Ed Clucas, 62

President/Owner: Specialty Floors, Inc.

I've been running for 22 years.

I started running because fat overtook me. Too many cookies and D.Q.

If I could no longer run, I would bike, swim, boat and play on the farm.

My favorite run is the Syttende Mai, a 20 miler. It is the most challenging run I've done other than the Hobo Run at Rock Cut.

I like to run with my Tuesday night and Sunday morning POD.

The most interesting thing that has happened to me on a run was on a long Sunday run. A skunk came along when I NEEDED a bathroom break. I had to keep going (oops!) on down the road.

After a hard workout I like to have a long shower or a swim. A leisurely breakfast of strawberry Swedish pancakes and a nap too.

When I'm not running I like to hunt and work on my farm.

I am inspired by my wife Barbara. She got me into Road Crew (1988) and the Rockford Road Runners. She showed me how to train and run smart.  I developed Arial FIB (Irregular Heartbeat) in 1996. My running and lifestyle had to change to deal with this. (No chocolate for 3 years!) My racing was out, but I would continue running the best I could.

The local runners I admire most are the middle of the pack runners who are doing his/her best to finish.

To push myself I look at who is ahead of me! I ask myself "what do I have to do to catch and pass that runner?" Strategy! Run to your own ability and don't worry about anyone else.

My greatest running accomplishment was the Heritage Run 10K in 1989 at age 45. My time was a 41:35. I really trained hard for this race.

My goal is to expand to other athletic sports events. Trails...triathalons...bike and swim more.

My advice to other runners... pick one particular athletic event and set your training schedule. Focus on that schedule and don't let other events or people change your schedule. You will succeed in that event!

I plan to run until Dairy Queen goes out of business and there are no more blizzards to eat. Thin mint - chocolate - and oatmeal raisin cookies are tied for second in this plan!