NCAA Champion & former world-record holder Mike Stahr reflects on running career

There are a lot of fast people in this world. There are just different levels of speed. For some people, a sub 8 minute mile may be considered fast. For others that may be slow, and it may take a sub 6 or sub 5 minute miler to impress them. Everyone has different opinions on what a fast time is, but we can all agree that a 3:54 mile is incredible. I have the honor of introducing Mike Stahr, an NCAA champion and a former world-record holder for the distance medley relay.

What started Mike's running journey? Mike recalls a day back in high school PE class; a day that changed his life. Their gym teacher was ironically the XC coach, and instructed the students to race around part of the field. "It was my first time and wasn't clear of the route.  The coach, Coach McCall, said 'don't worry about it, just follow the leaders - they are on the XC team.'  Well the problem was that I was in the lead coming around the last turn," says Mike. Keeping an eye on one of his future teammates, Mike recites the event; "When he turned and headed for the coach I knew it was the finish line so I quickly changed direction and sprinted for the finish.  The coach looked at me and said 'You're running Cross Country'- I had no idea what that was."

Although Mike favors the mile, he admits his best events were the 800 (his 4x8 relay team set the American record) and the 1000. Mike still goes running when he finds the time, but "it's hard to find motivation with so much going on from day to day."

Mike gives some advice to aspiring runners; "Keep it fun but when it's time to race it's time to be serious.  Go out to do your best and don't worry about the win as much as getting better each time and being competitive.  No matter how good you are there is always someone better then you at the time or will be in the future so winning a race is nice but getting faster or learning something in each race is more important.  Don't get me wrong, I always went out to win, even as a freshman, but losing the race didn't discourage me because while going for the win I was getting faster, stronger, and smarter - and that's what got me to the top."

If Mike could meet 3 people, dead or alive, he would pick: Roger Bannister, Jesse Owens and Dave Wottle.

I am so grateful for the privilege to interview Mike Stahr, and wish him the best. Also, be sure to check out his website www.running2win.com.

~Oceane