Q: How did you come to have such a passion for running?

Neal: My passion for running developed slowly. When I was younger I was passionate about soccer, but I wasn’t very good at soccer. I knew I was good at running, but I didn’t know I could be a good runner. I ran cross country in seventh and eighth grade and was fairly successful, not the best on the team, but good. I stopped playing soccer in high school and started running track and cross country. I got better and better at it and started making a name for myself. That reinforcement drove me to train harder and get better. I started setting goals; getting to the State meet, school records, etc. My enthusiasm snowballed. I got even better in college, set bigger goals, and accomplished most of them.

Q: How are you finding Rochester compared to your hometown?

Neal: Rochester is a big improvement for me. Home is home, but I never felt that I really belonged there. Marysville, Ohio doesn’t have much good running "infrastructure." Also, I didn't feel stimulated there. There are many great parks and trails to run on in Rochester, I've taken classes at Writers & Books, and sampled events at RIT and pickup soccer games on the weekends. I've kept very busy. There's a lot to do in Rochester.

Q: What do you want to see happen with your running?

Neal: I just want to continue enjoying it. Part of my enjoyment comes from competition so I will continue to train hard, but I don't want to push myself constantly to the edge of injury as I did in college. There is also a time commitment issue. If I wanted to be all I can be then I would be running six days per week, twice per day for two of those days. I'd be biking one other day, swimming two or three days, and lifting weights once or twice per week. Instead I'm running 6 days a week about 60 miles. I also do sit-ups and pushups, and occasionally yoga. I'd like to say I'm going to keep getting better (male distance runners don't typically peak until age 35), but I have been better. I know what it takes. It's hard to get back there without the structure and loyal dedication that comes from being on a college team.

Q: How would you inspire someone who wants to start running?

Neal: I think inspiration only works by example. I will continue to train and compete and provide a good example of sportsmanship. Other than that, I can only offer advice, because running isn't something that you can force anyone into. Forcing will just result in burnout. To get started in running set a lot of goals: big ones, small ones, long term, and short term. It's also great to find enablers, other people who are also getting into running and who will hold you to your goals. Look for group runs at places like Fleet Feet. Also, participate in races for the fun of it, and back off if something hurts or you feel you need a day off. Making the distinction between wimping-out and taking a needed rest day requires a lot of self-honesty. As with anything, if a person only focuses on the negative aspects of running, it will always be a burden. Trust me that it won't always be hard or painful. Runners, including myself, aren’t being sarcastic when we use "pleasant" and "sixteen miler" in the same sentence.

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