Kurt Black (left)
Kurt is 43, married to Tami and has 4 kids, 2 boys: Jackson (10), Collin (8) and 2 girls: Alexis (5), Brooklyn (3). Kurt is the Co-owner of Stride Racing and Co-owner and COO of LeadAmp, a lead management company working with insurance, education and senior living companies. Kurt is from the metropolis of Blanding, UT (population of 3,000 since 1974).
Here are a few facts about Kurt when we asked him about his running:
Years running: 31
Weekly mileage:
Right now about 30 but that will be increasing soon as I ramp up training for the Ironman Tempe in November.
Favorite race distance or race:
Used to be the steeplechase, then went to the 100 meter dash and now I'm back to thinking the half-marathon is the greatest.
PR's - (5K, 10K, ½, mara, Ultra) or proudest running accomplishment:
Steeplechase: 8:23
5,000: 14:06
10,000: 30:13
Marathon: 2:42:34
Proudest accomplishments were 3-time NCAA All-American and alternate for the 1993 World Track and Field Championships in the steeplechase. Also, if you look really close at the Weber State Hall of Fame wall in the Dee Events Center, you can see an awesome mullet.
Favorite training run:
I enjoy running in various cities that I travel to for work. Allows me to get a better appreciation of the city and see all the sites, all while getting in a workout.
Why run - (motivation, inspiration):
I used to run for the competitive aspect. Now I run because it makes me feel better and I must do it to keep off the weight.
Goals:
Finish (and still be able to walk) the Ironman in Tempe. Then I'll get back to running marathons for leisure.
Favorite music to run to:
Van Halen, Sammy Hagar and pretty much anything that was made in the 80's and involved guitars and hair spray.
Favorite running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.):
I've been a big fan of Mizuno since they sponsored me right out of college. Have gone back and forth with adidas and silently root for them to come out with a good product line. Also love New Balance clothing.
Best advice you've been given as a runner:
Plan your race and race your plan.
Best motivational quote:
Whether you think you can or can't, you're right.
Your role model:
I was one of those abnormal kids in high school that knew every elite runner, their times, sponsors, etc. As I got into college and was able to train with them, I still admired Paul Pilkington and Ed Eyestone for their dedication and toughness.
Favorite food:
Anything Italian.
Hobbies or interests other than running:
Work and family consume my world right now. Hopefully, once my kids are a little older I can take up some of my long lost hobbies like Mountain Biking and cross-country skiing.
Anything else the world might want to know about you:
I am a Wuss at heart. I even started a clothing company, Wussy Wear, so that others can show their pride at being a Wuss too.
Mark Jolley (right)
Mark is 36 years old and married with 4 kids. Mark is the Assistant Principal at Clearfield High School. Marks Hometown is Salt Lake City.
Here are a few facts when we asked Mark about running:
Years running: 22
Favorite race distance or race: Favorite race was the Rock N Roll Marathon in San Diego
PR's - (5K, 10K, ½, mara, Ultra) or proudest running accomplishment: Proudest running accomplishment was: Winning the Ogden Marathon in 2003
Favorite training run: The trails above Weber State
Why run - (motivation, inspiration): I started running as a means to pay for college, now it's a social activity and a way to keep the weight off.
Goals: Finish an Ironman in under 12 hours
Favorite music to run to: 80's rock n roll
Best motivational quote: "Faster Damnit" Chick Hislop
Favorite food: Mt. Dew and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
Hobbies or interests other than running: Family time, racquetball, fishing, huge Jazz fan
