Runner’s World+ Member: Dave Novak
Dave is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.
Realizing that our bodies and hearts are built to do far more than we think they can. Also, came into a new relationship with God in my last race, Cowtown in Fort Worth. I was praying in the AM (i.e. talking to him) and heard him say “listen to my music!” I honestly was confused by this yet was definitely listening for music during the race. It led me to ask “why not me today?”
Backstory...I’ve been a perennial 3rd place age group finisher in the past several years, then in my last turkey trot I was fourth (The Prefontaine) and was just three weeks into the new age group, i.e. the youngest guy and expecting at least to place in the top three. After this race day however, I ended up falling over when I found out that I won the 60+ Grand Master 5K in 22:17. Again, we can do far more than we think we can.
Community, learning, and devouring all the information provided.
I run to live long and in a healthy state. Winning—competing is nice, yet just means that you showed up...and there’s nothing wrong with winning or the quest to do so. The coffee in the AM or beer in the PM afterwards is just the best. Befriending some really great people and beating the other three or four guys that I run into at races in the DFW area...that feels really good.
Hill repeats and a loop through some winding tree-lined streets and paths near my house.
Pegasus; I don’t care about their advertising, social causes...I just like the way their shoes fit, feel, and make me run fast.
My first 5K with planter fasciitis I placed wooden wedges in my shoes (the kind used to level your fridge). I’ll never forget the look on my physical therapist’s face after the race when I showed him what I did. They actually worked really great and I was able to run fast and finish. I’m open to the idea that there may be a better way though.
Win Cowtown 5K Age Group again and run for a long time, with old and new friends.
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