It’s no secret that NRC is full of incredible people that are amazing runners and amazing people and our next Runner Spotlight checks both of those boxes!  He’s spent his career teaching and researching MRI technology at a prestigious medical school, while raising a family of three boys alongside his wife, Mindy.  His running resume is impressive too despite only having started running less than 10 years ago.  I’ve logged many miles with Kevin Harkins and as always, the process of completing the Runner Spotlight article brought new insights about Kevin, even to me.  Read on to learn more about him, including why he got started with NRC, his desire for hilly races (see the question about his running accomplishments thus far), and what he hopes is an NRC trip to the Grand Canyon someday.  As always, I was inspired to hear Kevin’s story and I hope you are too!

NRC: Where are you from and how did you make your way to the Nolensville area?

Kevin: I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona and I have lived in many cities in Arizona, including Tucson and Flagstaff.  I like to say, “If you’ve heard of it in Arizona, chances are I’ve lived there.”  After graduate school, I moved to Tennessee in 2009 to work as a postdoctoral fellow at Vanderbilt and the rest is history.

NRC: What is your occupation and something you enjoy about it?

Kevin:  I am a Research Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University.  I do teach occasionally, but I primarily spend my time researching and developing new technology for MRI scans.  I love my job- it’s intellectually stimulating, and I get creative solving problems.  One of the projects I am currently working and excited about is the use of MRI technology to detect bone fragility; usually, those tests are done by DEXA, x-ray, or CT scans, but we have been developing specialized MRI scans that are sensitive to bone health.  I also love that my job allows me to be flexible with family needs.  And I get to travel from time to time- in fact, I am headed to Singapore this summer!

NRC:  Wow!  That sounds very cool and rewarding to do every day.  When you’re not at work, how do you like to spend time with your family?  Can you tell us a little bit more about them?

Kevin: My wife, Mindy, and I have three boys (ages 18, 14, 12), so we stay busy.  They all run cross country and track at either Woodland Middle School or Ravenwood High School.  Mindy ran prior to her stroke, so they get the running bug honestly, though I didn’t start until about 10 years ago!  We spend a lot of time shuttling our kids to different events and Mindy just started volunteering at the library.

NRC: It sounds like you’re relatively new to running then.  What was your experience with running growing up?  Did you play any sports as a child?

Kevin: I wrestled in high school, but I was more of a Theater and Choir nerd back then.  Once in college, I started cycling.  As part of a relay team, we raced mountain bikes for 24 hours (similar set up to the local Black Toe Relay Race).

NRC: You mentioned making fun of runners when you were younger and look at you now!  Was there a specific motivation to start running?  When did running become part of your life?

Kevin:  Exercise in general is a major outlet for coping with stress, both with work and family.  In 2015, I was weightlifting with a friend, Matt, who was training for the Franklin Classic 5K and he talked me into doing it with him.  Before that, I had several “false starts” where I’d start running but I never stuck with it long-term.  However, finishing the 5K with Matt really propelled me into becoming a runner.

NRC: I think many of our club members can relate to that story- a friend peer pressuring you into a race that you love and then you sign up for more!  How did you hear about NRC?

Kevin:  My first experience with NRC was at that Franklin Classic 5K in 2015.  There was a big contingency there from the club and I remember thinking how odd it was that they were all so happy and excited to be running a 5K!  Not long after that race, my friend, Matt stopped running due to an injury and I came to NRC to meet some new running friends and give me the accountability I needed to keep running.

NRC: Many NRCers find lifetime friendships and the accountability here- we love that you have too!  What is one of your favorite memories with NRC thus far?

Kevin:  Like everyone, I really enjoy the destination races!  Some recent favorites are the Memphis St. Jude Marathon in 2022 and the Stump Jump 10 Miler in 2023.  I really like the chance to get to know the people I run with better during the road trip or the extra time hanging out at dinner the night before the race.  I am sure I am not the only one who enjoys the break from family and the day-to-day; as my kids have gotten older, it’s easier for me to be able to do the destination races as well.

