Name: Mike Harlow
Self-described age group: 65, over-the-hill geezer
Residence: Forest Hill, Md.
Occupation: (if applicable) Retired
Why I run: Lifestyle change when I turned 50. Used to be a two-pack-a-day smoker. Quit when I turned 50 and started running.
When did you get started running: 15 years ago when I turned 50.
Have you taken a break from running: Yes, two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate issues and cancer in my left kidney. Kidney was removed, cancer and prostate were treated. Was in a no-running mode for about six months.
Training shoe: Hoka, my go-to shoe ever since they came out.
Coach or training group: Run Farther and Faster; Julie Sapper and Lisa Reichmann are my coaches
The hardest race you’ve ever run: My first Marine Corps Marathon. I did everything wrong that race because I was so caught up in the excitement I forgot to do things like hydrating and taking energy gels. Let’s just say it didn’t end well…
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: To run at least two marathons every year and this year to start racing in a kilt.
Running mentors: My daughter Jennifer and my coaches Julie and Lisa
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: When I worked in Alexandria, I used to run from my office along the Potomac all the way to the D.C. line and back at lunch
Favorite local trail: The NCR Trail
My best race was: The Shamrock Marathon 2007 – my PR race
Favorite local race: Marine Corps Marathon
Ideal post-run meal: A big greasy cheeseburger with fries and a ice-cold large Sam Adams draft or two
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: Honey Stinger
Pet peeve: Cars disrespecting me when I’m running on the road shoulders
Goals: To keep running into my 80s
Your advice for a new runner: Get a coach/trainer
Favorite running book: Pre: The Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine
Song in your head during a run: Without a doubt “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Have you dealt with a major injury: Torn both calves and one quad which required heavy PT, including dry needling
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: Because there are so many liked-mind people on the street every day to meet, run with, make lifelong friendships with. Runners are some of the most caring people I have ever been around.
Recent Stories
Looking for our race calendar? Click here Submit races here or shop local for running gear
Coaching high school cross country and track made Kelyn Soong a better runner.
A break from racing one of my favorite events gave me a chance to help other runners reach their time goals.
Eight local runners will compete in the Olympic Marathon Trials Saturday morning in Orlando.
Kensington 8K Race
Three distances – 8K, 2M, and 1K – all starting and finishing at Kensington Town Hall.
The 8K runs through historic Kensington, going past Warner Mansion, along Antique Row, beside 120+ year-old houses and around Noyes Library, the oldest library
HalfWay 2.5K
Join the Officer Down Memorial Page for our inaugural HalfWay 2.5K on November 16, 2024. The HalfWay 2.5K is a fun, global, virtual run to help you prep six months out from the National Police Week 5K. Run or walk
