After watching Kellie Shimer complete a marathon in all 50 of these United States, one would think taking on some little old 3-mile-plus races in the Bucks 5K Series would just be a run in the park.
Well, guess again.
You see, it might be logical to conclude that the Richlandtown resident would have a decided edge over her competition due to her long-distance accomplishments.
However, there’s this little matter called the age factor. Back in the day, she could handle these 20-somethings without too much strenuous effort.
But now, on the north side of 40, she has her hands full with speedsters such as 21-year-old Megan Lysek-Hagy, who finished just 11 seconds behind her in the battle for first place at the Blaze of Glory 5K on March 21.
The two completed the 3.1-mile course in 20:13 and 20:24 respectively and it was a competitive skirmish for most of the way.
Lysek-Nagy avenged her narrow loss to Shimer in the Bucks 5K race on April 5. The two were only six seconds apart (19:43 to 19:49). Actually, both finished behind 37-year-old Emily Sharrod.
That’s what makes it fun to race.
“There are a lot of good other runners who are going to be running,” Shimer said about the Bucks 5K Series in a recent telephone conversation. “I know I was surprised because there’s Megan, who is a very good runner. Everyone’s just coming back (from the winter), so I was surprised I was able to get a first.”
An age-percentage number of 76.8 at the Blaze of Glory is pretty darn good, too.
What’s the secret for maintaining this level of fitness as the years go by?
“That’s a good question,” she said with a chuckle. “I like going to Peace Valley Park (New Britain Township) and just doing that loop. Sometimes I’ll do pick-ups. I really do need to get back on the track.
“It’s more I just really enjoy running. Get out there and have fun. But then get some speedwork in and things like that.”
She and her husband, Will, take turns keeping an eye on their twin 7-year-old sons, John and Jacob. But there are times when they get out for a run together, as was the case when training for those 50 marathons a few years back.
“We kind of plan, whether he will run or I will run,” she explained. “My parents are very helpful because they live close to Peace Valley so I’m able to have them (John and Jacob) over there with them while I go run. So I’m very fortunate to be able to get out more because I have that network. It’s very helpful. I’m very lucky.”
In fact, Kellie once ran a pair of marathons just after she learned she was pregnant. Now that’s dedication.
She has a best of 3:10 in the marathon and her average time for the 50-marathon challenge was around 3:30.
An even better time might be on the horizon.
“That is one goal that I’ve talked about,” she said. “I don’t know how feasible it would be. Maybe on a course that would fit (her profile). Maybe a little hilly.”
The Pennridge High School graduate is a Title 1 teacher (supporting students in reading, writing and mathematics) at Souderton Elementary School.
There may be some more marathons on the horizon, particularly as the boys get older. She and Will are thinking about finishing up the world’s six majors. They’ve already crossed New York, Boston and Chicago off the list. London, Berlin and Tokyo are still left on the schedule.
Her competitive drive goes back to her days of running track at Pennridge.
And a sense of humor helps, too.
“Now we tell the boys they’ve already run two marathons!” Kellie said a few years back.
With that kind of spirit, anything is possible.
Race calendar
Saturday, April 26
Run, Walk, Roll for Brain Injury 5K, 10 a.m., Richboro. Contact www.biapa.com.
Sunday, April 27
Bookin’ for Lookin’ 5K (Bucks 5K Series), 8:30 a.m., Newtown. Contact www.bookinforlookin.com.