NRC:  Destination races are the best!  Who in NRC has been most motivating to you and in what ways?

Kevin:  It’s so hard to NOT be motivated by some of the accomplishments of NRC members- Jason Loyd, Eric Waterman, and Joe Relyea are all so impressive!  I also really love (and appreciate) the accountability from ALL my Wednesday and Saturday running crew- Scott Alexander, Andy Michael, Andy Dabson, Michael Teague, Andrea Klint, and Ruth Wilkins to name just a few.  And of course, Wendy Mucci!  But I assume everyone is motivated by Wendy Mucci?!

NRC:  We could not agree more with each of those folks you named for motivation.  We really do have some incredible runners in our midst.  Let’s talk about your running accomplishments thus far- any favorites or races you’re particularly proud of?

Kevin: One of my proudest running accomplishments thus far was a continuous streak where I ran at least one mile for 501 days!  It all started when Scott Alexander challenged us to run outside every day in January 2017; I completed January and just decided to keep going until I ended the streak right before my 50K in May 2018.  In terms of racing accomplishments, I’ve had a few podium finishes, including placing 2^nd overall in the Music City Trail 12K in 2017 and winning my age group at Smyrna Parks 5K in 2018.   I’ve completed one ultramarathon (Gnaw Bone 50K in Nashville, Indiana) and five marathons so far- four of those five marathons are the Flying Monkey Marathon run right here in Percy Warner Park; my only other marathon is the Memphis St. Jude race.  I guess hills don’t scare me; in fact, I’d argue you “get over them” (pun intended!).

NRC: We like what you did there!  Those are some challenging and hilly races.  How have you dealt with injuries or training setbacks?  What has helped you train through the challenges?

Kevin: I’ve dealt with Plantar Fasciitis and Runner’s Knee at various points.  I focus on prevention and am very intentional about strengthening my feet to remain injury free; I walk barefoot and wear shoes without much support as much as possible.  I also cross train by swinging kettle bells or training Brazilian jiu jitsu a couple times each week.

NRC:  We hope those continue to keep injuries at bay for you.  What are your current training goals?

Kevin: My primary training goal is the Louisville Marathon at the end of April (see my answer on destination races above!).  I plan to run the Oak Barrel Half Marathon in April too.

NRC:  I am sure many of your NRC friends will be joining you for both of those races!  If there were no limitations, what race would you like to run?

Kevin: It’s not exactly a race, but Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim!  It’s about 50 miles in total and I’d love to get a group from NRC to complete it with me.  I’ve hiked some of the Grand Canyon but I’ve not run it nor completed that course.

NRC: We have no doubt you could get some takers for that run!  Maybe a destination race for 2025? It would be a great way to celebrate 10 years of running for you! 

In all seriousness, your consistency and discipline are impressive and we’re glad you took a chance on all the happy and excited NRCers you found at the Franklin 5K back in 2015.  Congratulations, Kevin, and we are so glad you’re a part of the NRC family! 

Speed Round:

NRC: Favorite mid run fuel?

Kevin: Kids applesauce pouches or PB&J sandwich.  Truthfully, I am too lazy to buy real runner food/fuel so I just raid the kids’ snacks.

NRC: Name a hidden talent or something surprising about you that no one in NRC would guess.

Kevin: I play guitar and sing; in fact, I cowrote songs in college with someone who went on to be part of a band signed to a major label.  They’re called the Railers and they’re on Wikipedia, so you know it’s legitimate.

NRC: Most scenic or unique place you’ve run?

Kevin: Most scenic would be the Monterrey Bay Half Marathon in California; most unique would be at the MacRitchie Reservoir in Singapore.

NRC: Any hobbies?

Kevin: Running (obviously), kettle bells, playing guitar, and spending time with family.

NRC: Favorite thing about winter?

Kevin: Getting out to run in the cold; it always feels like such an accomplishment when you finish!

