David Lefavour, 53
Engineer

I've been running for...

About 3 1/2 years.

I started running because...

I wanted to do triathlons but also liked being a part of a group of great people. 

If I could no longer run...

I would bike, walk and swim. 

My favorite place to run is...

Rock Cut on Sunday morning with good friends. I enjoy the clean air, smells, the variable terrain and the positive up-beat attitude of the participants.

I like to run with...

Good friends.

My favorite thing to do after a hard workout is...

Have a meal with good friends.

When I'm not running I like to...

Bike, Swim and be with good friends. I enjoy many other hobbies including kayaking, motorcycling (have a cruiser and a rocket), watching the History, Science, Discovery, and Comedy Channels. 

Going out to dinner and being with Joan. Going to to South Florida and or the Caribbean (on a cruise or in Cancun) in the mid winter, with Joan of course. Watching a "good movie" every once in awhile (am a big science fiction fan). Listening to music (got a set big efficient speakers).

NASCAR (Go Car Edwards #99)

Watching Bears Games on TV or at the Game. Studying of the practical applications of high frequency electromagnetic interactions in the far field. Pondering the meaning and connectivity of the universe.

I am inspired by...

The unrelenting determination of people whom refuse to give in, but also have the intelligence to recognize and adjust/adapt to the impossible.

An obstacle or challenge I’ve overcome with my running is...

Getting rid of many preconceived (ill-conceived), and mostly incorrect notions and to accept that the whole of my life is "mostly" (99.9%) the result of decisions and actions taken.

The local runner I most admire is...

Tom Walsh (See reply to "I am inspired by. . . ")

To push myself on a run I...

Rarely push myself past a pre-calculated level as things tend to break. 

If the run is long and lower intensity, I drink fluids in order to prevent dehydration and thus provide an opportunity to "push".  Once dehydrated, there really is no such thing as pushing yourself. This would be like pushing on the accelerator of an engine that won't start.  All push but no go. ;-}

My greatest running accomplishment is...

Running the 2006 Milwaukee Marathon in under four hours. It felt good until the last three miles or so when the early indicators of dehydration took effect.  It's tough to absorb enough water, even on a relatively cool day.  Cramps started in the left arm interestingly enough and is an indicator that it will soon be over.  Lucky for me this did not happen until near the end so I was able to finish and make my goal. Tom Walsh's advice to do alot of drinking before the marathon really helped.

My next goal is...

Continue to run, be active and participate. 

My advice to other runners...

Keep running/active.  Live young as old as possible.

I plan to run until...

Something permanently breaks thus preventing subject activity. (Again, see response to "I am inspired by. . . .")