As some of you may have begun to realize there is some real running talent amongst the UM members. One of the brightest stars is Jill Perry. Jill who is a relative new comer to the sport of ultrarunning has taken the sport by storm by racking up some serious victories all the while setting course records as well as U.S. records. I recently had the pleasure of discussing with Jill her recent accomplishments and some random thoughts on the sport.
UM: Wow, what a year for you! Can you start by recapping your race wins this year
for the UM audience?
JP: Lets see…February, Caumsett 50k – second place. April, Umstead 100 – first place, July, Vermont 100 – second place, August, Monster Marathon – first place, Oct, NC24hr race – first place. Do not know the exact times off hand.
UM: How long has running been part of your life?
JP: Running has been a part of my life since I was a little girl, always have enjoyed it. I do remember coming home from kindergarten and asking my Mom, “What does ants in your pants mean” – I’ve always been high energy. And Ultrarunning? Ultrarunning is fairly new for me…2-3 years of it. I have had the desire and was fascinated about it since I was a teenager. I had a good friend Kevin, from Chicago, who was an amazing ultrarunner and new I wanted to try it some day
UM: There’s many among us, myself included, who now consider you one of the best Ultrarunners in the sport. Are you comfortable with that label?
JP: I don’t think I am the best. I think there are many amazing wonderful ultrarunners out there. What is hard to compare is that all races have different terrain, maybe different temps for race day…so it really is hard to pinpoint who is the best. I would rather be included in the “team of good runners”!
UM: What’s more impressive about your accomplishments is that you also juggle raising 5 children all the while being active with other running organizations. What’s the secret?
JP: Well, don’t stop moving. Secret? Hmmmm, still trying to learn that. I guess when you do have many kids, you tend not to worry – worry takes up a lot of wasted energy. I don’t worry about little things, I am not a perfectionist, I don’t worry about my races. Ultrarunning is a metaphor of my life. So many miles ahead, but it is important to be in the moment. So many kids and activities, just live for that day and do what you can do! I am blessed to have wonderful kids, who are healthy and active. I probably put on many more miles just taking care of them…so they are certainly good mental and physical training for me!
UM: Part of being recognized as a world class runner is what you do off the course. Can you tell us a little about your work with the group you created called Whole Running?
JP: Whole Running started out as a hobby – kind of still is. I wanted to inspire other Mom’s like me and take them out of their homes and show them the joy of running in all ways. I feel very fortunate to be on the coaching side of it all and watch them grow and achieve things that they didn’t think they had in them. And that sure motivates me to do the same! It is more than a running group…these ladies truly care about each other in many ways. It really is like a Yaya Sisterhood! Love it!
UM: Despite impressive growth in the past decade, Ultrarunning is still a very small sport,. Do you ever think that it will be recognized as more than a “fringe” sport?
JP: Not sure. It sounds so intimidating to so many. Personally, I like that it is a small sport and that we are all in it for the pure personal satisfaction it brings. The Marathon is considered the “Ultra” in most peoples eyes…and its funny that in the Ultra world, we are running marathon distances every weekend!
UM: What advice would you give someone who is looking to get into the sport?
JP: Enjoy the process…don’t get caught up on the finish line. Go with your perceived exertion when starting out. Make the trip and enjoy different trails, different scenery, running with different people. Know that you can do a lot more than your mind tells you to do!
UM: Finally, what’s next for you?
JP: Wish I knew exactly! In November I will officially be on the Montrail Team and still waiting to find out the details of what is required of me. I love the trail runs…so the sooner I get back to that, the happier I’ll be. Definitely on my calendar is Gibraltar 50k and JFK in November. 2010, I have about 10 races to choose from and I’m trying to figure out which ones I will enjoy the training for the most.