Our next Runner Spotlight joined NRC back in 2019 after she watched our group run right by her house for enough Wednesday nights before she decided she needed to check us out for herself, and we sure are glad she did!  I greatly enjoyed getting to know Mark Kate Collins Pollreis, especially her trademark dry sense of humor. Read on to learn more about some of her amazing accomplishments, her favorite memories thus far with NRC, and her incredible perspective on dealing with an unpredictable medical condition.  I was inspired interviewing her and I hope you enjoy getting to know her better!

NRC: Where are you from and how did you make your way to the Nolensville area?

Mary Kate: I am originally from Brentwood by way of my mother and went to Ravenwood High School.  I went to Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas (we have a few Harding alums in NRC by the way!) where I met my husband, Chris.  I ran cross country and track at Harding and Chris and I stayed in Arkansas for 4 years post-graduation.  We had our daughter, Collins, in Little Rock and when she was almost one, she got a stomach bug that she passed on to both of us- it was then that we realized we needed family close by to help so we moved back to the Nolensville area.  I also wanted Collins to have the same opportunity I did growing up in great schools!

NRC:  So it sounds like you’ve run for quite some time.  When did it start for you?  Did you play any other sports growing up?

Mary Kate: My dad was a runner and we lived in a neighborhood where he’d do a short warm-up of 1-2 loops so I’d join him before he went out for his actual run.  My dad ran at Lipscomb so he was my inspiration to really get into running. I did my first 5K with him at 7 years old.  In addition to logging miles with my dad, I played rec basketball in middle school but I was a little small; I still love the sport though and I am a huge WNBA and Lady Vols fan- I dreamt of playing for Pat Summit!

NRC: What is your occupation and something you enjoy about it?

Mary Kate: I am a full-time mother to Collins and I work part-time as a personal assistant and estate manager for a couple in Belle Meade.  My mom does their bookkeeping, which was “in” for the job.  I love working there because it is so interesting!  The couple are very philanthropic and make large donations to the Arts here in Nashville.  And of course, I love being a mom to Collins!

NRC: Let’s shift back to running.  How was running in college and how did that translate to continuing to run into adulthood?

Mary Kate: I loved running at Harding but I had to stop running my sophomore year due to an injury.  After graduation, I started working at the Fleet Feet in Little Rock before Collins was born and I would join their social runs and training group runs.  I definitely got more serious about running again after we moved back to Nolensville and I started working at the Fleet Feet in Brentwood- it was contagious being around fellow runners (and they were some pretty serious runners at that!).

NRC: So how did you hear about NRC then?

Mary Kate:  My house was and still is on many of the Wednesday night routes we run and it was a little difficult not to notice over fifty people running right by your house each week!  In all seriousness, my first run with NRC was 2019 when we still met at Town Hall.  I didn’t actually know anyone, but I met some friendly ladies who I logged my first NRC miles with- Terrie Peterson and Kara Molitor.  When we moved to meeting at the brewery, I remember turning around before announcements and saying, “Hi, I’m Mary Kate; what pace do you run?” to Erin Petree and Tandy Blaylock who are some of my closest friends in NRC now.  We’ve logged many miles together and gone through some ups and downs- Erin has had two kids since we started running together and Tandy has had a full hip replacement!

NRC: You found some great ladies to log miles with at NRC!  What is one of your favorite memories with the group thus far?

Mary Kate: My favorite memory thus far has been volunteering with the Couch to 5K Program in 2023!  Wendy Mucci and I mentored a group together; we called ourselves the Greyhounds and we barked at everyone.  I also love meeting all the people at NRC!  I’ve done some long races that require some very long training runs so I really enjoy logging miles with all the different pace groups since I am more focused on duration rather than speed; it’s a great way to meet and run with all kinds of NRCers!

NRC: We love that you’ve been able to log miles with all the different pace groups within NRC.  Who in NRC has been a big motivator for you?

