Monumental Runner – Jason Lufkin

Name: Jason Lufkin

Self-described age group: 37

Residence: Capitol Hill

Occupation: Management consultant specializing in risk advisory & business transformation

Why you run: I spent a lot of time thinking about my Why statement. It’s simple though – I run because it gives me joy.

When did you get started running: I started running in 1996 leading up to freshman year cross country after my parents had forced me to sign up for a fall sport. I remember wearing basketball shoes to my first practice and thought the one-mile warmup was the entire workout.

Have you taken a break from running:  I ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track all through high school and then into my freshman year at the University of Maryland. The transition to training at the collegiate level was difficult though and I found myself completely burnt out after the fall 2000 XC season. The break from running lasted until 2015 when my wife convinced me to sign up for a 10K with her. That race reignited my passion for running and racing.

Training shoe: Adidas Adizero Adios, New Balance 1400, New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon

Coach or training group: I run with SWAP (Some Work, All Play) led by David & Megan Roche. I’ve been coached by David since 2018. The decision to join SWAP has been one of the best life decisions I’ve ever made – I cannot speak highly enough of them as coaches and humans.

The hardest race you’ve ever run: My first marathon – the 2016 Marquette Marathon in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I learned just how humbling the marathon distance can be. Within 24 hours though I had signed up for the next one.

Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: My wife and I traveled the world during the summer of 2018. We ran in some pretty incredible places – among giraffes and zebras in Kenya’s Masai Mara, in the jungles of Uganda, and along a portion of New Zealand’s Tarawera ultra course in the Redwood forest. We’ve made running a priority wherever we travel – it’s the best way to explore new places and meet new friends.

Running mentors: There are so many! I feel incredibly inspired right now by Peter Bromka and his OTQ journey.

My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Sunrise on the C&O running north from Great Falls.

Favorite local trail:  Always enjoy a good romp around Burke Lake.

My best race was: The 2017 NYC half marathon – it wasn’t the time necessarily but the effort. I found an extra gear in the last 5K that really surprised me. I ended up closing the last mile that was faster than my 5K PR pace at the time.

Favorite local race: Capitol Hill Classic 10K – Jason Levine and crew continue to put on an amazing community race every spring. I love seeing all our friends, neighbors, and pups cheering on the local runners.

Ideal post-run meal: Bacon cheeseburger with a Czech pilsner.

Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: Salted watermelon

Pet peeve: Sidewalk poo. PLEASE pick up the sidewalk dog poo.

Goals: Short term – sub 2:50 at the NYC marathon this year. Long term – Top 10 Master in a world major.

Your advice for a new runner:  Keep the easy days, easy.

Favorite running book: The Happy Runner by David & Megan Roche.

Song in your head during a run: All Star by Smash Mouth. I find myself constantly trying to come up with new lyrics during runs. It’s the perfect song to parody.

Have you dealt with a major injury: Stress fracture – upper left femur in October 2017. Lesson learned – it’s important to back off and take downtime after cycles and big race efforts.

Running quote: “The weathah is the weathah” – Sign along the 2018 Boston course.

Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner:  I think we often take for granted just how amazing this area is for running (I certainly do). The network of trails available within such a short distance allows all the variety of terrain or elevation you could ask for. The running community here is also first rate – there are just so many opportunities to get involved.