6 Weeks Away: Interview With Bill Crawford

    So every day I come home from work and I am usually just in an awful mood. I just came home from a job where I spend a good amount of my day dealing with people that have the education level of a 6th grader (and that is being generous). I sat in rush hour traffic for about an hour. Which usually involves three honking of the horn at people, a blow it out your ass to some random driver, and numerous shootings of the middle finger. So by the time I get home I just want to relax and kick up my feet before I go running. Usually this is the time I will read all the blogs I follow. There is about 15 blogs I read daily, all about running. Most of the people are Pittsburgh Running Bloggers, and then there is a few that I really enjoy that are people from all over the country. But for the last few weeks there is one blog that I enjoy reading a lot. Not often do you find a blog about running that will have you laughing out loud and is actually a good read. Well now there is one. “Daily Journal of a Reluctant Long-Distant Runner” By Bill Crawford

http://www.dve.com/onair/bill-crawford-47762/

     If you are from Pittsburgh and do not know who Bill Crawford is shame on you. He is the co-host of the morning show on WDVE radio and is a standup comic who will have you cracking up. Every year around Christmas you can see his show at the Improv at the Waterfront. He usually does a couple of shows and is there a few nights. My wife and I make it a point to go every year, and every year we never leave disappointed. So if you have yet to see one of his shows check and see when and where he is and get your ass there. (You can thank me later after you see the show)
     When I found out Bill was going to be running the half marathon I knew I wanted to interview him for my blog. I do not know Bill personally but we have a good amount of mutual friends. So it is always interesting to me to find out a person who you wouldn't think is a runner is running. Not that he couldn't be a runner, I just assumed with his job and family how would he find time. So when he agreed to let me interview him I was pleased and interested to see some of his answers. I decided to just do a short quick 7 question interview, since I am sure he is a busy person.  Enjoy!

1: when and why did you start running?
I started running March 5th. I needed a dramatic challenge that would force me to get up off the couch and get in shape.

2: how are you training for the PGH half?
I am using the Hal Higdon novice training program. It basically tells you day by day what you need to do to prepare your body to run 13 miles.

3: how are you juggling your career, family life, and training?
My training has made the juggling possible. Since I started training, I've had more energy at work and at home with my family.

4: now that you are running with other people in Pittsburgh did you know that Running was as big as it is in the Pittsburgh?
I had some idea about the Running scene in Pittsburgh. My sister is a long distance runner and I know the PGH Marathon sells out every year, but I didn't know about the community and support. I am constantly getting help and direction for strangers.

5: what are you looking forward to the most when your cross the finish line for the half marathon?
PIZZA. And the gratification of knowing that if I put my mind to something, no matter how ridiculous it seems at first, I can achieve it.

6: do you think you will continue to run after Pittsburgh's half?
Probably. I want to use this experience to reestablish an active adult life. I've been laying down for 6 years.

7: any advice for people starting out or people that might be afraid to start running?
I am a little uncomfortable giving advice since I've been running less than a month. I will say that I have never felt better and stronger. I've failed with food and with training. Its part of the process for me. Its made me stronger. I started with small runs and went slow. I ask questions and am amazed by the help and support that is out available. Its a really cool new way to see the city and meet people. I just ran 6 miles today. Longest I've ever run in my life and I can’t wait to run 7 next week.

     So in 6 weeks if you happen to see Bill out of on the course, cheer him on. Like the rest of us some of words of encouragement can go along way and help carry you a little bit longer. I have no doubt though that Bill will be able to do the half in a decent time, like a lot of us he is a Pittsburgher..winning is what we do.