The Runner

The Runner

My running history includes over 50 years running dating back to 1966. Back then I was a middle distance specialist managing to break the 2:20 mark for the 880 (half mile) as a pudgy freshman at Grand Blanc High School. By my senior year, I ran the half mile in less than 2 minutes and was a part of a distant medley team that broke the meet, school, and Michigan state record. During my junior and senior years, I ran cross country for one of the top high school teams in the Michigan. Training included running as much as 150 miles per week. Training also included many miles of fast-paced long runs along the rural roads to countless repeats around a quarter-mile track.

Following high school, I became a recreational runner. I did not compete, preferring to enjoy local routes in my area. I returned to competitive running in 1982 when I joined the Novi Trackers Running Club. Through the support of the members I rediscovered the true enjoyment of running and road racing competition. While many of my Tracker friends were running sub-3 hour marathons and posting awesome finishing times in major marathons such as Boston and Chicago, I remained committed to the shorter distances.

Finally after several years competing in the Masters division, I decided to enter my first marathon,  the Detroit Free Press Marathon in 1993. By that time, my running friends had retired from marathons which meant I needed to train for and run my first marathon totally on my own. I read and learned a lot about how to prepare for a marathon but reading is a far cry from competing. Nonetheless, I tried to start at a slow pace and hitting the wall shortly after the 20 mile mark. I finished my first marathon in a time of 3:23.  I was both elated and disappointed with my time. The following year I returned to run Detroit again. This time finishing in 3:17, which remains my lifetime personal record (PR).

In 2004, I joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Team in Training (TNT) program. While raising over $5,000 towards the fight against Leukemia, Lymphoma, and all cancers I was re-energized me to run competitively. Following my two years with TNT, which included duties as a team mentor I ran and trained on my own for another two years. It was during this time that I ran my first Boston Marathon in 2006. My lesson learned during this period was that a runner’s performance improves when supported by a coach and running group. This lead to my joining the Running Fit 501 Marathon Training program in 2007. Here, I truly learned the value of training under a qualified running coach and my knowledge of running exploded. 

Training with the 501 group in Ann Arbor felt like the good old days back in high school where we ran hills, ran roads (with hills), and ran fast (usually uphill).  I joined the Novi/Northville 501 group in 2009 and shortly thereafter assumed the duties of an assistant coach. I enjoyed helping newer and more experienced runners to improve their running.

I joined the Ann Arbor Track Club and the USA Track and Field organization in 2010. The USA Track and Field organization is the national governing body for the sport of running, including the US Olympics. Through the Ann Arbor Track Club, I competed in several U.S. National Road Races. In 2011, I was a part of the team that took first place in the team competition for the National 10K Championship.

I am excited in my new role as a running coach to be able to share all of the benefits and experiences of running to those runners who seek to reach to their new goal.

• Nationally Certified Running Coach, Road Runners Clubs of America, 2017

• Brooks ID (Inspire Daily) Coach, 2008 - present

• Running Fit 501, Assistant Coach 2009-16

• The 501 Running Club Coach 2017 - present

• USATF National Championship First Place Team, 10K, AATC

• 13 Marathons, 10 time Boston Qualifier Detroit (6), Boston (2), New York, Chicago, Honolulu, Traverse City Bayshore, Raleigh City of Oaks AG Winner

• Over 35 half marathons, Competed in every Brooksie Way (14). Age Group winner in Rock CF Half Marathon and Detroit US Half Marathon in 2022.

• Crim 30 year club member 2016 - present, Completing 36 Crim Ten Mile Road Races, Flint MI

• Age Group Competitor most races entered of any distance

• Coached runners in the following races; Detroit Marathon (full and half), Glass City Marathon, Bayshore Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Marine Corp Marathon, New York City Marathon, and The Boston Marathon.

Call or email Coach Lee: 248-773-9970 or TheRunningArchitect@gmail.com