Mary Kate:  It’s hard to pick one person and I truly try not to compare myself to others because we have some incredible runners in our group.  Tandy Blaylock is so impressive to me- she had a full hip replacement and is still getting out there to walk and be part of the NRC community!  It’s all the people in NRC who keep showing up- rain or shine, fast or slow!  I truly enjoy running with NRC to meet new people and running just happens to be what we are doing while we meet.

NRC:  We love your approach and perspective on what makes NRC special!  Let’s talk about some of your most memorable races/accomplishments thus far.

Mary Kate: Most recently, the Bell Ringer 50K.  I had a great training cycle including a 21-mile training run that gave me a huge confidence boost going into the race and I had a much better finishing time than my last 50K.  This past summer, I completed Hell Mary, which is a local race directed by John Hardin; it’s a one mile loop and there are different time options- I did the 12-hour iteration and finished 40 loops!  It was so fun and several of my friends from Fleet Feet did it as well.  My first marathon was St. Jude in 2022; I also love our club’s race, the Rollin Nolen and I PRd by 20 minutes in 2023!

NRC: You’ve had some amazing races recently!  Let’s talk about how you’ve dealt with injuries or training setbacks.  How do you train through those challenges?

Mary Kate: I have IBS and I’d say that’s the biggest challenge for me while training and racing because I can have a great training cycle but have a bad race day and there is nothing I can do about it.  I have a list of “safe” foods I stick to for the whole week leading up the race as my mitigation strategy, but that unfortunately doesn’t always guarantee I won’t have issues.  Accepting and acknowledging that I can do everything right and there is nothing I can do about it has been the most challenging part of having IBS but it is also the best way to cope with it.  I’ve had to let go of my pride for sure.  It’s tough to feel like I’ve done everything right in training leading up to the race to then have a bad race.  That said, I remind myself running is such a gift and a blessing and I try not to take it for granted!  I want to show my daughter, Collins, that I can do hard and stupid races that some people might say can’t be done; at the same time, I want her to know that accomplishing those things isn’t the only way I value myself!

NRC: That has to be so tough going into race day not knowing how it will go but your attitude and perspective about it show much about your character.  Are you currently training for any races?

Mary Kate: I just finished Bell Ringer 50K this past weekend.  Besides that, I am running 2,023 miles in 2023 and I am currently on pace!  I have to average about 5.5 miles/day.  I will finish the 2,023 miles, even if I have to set up a Sign Up Genius on 12/29 for running buddies to finish it out!

NRC:  I am sure you would have no problem getting some NRC friends to help you reach that goal!  If there were no limitations, what race would you like to run?

Mary Kate: The Javelin Jundred.  It’s at McDowell Park in Arizona around Halloween.  It’s a 20-mile loop course and while 100 miles may not be attainable yet, they do offer a 100K.  The challenge for me is getting all the training in while being a mom.  I don’t want to prioritize running and lose that time with my family.

NRC: Speaking of family, tell us about yours before we wrap up!

Mary Kate: I met my husband, Chris, through some of my Cross Country teammates, who ended up being randomly paired to be Chris’s roommate.  Chris used to complain it smelled so bad in their dorm!  We met Freshman year but we didn’t date until Sophomore year and we married shortly after I graduated in July 2014.  Chris is a full-time firefighter in LaVergne and volunteers for the Nolensville Fire Department as well; he used to be in Hospital Administration but always dreamed of being a firefighter, and while his schedule is a little challenging at times, I am grateful he feels more fulfilled!  We have a daughter, Collins, who just turned 6 and is in Kindergarten.  She used to join me for runs in her stroller and her goal this summer is to ride her bike without training wheels so she can join me for some of my runs!

NRC: Your dedication to your family and some very challenging races is inspiring and we can’t wait to hear about more of them from you!  Congratulations, Mary Kate, and we are so glad you are a part of the NRC family! 

Speed Round:

NRC: Favorite mid run fuel?

Mary Kate: Black Forest Gummy Fruit Snacks, Spring Nutrition Awesome Sauce, Bare Performance Nutrition Gels (all easier on my stomach!)

