NAME: Johnny Pettygrue
Age: 59
Chapter/City: Tampa
Years w/BMR: 6
You recently completed a 100-mile race/run. When/Where was this?
This year – Tampa Bay, FL
What inspired you to take on this challenge of running 100 miles?
I’ve always admired ancient endurance athletes, who did not have the perks of athletes today. I’ve also been running races cumulatively nearly 20 years and I’ve reached some decent speed and endurance goals, but I found that at this point in my life, I have more endurance than speed and trying to capitalize on that advantage made me consider doing a 100 mile race.
How did you mentally and physically prepare for such a long and demanding race?
I often did most of my training runs in the heat of the day when I was mindful not to sit down and rest and for the mentals. I also read and watched a plethora of examples of endurance successes as well as failures.
What was the toughest part of the race for you, and how did you push through it?
It was difficult for me to deal with getting lost several times understanding that I had to backtrack and get back on the course and still had quite a bit of territory to cover. Also, the last 17-mile section of the race was especially brutal because you were literally less than half of that distance from the finish line in airline miles. But the course meandered towards and away from the finish line constantly teasing you seemingly. The way I endured, stayed focused on this thing, a team victory, as well as teaching my 19-year-old nephew who will be at the finish line the art and benefits of suffering and enduring.
What were your hydration and nutrition must-haves over such a long distance?
Salt tablets and all kinds of burritos turned out to be a great source of nutrition to keep me energized.
What did completing this 100-mile race teach you about yourself?
It showed me that I could push myself past my central governor and still be a nice teammate at the same time.
What is the funniest thing to happen to you during a race?
I had an extraordinary accumulation of gas that refused to be contained. I was farting on all my pacers.
What is Johnny’s post-race indulgent treat?
Cadillac Margarita
How did you get linked up with Black Men Run?
My wife, who is the National Coach for Black Girls RUN!, mentioned that they were trying to start a chapter in Tampa around 2019, so I joined.
For you, what is the best part about being a member of BMR?
I’m naturally a loner and self-motivated, but BMR motivates me to participate in community, in consequence I’m able to be there for my brothers as well as encourage and increasingly motivate myself.
Any advice for someone who is new to running?
Seek out a running community that suits you, and you’ll be far more consistent and successful in my opinion.