Zane H has the runs.

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"I just want to keep running."

Why do you run?
I was making the short walk from my car to my office and realized I was out of breath after a few short steps, which appeared to be tied to my lack of exercise and being 80 pounds overweight.

How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
My epiphany that I wanted to run came in 2000. I joined a gym and start exercising on a treadmill so that I could distract myself on the TV, months later I was suddenly a ‘runner’ and someone at the gym asked me when my next race was. At this point, I’d never run on anything but a treadmill and had never even considered doing it differently. I chose running over other activities because all the others seem miserable and boring.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
Running is my stress release and personal time, it’s never hard to motivate myself to do it because I look forward to it daily. When the weather is bad, I just like to push through it and think of all the wannabes that take the day off when it’s raining or cold. ;)

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I did buy a book on triathlon training for the time-crunched athlete, but I didn’t have time to read it.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I don’t accept lunch meetings unless someone is having an emergency of sorts, this allows me to keep the daily schedule of exercise.

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
Support for my habit is always there from those that know me, understanding is not. I own an advertising and PR firm, and I actually find that an exceptionally high number of peers and clients/friends are runners.

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
Trails and road are both great escapes, but I prefer running the road. You get to see parts of a city you’d never see otherwise. On business trips, I always get up to start around 4am and take a long run before the regulars are awake and on routine. It’s amazing the things you’ll see.

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
Tough Mudder in Georgia was the hardest thing I’ve done so far. I had let my diet slip a bit, and being in shape to run a marathon doesn’t really prepare you for this event. I hated it, and cannot wait to do it again.

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
Running San Francisco in the early mornings, 3-8AM is amazing. Seeing the restaurants opening, the hookers making last-call, bread stores baking, it’s like going to the circus. Fig Leaf 5k is a close 2nd for favorite run, but that’s a different story.

Have you ever been injured due to running? What were the ramifications?
12 years, and one injury. One stress fracture about halfway through a marathon, and I did manage to finish. The tears running down my face ruined the photos, but I was back on track within 4 months.

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
I carry an iPhone all the time, and use it for run tracking via Nike + GPS. The only times I turn the music on is when I’m needing to drown out the work voices in my head.

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
My dad passed away from Pancreatic Cancer a few years ago. During his sickest times, while undergoing chemo, he walked the last leg of a marathon relay with me - I remember that photo any time I’m wanting to give up and realize I don’t really need to.

A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?
Willpower to ignore the problem as often as possible. I’ve found that some peppermint, maybe 5-6 rolaids, before running actually helps me keep that problem from arising.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
To not take everyone’s advice. Go outside and walk/run/move about and find out what they enjoyed. As long as you’re enjoying it, keep doing it.

What is your next big race?
Goofy Challenge is on January 7th and 8th, which wouldn’t have been much of a challenge at this time last year, however, I’ve not kept my miles up and it’s time to give myself a kick in the ass to get back on track.

What is your immediate running goal?
A 100-mile Ultra sometime in late 2012. I haven’t picked one out yet, but I tend to do that last-minute.

What is your ultimate running goal?
To keep running. Fast, slow, very slow, short, long, very long, very short....it doesn’t matter. I just want to keep running.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
I posted quite a few ramblings about my running on Twitter via Modern_Redneck, and have been meaning to do more of it. I guess I will if it appears anyone cares to share running stories there.