NRC: Name a hidden talent or something surprising about you that no one in NRC would guess.

Mary Kate: I performed an original song at the Country Music Hall of Fame about my mother’s cheese toast in the sixth grade; it was part of a state-wide song-writing contest and I was paired with an actual songwriter who paired the words to actual music, which was pretty cool.

NRC: Favorite local run?

Mary Kate: The Bryant Grove Trail at Longer Hunter State Park!  There are real bathrooms, the trail is easy to navigate without too many turns, and it’s close to Nolensville!

NRC: Any hobbies?

Mary Kate: Weightlifting and working out; mid-day naps

NRC: Favorite thing about the holidays?

Mary Kate: Seeing it through Collins’s eyes!  We have a Christmas Play she’ll be in, breakfast with Santa, and I enjoy getting my early/late runs in with all the festive lights of Nolensville

 

 

Our next Runner Spotlight found his way to NRC in 2013 through our beloved Couch to 5K program and from participant to mentor, Jay Adamson is making quite an impact on that program and the Nolensville Running Club.

Read on to learn more about Jay’s favorite races, his time in the Army including running all night avoiding poisonous snakes with no light, and his passion for helping fellow runners achieve their goals. It was truly inspirational to hear him speak of runners who have inspired him and those he has inspired through C25K and there’s no better time to celebrate Jay than at the conclusion of our 2023 C25K program!

NRC: Where are you from and how did you make your way to the Nolensville area?

Jay: I was born in Terre Haute, Indiana and moved to Clinton, NJ when I was 6 years old. I loved growing up in New Jersey playing sports and we were 2 hours from everywhere- New York City, Philly, and the Jersey Shore. I moved to Nashville in 1994; truthfully, I wanted to move to Dallas, but my wife at the time was the first to land a job and it happened to be here in Nashville.

NRC: What is your occupation and something you enjoy about it?

Jay: I work in Sales for Siemens. We do “smart” buildings that offer all the awesome automation. I love the challenge of learning about customer needs and the sales process from start to finish.

NRC: So it sounds like you were quite athletic as a kid. Which sports did you play and do you think that’s where you learned to love running?

Jay: I played basketball, baseball, and football as a kid, but my favorite was basketball! I played point guard in high school but knew I wasn’t talented enough to play in college. I joined the Army and got my fill of running though I am not sure I’d always say it was “fun.”

NRC: Thank you for your service! Any fun Army stories you can share?

Jay: I ran through the night chasing some Army Rangers at Fort Benning while stationed there. I was out with a few fellow soldiers “bivouacking” (for those like me who don’t know what that means- it’s camping with little or no shelter) and we ran into some Army Rangers who were out for a trail run. They asked if we wanted to hang with them for a bit, so we did; then, they started giving us a hard time a few miles in and asked if we were “ready for the run to start?” Of course, we couldn’t stop then so we did our best to keep up with them. I recall two distinct things about that night: 1) they had glowsticks hanging from their bags and that was the only light we had so we had to stay close and 2) my biggest fear wasn’t losing them/getting lost but encountering a poisonous snake in the woods of Southern Georgia. The Army Rangers smoked us and we ended up lost in the woods and running all night until the sun came up. They did eventually come and get us but that was quite the night of running!

NRC: Wow, you probably ran an ultramarathon chasing those Rangers all night! So when did you decide to give running for fun a try and how did you hear about NRC?

Jay: I had some neighbors who ran with NRC, Lauren and Richard Reed, and I’d see Lauren out running a lot. She talked me into attending the Couch to 5K program back in 2013.

NRC: That’s great you found us via C25K. What are some of your favorite memories with NRC?

