Michael Jong
Michael Jong en route to a Boston qualifying time at the 2008 Trapline Marathon!
(larger version)
The 2008 Trapline Marathon was a first in many ways – the first marathon in Labrador, the first certified distance race in Labrador, and the first time many local runners had even considered running 42.2 km. Among the group of local runners who were inspired to take a stab at marathon running was a 56 yr old, local physician, Michael Jong.
Michael had participated in shorter distance running events in recent years but had never done any serious training for a long distance event. When Michael's wife announced she was going to try the marathon distance and rounded up a training program, Michael opted to join in. His travel and work schedule precluded participating in all the training runs but he did manage to make most of the distance sessions. It became obvious very quickly that Michael is a far faster runner than his wife but he very graciously kept his wife company at her slower pace – and the two to three hour distance runs soon became high quality "couple time", even if physical discomfort was a guarantee by the end of them!
Over the course of the training, through trial and error, Michael discovered that his lean body required regular refueling to prevent bonking (in contrast to his wife who was able to rely on her fat stores to keep her going!). Qualifying for Boston was discussed but given Michael's unnaturally slow paced distance runs and his inability to fit in much other training, there was certainly no guarantee that this would happen.
Conditions for the inaugural Trapline Marathon were absolutely perfect for running – cool, clear, minimal wind, beautiful fall scenery along the route – and Michael made the most of them, running his own pace, going through a lot of Gatorade and gel packs and crossing the finish line in a time of 3:39, a full 6 minutes ahead of his Boston qualifying time.
As a physician, Michael is very aware of the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle - he preaches that running is a great way to stay fit and he sets a great example by practicing what he preaches!
In 2009, Michael's summer globetrotting to Yellowknife, NWT and Vietnam have interfered with his training to an extent but his goal on October 10 is a 3:30!
Michael had participated in shorter distance running events in recent years but had never done any serious training for a long distance event. When Michael's wife announced she was going to try the marathon distance and rounded up a training program, Michael opted to join in. His travel and work schedule precluded participating in all the training runs but he did manage to make most of the distance sessions. It became obvious very quickly that Michael is a far faster runner than his wife but he very graciously kept his wife company at her slower pace – and the two to three hour distance runs soon became high quality "couple time", even if physical discomfort was a guarantee by the end of them!
Over the course of the training, through trial and error, Michael discovered that his lean body required regular refueling to prevent bonking (in contrast to his wife who was able to rely on her fat stores to keep her going!). Qualifying for Boston was discussed but given Michael's unnaturally slow paced distance runs and his inability to fit in much other training, there was certainly no guarantee that this would happen.
Conditions for the inaugural Trapline Marathon were absolutely perfect for running – cool, clear, minimal wind, beautiful fall scenery along the route – and Michael made the most of them, running his own pace, going through a lot of Gatorade and gel packs and crossing the finish line in a time of 3:39, a full 6 minutes ahead of his Boston qualifying time.
As a physician, Michael is very aware of the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle - he preaches that running is a great way to stay fit and he sets a great example by practicing what he preaches!
In 2009, Michael's summer globetrotting to Yellowknife, NWT and Vietnam have interfered with his training to an extent but his goal on October 10 is a 3:30!