The ever-troublesome “wall’’ runners never want to talk about hitting, raised its troublesome head just a shade past Mile14 that toasty April morning.
Calling on his training, his experience and all that went into prepping for the128th running of the Boston Marathon, Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Sam Long, PT, DPT, climbed over the annoying physical – and mental – roadblock, and went on to complete the world’s most famous marathon in a shade over two hours-and-56 minutes.
Amazing…On all fronts.
“All was well until that point,’’ Long, a standout runner at Orion (Illinois) High School, who went on to have a stellar distance career at Davenport, Iowa-based St. Ambrose University, said of the wall he found.
“It changed my plans as far as pre-race goals, but I just focused on the task and reflected on my training. I just had to grin and bear it and be fortunate enough to finish. It was warm, I got quite the sunburn. The heat affected more than just me.’’
In addition to being a bright, gifted, and compassionate physical therapist, Long is a tremendous asset to an outstanding Quad-Cities’ running community.
“I had/have a great training group in the Quad-Cities,’’ said Long, who noted that Rock Valley Physical Therapy is hosting a running symposium Thursday, June 6, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Rock Valley’s 43rd Ave (Moline, Ill) clinic.
The event is designed for those in attendance to learn, connect, and share best practices with the Quad-Cities running community. Admission is free and includes interactive sessions to help optimize running performance. Snacks and refreshments will be available.
“Primarily, the Running Wild team has been a big part of my training,’’ added Long. “There are people who were there for me even though not all were focused on that specific length of race.’’
Ever-modest, Long was quick to note a huge dose of family support played a significant role in his completing the 26.2-mile Boston-based task. His fiancé, Courtney, shared the trip, as did his mother and stepfather, his dad, and his sister, who flew in from Denver, Colo.
“The halfway point and a turn near the end were where the busiest cheering sections were during the race,’’ Long said of the Boston course. “I happened to spot my family at both spots and that was really cool. It was a huge boost. Big crew. I was glad they were there.’’
Featuring nearly 30,000 competitors from 118 countries, Long earned his spot at Boston with a 2022 qualifying run (under three hours) at the Chicago Marathon. The conquered Boston challenge was just Long’s third marathon over his decorated distance career.
“I ran the Quad Cities Marathon in high school just to run it,’’ he said. “And that was cool. But I focused on Chicago in 2022 and I trained (85 miles a week) for Boston. I was ready.’’
In addition to the task of running 26-plus miles, the race day provided another challenge. Because of the vast volume of runners, participants are shuttled via bus to the race’s start area at 7 a.m. The Boston Marathon begins at 10, a wait of more than two-plus hours.
“A lot of nervous energy was used before we started at 10,’’ Long said of the wait. “But it was still great. We flew in on the Saturday before the race. I got in a five-mile run and ran across others doing the same that day. Sunday was a packet-and-bib-number pick up, and a three-mile run. We walked to the finish line and experienced the bombing memorials as well on Sunday. I am fortunate to have experienced all I did. I mean, everyone knows about the Boston Marathon.’’
Despite being excited at completing the enormous task that is the Boston Marathon, Long was matter of fact regarding his post-race celebration. Especially since he finished just 44 minutes behind overall champion Sisay Lemma, of Ethiopia, who set a blistering pace, running alone through most of the course to finish in 2 hours, 6 minutes, 17 seconds — the 10th fastest time in the race’s 128-year history.
Being part of the Rock Valley family has allowed Long to stay involved with the local running scene, compete, but to also carry out a personal practice passion of treating runners.
“As a whole, Rock Valley allows clinicians to treat areas that are passionate to them and with me it is treating runners,’’ Long said, sporting a grateful smile. “It is something I am passionate about, and it is great we are encouraged to pursue things passionate to us. It is just one of the many remarkable things about Rock Valley, but an important one.’’
The Quad-Cities boasts a vibrant race scene with many opportunities to compete. Long said he will take on the challenge of two Q-C-based running staples this summer.
“The Firecracker Run is the first,’’ Long said of East Moline, Ill.-based Fourth of July run. “And the (Quad City Times) Bix (7) are two for sure. I do not know after that. I do not know about Boston every year, but it is something I know I will want t to get back to and try again.’’
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller