The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Bay Village man wins men’s race
Grogan also won in 2016
Bay Village resident Mark Grogan is all too familiar with the Journal Jog. Two years ago, he won the men’s event with a 15:50.3.
On Aug. 5 at Black River Landing, Grogan did it again, running a 15:38.76 to claim the crown.
Last year he skipped the event, but was glad he returned.
“I wanted to be under 16 and I think I beat my time from a couple years ago,” Grogan said. “I’m honestly happy about that. It’s just nice to be able to come out on Sunday morning, 20 bucks and hop on a 5K. It’s a good course, good timing and for a good cause.”
The weather was above 90 degrees, and it was something Grogan prepped for, but said he didn’t feel the heat until after the first mile. The Journal Jog was another day on the trail for Grogan, who runs five to six days a week. He trains with a group of about 50 people in Lakewood at Second Sole on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
His wife, Mallory, has run with the group since high school. Grogan ran against coach of the group, Tim Kelly, in college at Case Western Reserve.
Grogan, 29, is a chemical engineer by trade, but is now a material science engineer who works for Laird Technologies in Cleveland. He started running when was 10 and wasn’t good — but had a growth spurt and picked up his speed. He kept running through college and it’s become a hobby.
“It’s as natural as brushing my teeth now,” Grogan said. “Some people do crazy mileage like a 100 a week. I just like to do that for staying active.”
For those who have never run before, Grogan encourages them to do so. It’s difficult in the beginning, but eventually it’ll become second nature.
“You’ve got to give it a few weeks,” he added. “Even you’re coming back after a break, it takes at least two weeks for it not feel completely horrible. Even if you’re starting off, you have to be consistent and set goals for yourself. It will become a habit and become easier and easier. It doesn’t matter what pace you’re on, everything is relative. My wife’s uncle has a saying and it’s “it doesn’t hurt any less, you just get faster.’”
First-place winners received a gold medal and photograph. 76 runners overall ran in the race, and with construction happening over a bridge on the course, he couldn’t help but notice how loud it was.
Grogan expects to run a 7-mile race at Cape Cod and throughout the summer. He still runs in the cold during winter time, but uses a treadmill, which isn’t for everyone.
“My wife hates treadmills,” he laughed. “We once got a hand-me-down treadmill from my in-laws that was 15 years old and one time I ran on it in our house and the belt folded over on itself. So I broke the treadmill and my wife was so mad. I had to fix the belt (laughs). But, it’s just tough to get out in the winter.”
A winner two of the past three years, if Grogan opts to do it again next year — it’s a safe bet he’ll be a favorite to win again.