Runner Spotlight

Name:  Mike Thaler
Nickname: Mr. T
Age:  ​​68

What’s your running story?
I started running to change my type 2 diabetes medication problems. I went from 260# + to under 190 #  no longer needed medication to control my sugar levels.

What is your favorite post race food/drink? 
beer/pizza
What is your most embarrassing running story? 
After my first riverbank 25k when I realized I couldn't walk down the stairs, I had to watch how other runners got down them.
 
What’s your favorite running distance?
10k - 15k

What is your favorite city to run in? 
Muskegon
 
What is your best running memory? 
Toss up  -
Dayton Air Force Marathon
Mackinaw  bridge run 
​
Best PR: 
5k - 24:43         
Half Marathon - 1:57:40    

Did you run before joining Run Muskegon? 
Yes, I ran my first race at the Wings of Mercy 5k at Muskegon Co. Airport , as it was just up the road from my house. I met so many runners there and they were so friendly & helpful,  it hooked me.

Why did you join Run Muskegon?  
Eric Hinderleider and I ran together for years and we were looking for new challenges. So when we heard about a group of runners meeting at the YMCA lot on Wednesdays we stopped by, met a group of like minded runners and were welcomed to the group.

If you had to nominate a runner for us to feature next week, who should we talk to?
Eric Hinderleider

What would you say to anyone looking to run with Run Muskegon? 
Run Muskegon is a great group very supportive, lots of paces a nd compassionate .  On a side note they all supported me when I had a brain tumor removed in January 2016 and had to learn to talk ,walk then run all over again. Then in February of this year I suffered a cardiac death and they all supported me again .  THANKS !! to all of you.