Each month we will spotlight one or two of our Athlinks’ members who have some interesting facts about their endurance profile and then interview these members. This month we decided to look at the Athlinks’ members (female and male) who had run the most marathons. Angela Tortorice was the female Athlinks’ member with the most marathons to date.
Here’s the Q&A with Angela:
How many marathons have you run? 517
What’s the most marathons you have done in 1 year? 129, I have a Guinness World Record for most marathons run calendar year 9/1/12-8/31/13
How old are you? 47
When did you start running? Why did you start?I started running daily in 1995 and marathons in 1997 originally to stay in shape and as a way to work out stress.
When did you start running marathons? 1997
Why did you start doing them? I was going through a divorce and learned that when you are going through something stressful you should get a lot of rest, eat right and exercise daily.
Why so many? What is your drive for doing so many and to keep running more? The original motivation was just to see how many my body was capable of doing, plus there are clubs such as marathon maniacs that award “stars” based on the number of marathons one does and also a maniac of the year award if you do the most that year. I have received that award twice. They no longer have that award and neither does Guinness for most marathons calendar year. What motivates me is the fun I have along the way with other runners and the challenge of completing just one more marathon. I figure I will keep running until it is not “fun” anymore or my body says, it is time bike and/or swim more.
Any major injuries after doing so many marathons?A few things here and there, but blisters are the real booger!!
How many marathons haven’t you finished? Why was that?So, far I have completed all that I started, but there was a few I did not start due to logistics or being smart about an injury.
What’s your mindset/philosphy when running 26.2 miles? These days I am much slower than I was in my 20’s. Although my PR is only a 3:56, I am running much slower, so my 1st goal is to try to run the first 9 miles at a decent pace, then I set smaller goals like getting to the halfway mark and then to 17, once at 17, I just try to have fun and take in the day knowing it will be over before I know it so I try to take in the beauty of the day and good conversation.
Do you have an ultimate goal in regards to how many marathons you will run? Do you ever have time goals in these races? No, I am trying to be smart about things. My goal is to try to run for the rest of my life, not continue doing quantity. I see how others are in pain that are running quite a few. I hope to be healthy and feeling good and run into my later years even if it is just half marathons or 5K’s.
What’s your training regimen like? Do you train with others? Solo? Due to my marathon schedule it is hard to train with others on the weekends now, but periodically I run at White Rock Lake with friends. I run daily just 3-6 miles in the morning and or lunch, but I mix in weights and some biking and swimming as time allows. I am the team captain for the TXU Energy Bike MS team and we train for the Bike MS ride as a team and there are wonderful friends at the Downtown Dallas YMCA that help motivate and keep me moving during the weekday weight workouts!
What’s one of your most memorable experiences in running a marathon? HSV-Hancock Shaker Village Marathon. I highly recommend that everyone that thinks they have run a hilly marathon participate in this event! I know it is impossible, but this one may be uphill the whole way, but the volunteers make up for the challenge!!! What a great crew. I would also say the Dizzy Goat 12 hour, Scott and the crew welcomed Colonel Donigan and I like we were royalty! Hank raised money for wounded warriors, I finished all 50 states, certified by the 50 state club for the 3rd round and was even given a tutu to wear and a medal goat to carry on my last 3 mile loop for good luck.
What’s the toughest part of training for a marathon?Cold and rain while running alone. Misery allows loves company.
Would you recommend running a marathon to all runners? Why or why not?Absolutely!!! I feel people think they are not up to the challenge when in many cases they definitely could accomplish and fulfill this goal. I love helping runners set and accomplish their goal of running their first marathon.
Has running so many marathons lead you to trying other endurance events? If so, which ones and how did those turn out for you? I have done over 50 races that were more than a marathon (mostly 50Ks.) I have done a 50 miler, but also do ultra cycling (200Ks), half dozen half Ironmans and 2 full Ironmans events.
