The Nobel Peace Prize! I cannot remember when in recent history it had made so many headlines as it did just a few weeks ago when the Committee in Norway decided that President Obama was worthy this honor. How great is it for our Nation when our President receives the NOBEL PEACE PRIZE? And what does it say about how he is being perceived in the rest of the world? It is so great in so many ways and we can all be proud as Americans. After all, it is moments like this one when I am reminded that I made the right choice when I decided to become an American citizen, giving up my German citizenship in the process.

What does this have to do with running? Well, in today’s Runners’ Lounge, the Early Runner Chelsea asks the following question:

You’re on the Selection Committee for the Nobel Prize for Running.  Who would you nominate for the winner and why?

It could be an elite or a beginning runner….a courageous ordinary runner in your community who inspires you…. or the local running club leader, race director, or running store owner who gives tirelessly back to running. It could be the senior runner in your community who knows no age limitations.

You decide.  Who do you think deserves to be recognized for enriching and advancing the experience of running for others?

The person I would nominate is not famous, at least not on a national or international level. But he is certainly well known around Santa Barbara’s running circle. Meet Wally M.

Wally is my former coach and one of the unsung heros of the local running world. He is one of those people who is gentle, yet forceful, always making you feel as if you are in charge of your training but really just pushing you to the next level.

I met Wally in early 2004 while I was in the middle of training for my first marathon with Team in Training. Wally became our coach that spring and his knowledge and wisdom made me realize what was possible for me as a runner. He never tried to pretend that runs would be easier than they were and he had warned me that the fist marathon would be humbling, no matter how experienced of a weekday and weekend warrior I had been and how many years I had put onto my soles. But he said this with a gentle smile and never once instilled any doubt in me that I could do this. Of course he was right. The first marathon more than humbled me but because of my great experience training for it and being coached by Wally I knew the moment I crossed the finish line that I would do this again and again.

Wally continued to coach me through all of my subsequent marathons and always tailored my personal training plan even though I was still running with Team in Training. I received weekly emails with my daily training details, emails I keep and follow to this day. One of the highlights of my running life with Wally was traveling to Boston together and lining up at the 2006 Boston Marathon start line with him. There we were, at the beginning of every runners’ dream. We ran the first 10 miles together but eventually lost sight of each other as Wally started to experience some pain in one of his legs. He slowed down while I continued. Boston turned out to be a disappointing finish for Wally but for me it remains the best marathon experience so far.

In Santa Barbara’s running community Wally is well known as he helps organize all local races and is the timing guru. He has his timing office all set up in his dark blue VW Van – The V Wally – where we, who are friends with him can always store all of our extra belongings. Showing up at a race start to see that van always calmed my pre race jitters immediately and made everything feel so much better. Just as long as Wally was there and I could leave my extra gear in his van not much could go wrong. And if I did not run the race myself I always helped out with setting up and the timing itself. Life was good.

I don’t see Wally this much anymore but whenever I do I know I am in for a good day. Running or not!

Thank you, Wally, for making me realize my potential as a runner and taking me to a new level!

Today’s Running Tip: Honor your local heroes!

They might not be famous, but anyone who supports you in your running efforts deserves recognition! After all they make it possible for you to explore your passion!