WTC Member Profile: John Samsel
John Samsel, Photo Courtesy of New York Road Runners
Sometimes one’s passion comes later in life, and when one least expects it. Such is the story of Westchester Track Club member John Samsel and his discovery of running.
It would be seemingly safe to assume that John has been running since he was a high schooler, or maybe as a college student. After all, the 65-year-old is training with the intensity of a lifelong runner: he rarely takes a day off (“I’ve gone a month to a month and a half never having missed a day”), he currently logs 55-65 miles per week (this fall’s New York City Marathon is on the agenda), and he designs his workouts with the utmost precision (800 meter repeats are a favorite).
Yet, John only began running 12 years ago – pretty impressive for someone who is widely known throughout the New York Road Runner circuit as a top age group competitor.
The story begins when John entered a road race on a whim. Although involved in sports throughout his life, John never pursued running until serendipitously participating in a race in Larchmont. After completing it, he spoke with other runners, and there was something about the sport, the competitors, and the energy that intrigued him. He was hooked.
He visited Westchester Road Runner and got to know members of the Westchester Track Club. He says it was those people who inspired him to join the team and immerse himself fully in the sport.
“I love the people on the Westchester Track Club,” John said. “It was so easy to become involved. There is a nice common bond among runners. There is a sense of community.”
Indeed, the sense of camaraderie and common understanding inspires the New York City resident every day. While he acknowledges that the superstars of today are impressive, the Everyman and his or her pursuit of the sport strikes a particularly strong chord.
“I get my inspiration from the people I run with and talk to,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for all the people who are out there, whether they are mid-packers or in the back. They are out there, feeling good about themselves, doing something healthy. I give them credit.”
“Runners are unique in regard to why we need running,” he continued. “It’s almost like a religion. There’s something really special about it.”
Despite training alone for the majority of the time, John does not experience the loneliness of the long distance runner. Logging most of his miles in Central Park, John is surrounded by fellow runners daily, and comes across familiar faces all of the time.
Samsel racing in Central Park, Photo Courtesy of New York Road Runners
Central Park has become a beloved part of his running regimen. Having formerly lived in Westchester and Connecticut, John moved to New York City in 2005 with the widely-held notion that running in Central Park would be dull and monotonous, particularly since many NYRR races are charted over the very same paths. After training in the Park, however, John found that was not the case.
“People think that training in Central Park and then racing there would make you tired of running there all the time. But, for some reason, the race always seems different from a regular training day. I guess it’s the magic of racing, or maybe the magic of training,” he said.
John enjoys the challenge of distance running and races anything from the mile to the half marathon. He competes in 25 to 30 events per year, and his results are impressive. Most recently, he clocked a solid 33:19 at the Club Championships on August 8, placing first in his age group. He then came back eight days later to run a 1:34:58 in the blistering heat in the New York City Half Marathon, taking second in his age group. And, in case there was any doubt who is tops in the 65-69 age group category, John raced the next weekend at the Percy Sutton Harlem 5k and won his age group with his 20:23 performance.
A true student of the sport, John reads the latest on training philosophies and breaking news in the world of track and field and road running. His training is influenced by his studies, as well as input from Coach Mike Barnow, and some good old-fashioned work ethic. A typical week for John includes one or two tempo runs of five or more miles; speed work comprised of varying distances, such as 1200s, 800s, or the occasional session of 400s; and a long run of up to 15 miles, which may include pickups. The bliss of training has become an important part of John’s life, and he is quick to express his gratitude to be able to participate in something he found just a handful of years ago.
“I never take running for granted. I can’t imagine life without running,” he said, and pauses.
“Well, I can,” he continues, interrupting the thought with a characteristic chuckle, “but I don’t want to!”
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