Alan Coykendall

Q: When did you begin running and why?
I did run Cross Country one year in high school, and would run recreationally through college then while in the Army. Living in DC and then in New Orleans I often saw races being conducted for a variety of charitable events, so I started participating in a number of 5Ks and 10Ks, and even convinced several of my friends to join in.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
My co-worker, Elizabeth Humphrey, got me interested in helping with the races.

Q: What is the toughest run or race you’ve ever participated in?
Marine Corps Marathon in 2004. I knew I would not be able to run the entire distance so I set three goals, 1: Run a good half marathon, 2: Get across the bridge before they open it to traffic, and 3: Finish (no time goal set). I was able to run to about the 16 mile mark so I was happy and then started hoofing it. Within a couple more miles I was hating life . . . but I finished!

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
Helping out at the races and making it a better experience for the runners.

Q: What’s the most important lesson running has taught you?
Push yourself, stretch your limits, see where it can take you.

Q: What’s your favorite DCRR race?
They are all good.

Q: What race day traditions do you have?
Arrive an hour early

Q: What’s your proudest running moment?
Helping coordinate a 10K run in Panama

Q: What’s your life like outside of running?
Quiet

Q: What is one thing you wouldn’t run without?
Sneakers?