at the 2015 Star Wars half and he remembered me.
Your favorite part of participating in races:
Finishing, then it is time to eat!
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?
The Kilt.
How important are awesome medals to you?
Wow, I had never thought of the awesomeness factor. I think just that they remind me of the journey and its completion.
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
Dopey….
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
I have browbeat an Army buddy into running the Mercedes half marathon twice, though he swore never to again. I love those times we have to talk. When I run alone, I listen to podcasts so that I can exercise my brain as well as my body.
Favorite song on your playlist:
Mickey Miles and More podcast, Marathon Training Academy podcast, The Marathon Show Podcast, Disney Dish with Jim Hill and Len Testa Podcast, Team Shenanigans Podcast, Retro Disney World Podcast.
Who is your race hero and why?
I have two: Jeff Galloway because of his longevity and Eddie McCoy because of the dramatic change in his body composition and overall health.
What is the top race on your bucket list?
Since I will never be fast enough to run Boston, I would like to run New York and Chicago in the same year.
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?
I get to train with my children. Having them show up on a Saturday improves my mental state and actually makes me faster on my training runs.
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:
Set a goal, then set step goals to get you to that next level. Then sign up. There is nothing like being financially invested in something to motivate your actions.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Sorry for being a little long winded….