Jay: There are so many to choose from! One of my favorites would be my first Couch to 5K program, which got me back into running and living a healthier lifestyle. I’ve developed so many great friendships through NRC and have had a chance to pay it forward by becoming a C25K mentor myself; it’s so incredibly rewarding to help others achieve their goal of completing a 5K. I tell all my mentees that “it doesn’t matter if you run a mile in seven or seventeen minutes; a mile covered is a mile, regardless of pace.” I believe anyone who gets out there, puts their best effort forward, and finishes what they started is a winner in my opinion. And we all know training runs can become hard- when that happens, I tell them to simply “embrace the suck!”

NRC: You’re so full of running wisdom and C25K is lucky to have you! Who in NRC motivates you?

Jay: Lisa Singer and Jo Anne King helped me train for my first half marathon, and Jo Anne even paced me. Scott and Kelli Alexander have built such an amazing running (and walking) club and Scott is so encouraging. I was so inspired by the late Jimmy Alexander too- it’s incredible how he started running later in life and finished his first marathon in his 70s! My peers in the 3:1 interval group help hold me accountable so that’s very motivating for me. My Ragnar teams, including Stephanie Spann and Terri Peterson; you get really close to your van mates in the 24 hours you spend with them!

NRC: Since we just finished up the 2023 Couch to 5K program, let’s revisit that. What do you think makes that program so successful and do you have any favorite or memorable mentees?

Jay: I love the Couch to 5K program because I think it makes our running club approachable for people who think NRC is only full of amazingly fast runners and are intimated thinking they’ll look stupid or too slow if they join us on Wednesday. Our name (Nolensville Running Club) is a little misleading if you think about it- we have all kinds of paces every week: from walkers to Boston-qualifying paces! Wendy and Kathy do such a great job building a community focused on encouraging others to keep moving. I joined the program as a participant 10 years ago and it changed my life- I wanted to get back to running faster and Lisa and Jo Anne helped me realize my goal of running a sub-2-hour half-marathon. Now, as a mentor myself, I’ve had so many great mentees. Pam Taylor comes to mind as a great C25K alumni- she was a participant a few years ago, caught the running bug, and now mentors alongside me with the 3:1 group. My advice to someone who is thinking about joining us, whether it’s a random Wednesday or C25K, is “get up and get out- you’ll make friends doing it.”

NRC: What a legacy you are building within the C25K program and thus NRC. Also, I think we need you to create a few motivational quotes to print on our next round of NRC Bling! Let’s talk about some of your most memorable races/accomplishments thus far.

Jay: I am really proud of my first half marathon, the Middle Half in 2013, which was only about 3-4 months after joining NRC via C25K. I wanted to finish under 2 hours and I hit my goal at 1 hour 52 minutes, with support from Lisa and Jo Anne. Carmel Half Marathon is another one of my favorite races with NRC; I’ve broken 2 hours in the half there and I have fond memories of running the race with David Ramos in 2017, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

NRC: Let’s talk about how you’ve dealt with injuries or training setbacks. How do you train through those challenges?

Jay: Setbacks are inevitable, and I get through them with disappointment and stalwartness. I’ve developed back pain from my time serving in the Army so that’s really impacted my running and speed. I used to be able to run 8-minute miles and experience that runner’s high every time I ran. A few years ago, I reinjured my back and that’s slowed me down. Now that I am older, I am slower and I find recovery and pain lingers longer than it used to. Bayer Back and Body pills and Biofreeze are my best friends now!

NRC: I can only imagine how a back injury could slow you down. That said, are you currently training for any races?

Jay: I’d like to find another half marathon but don’t have anything picked yet.

NRC: Knowing our running club, I am sure you could talk some friends into joining you for that half! Let’s talk family; does anyone in your family run too?

Jay: I have one son, Luke, who just turned 18 and graduated from Nolensville High School. When he was younger, I signed him up for running events at school and I even made him join me for Couch to 5K a few years; unfortunately, the running bug didn’t stick. That said, hopefully I planted a seed and he’ll enjoy running and the friendships it brings like I do at some point in his life. Luke has plans to attend Columbia State University then Belmont and is pursuing a career in acting and film.

NRC: That’s so exciting for Luke and we wish him all the best post-graduation. Last question before the lightning round… if there were no limitations, what race would you love to run?

