Name: Laurence J Clark MD FACP
Self-described age group: Masters Senior
Residence: Mount Vernon, Va.
Occupation: Physician, Medicare Medical Director, Noridian Healthcare Solutions (13 states including West Coast), Volunteer Medical Director, Carpenters Shelter Clinic
Volunteer roles in the running world: Organizer for the Run for Shelter to support local homelessness initiatives
How has your running changed in the last few weeks: I have been running by myself around the Chinquapin Park oval to maintain social distancing at the usual time I would be running with NOVA
Why you run: because you can’t finish a triathlon without running
When did you get started running: I started working with Coach Jerry Alexander about seven years ago, I never had any prior running coaching
Have you taken a break from running: No, I swim twice per week, run with NOVA on Tuesday nights, and ride my bike on the weekend. All that fits my schedule so I have to make it work
Training shoe: Altra
Coach or training group: Coach Jerry Alexander, NOVA Running Club
The hardest race you’ve ever run: San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz when I was 56 years old
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: To actually show up at NOVA and get some coaching
Running mentors: Erin and Greg Swiatocha
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: George Washington Parkway
Favorite local trail: Mount Vernon Recreation Center
My best race was: NYC Triathlon 2012
Favorite local race: NOVA 5K, it’s fun to run with friends
Ideal post-run meal: oysters
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: raspberry
Pet peeve: people spitting near you
Goals: survive my 48th lifetime Tri this summer, place in my age group in the NOVA 5K, swim in the Masters National 2mile Open Water Swim this August, if these events are not postponed
Your advice for a new runner: start much earlier than I did, and run with a supportive club like NOVA
Favorite running book: Born to Run
Song in your head during a run: Little Red Corvette by Prince
Have you dealt with a major injury: chronic knee problem
Running quote: “Larry, stop” thought I was hurdling a log outside of Phoenix, it was a rattler
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: The absolutely wonderful people, and a river runs through it.
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