Jay: The Boston Marathon! I am too old and slow now to even imagine trying to qualify. I have a lot of respect for those who dedicate themselves to training and qualifying for that race; it says a lot about one’s focus and dedication. In fact, while working at UPS, I had a chance to run with a corporate bib without having to qualify and while I would have loved the chance to finally run such an iconic race, I didn’t feel right doing it without earning my spot, especially among my NRC peers. Someday… maybe!

NRC: Well, we are rooting for you to qualify some day so you can earn your spot there and enjoy such a legendary race! Thank you again for all that you’ve contributed to the Couch to 5K program, as a participant and a mentor. Congratulations, Jay, and we are so glad you are a part of the NRC family!

Speed Round:

NRC: Favorite mid run fuel?

Jay: Oranges or bananas.

NRC: Name a hidden talent or something surprising about you that no one in NRC would guess.

Jay: As part of the Army, I was almost deployed to Operation Desert Storm. Luckily, it ended before I was sent over. I have a single and multiengine commercial pilot’s license with an instrument rating; I am also a part-time flight instructor. I love teaching and was supposed to be a high school history teacher but then I chose sales instead for my career.

NRC: Most scenic or unique run?

Jay: Scenic would be the beach; unique would be the all-night trail run with the Army Rangers at Fort Benning.

NRC: Any hobbies?

Jay: Running, flying.

NRC: Favorite thing about summer?

Jay: The warm weather, spending time at the pool, riding in our convertible, and an annual fishing trip I take with my fraternity brothers (I’ve only missed it once since 1994!)

NRCer of the Month, Don Tangren, is no newbie to running.  In fact, he’s been running in some form or fashion since the age of 14 when he ran for his school.  Since he hasn’t participated in official races recently, some may be surprised to know that he’s completed multiple marathons and has a strong running background, but that is just one of the many interesting things about Don.  

Perhaps most recognizable in jean shorts and a cotton tee-shirt, Don is not overly concerned with the accoutrements of running.  He opts to focus his energy in the relationships he’s forged over the miles and the adventures they bring.  He shares all kinds of knowledge with his NRC interval running and walking crews, from his love of nature and biology to his encounters in the wild.  

For those of you who may not have had the pleasure of catching these conversations, NRC snagged an interview with Don so we could share his story with you.  Although, we bet it will just make you want to walk and talk with him even more!

NRC:  Where are you from originally and what were your favorite things to do growing up?

Don:  I was born in Punxsutawney, Pa., but only lived there 2 years.  Our family moved to a small coal mining town called Aultman.  It had a “company store” and nothing else for miles. I come from a big family.  Out of 9 of us, I was the only athlete.  I would have to say that it was a smart family, too with having 6 college graduates, including 3 physicists.  

Growing up, I put in thousands of miles of biking and hiking.  Nobody knew the woods like me. My nickname was Cheyenne.  I also kept a small zoo in the back yard.  No one had my interests, so I pretty much grew up alone.  I remember the biology teacher assigning everyone to find 25 different tree leaves. I showed up with 67.

NRC:  When did you first start running for exercise and was there a particular motivation?  

Don:  Here’s a brief history – I started racing at 14 years old for my high school and, with the exception of a few years, have run ever since. I was the top distance runner for my school in my junior and senior years.  My coach in high school knew nothing about running and spent very little time with us.  I really needed the help.  I guess what did help me was that I lived 8 miles from school and had to run home after practice and both ways on weekend practices.  Our family had 1 car and Dad worked far from home.  Since then, I’ve run 2 marathons and many 10Ks; although, none with NRC. club

NRC: How did you hear about NRC and what drew you to come to your first run?

Don:  I ran on my own while I lived in Murfreesboro for 17 years. Never saw or thought about joining a running group.  When I moved to Antioch, I did look around and NRC was the first one that I tried. I was amazed at how many showed up and how nice the people were.

NRC:  What are a few of your most memorable running accomplishments?

Don:  I’ve run the Music City Marathon twice along with lots of 10Ks.  Both marathons were in 4.5 hours. I just didn’t know how to run a marathon.  My pace for the first half would be in the 7-minute range and then I would blow up.  My best time for a 10k was 38’07”.  That was in my early 30’s.  Funny how you remember that stuff.

NRC:  You are part of a dedicated crew of walkers and interval runners for NRC!  I hear you’re known to enjoy the hills, and are not a flatlander!  Is that true? 

Don:  I have always noticed how people struggle with hills.  When you train hard, the race is easy.  The Wednesdays and Saturdays may feel like a social event, but I also treat them as a serious workout.  

NRC:  Have you dealt with injuries that impacted your ability to get out and run or walk?  If so, do you have any tips for others who may get sidelined by injury for getting through that tough time?  

Don:  I didn’t have a single injury, but probably an accumulation of small ones.  It just became too painful to run or walk any distance and I won’t take any pain killers.  I didn’t have a lot of faith in physical therapy, but I was amazed how well it worked.  I am back to walking and want to try running again soon.

NRC:  I caught up to a few of your NRC friends, Mary Beth Moore and Suzanne Wolff, and asked them to share some memories of their walks with you at NRC.  

Mary Beth said, “I first met Don when he was running with the interval group.  Now, he walks with us, and he can walk circles around me!  Not only is he a fast walker, he walks 5 or 6 miles in the morning and then will join us on Monday and Wednesday evening and do 3 more.  As we walk the streets and trails of Nolensville, Don is the one to ask if you have a question about any plants, trees, bugs, moths or butterflies, you might run across.  We have even seen pictures of his giant pet turtle!  

Suzanne Wolff added, “Don has been walking with us for at least 4 or 5 years. He never signs up for a race, but does all the training with us, even when we are training for a half!  He always has a good story to tell.  Ask him about the bear coming in his tent while he was sleeping!!  Also, he has a pet tortoise that he’s had for years.  Oh, and he built a garage, by himself, for the tortoise to stay in.  Very impressive!”

NRC: You’ve certainly made an impression on them and other NRC members.  What are your favorite things about running with this great group of people?

Don:  The entire walking group acts a single unit. Everybody watches out for and encourages each other.  Their big job is to get me out of bed in the morning.  I am not a morning person.

NRC:  What would you tell someone who hasn’t joined NRC because they think they have to be a “runner”?

Don:  I would have to say that the NRC treats every new person like an old friend.

NRC:  In talking with you at NRC from time to time, I understand your childhood love of nature is something you still have now.  What interests do you enjoy most when you’re not walking/running?

Don:  My interests are in entomology (moths), botany (native plants) and herpetology (turtles) and I am a member of many state and national societies.  I’ve had turtles since I was 5 years old.  I had one for 50 years.  I have a 100-pound tortoise named, Indy (an eating machine!) and 13 turtles now.  Some are grand-turtles of the original turtles.  From my entomology background, I have a 25,000+ specimen collection of moths and butterflies. 

NRC:  Wow!  That’s amazing!  So, looking ahead, what is your current training goal and what motivates you to keep walking/running regularly?  

Don:  I have no specific goal right now. People in my family live a long time. I do notice that when they slow down or stop, they go downhill faster.  I have no intentions of slowing down.

NRC: Well, we don’t doubt it!  We’re glad you’re a part of NRC and look forward to traveling many more miles with you on the road ahead!

SPEED ROUND – Don Tangren:

Favorite TV show:  NOVA or Front Line—-They are teaching me something.

Dream Interview – past or present: This would be my father who served in WW2.  He fought in Saipan (where he was wounded) and Iwo Jima.  He was the sole survivor in his platoon that was bombed. He kept silent about it. I can’t imagine how he carried that and what it was like to go through that.  

Craving – salty or sweet:  Salty is addictive, so I prefer sweet.

Favorite mantra: Never stop learning.