Mary Level Menton - Interview No. 5 - UjENA FIT Club Interviews

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UjENA FIT Club Running Interviews and articles with 100 Interesting People

Best Road Races and the UjENA FIT Club is speaking with 100 people who we feel have a lot to say about running, racing and fitness We will give you background information as will as their insights into the future. Be sure to post your feedback and comments.

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Mary Level Menton - Interview No. 5

Monday, January 16th, 2012

There’s Something About Mary

Mary Level Menton is a mother of three busy girls and have always enjoyed fitness and running. 48-year-old Mary has ran competitively for years, have qualified for three Olympic trials and hold a number of road races records in Florida where she lives.

Mary was named Florida Female Runner of the year two times in the early 90s. She is a certified personal trainer and USATF level one Coach. "I love to Coach and have a passion for motivating people. I run everyday and try and lift weights at least three times a week." Mary says. But she says I do everything in moderation. (Interview by Bob Anderson)

Personal Bests: 5k 16:09; 10k 33:10; 1/2 Marathon 1:15:19; Marathon 2:37:09 - Masters: 5k 17:10; 10k 36:10; 1/2 Marathon 1:20:50; Marathon 2:55:00

1. Did you love running from the start?

Not at first, I just did it because my sister Sara was an outstanding sprinter. My family would travel to Seattle (we lived in Port Townsend) where she competed in AAU meets. My mom would pack the cooler and PBJs and we would spend the day at track meets. My sister Jessica and I would run around the stadium while Sara had her game face on winning races. I was such in awe of her. I started running when I was in 9th grade. I was not good at sprints and switched over to longer distances.

2. Do you believe people have born natural running talent? How about you?

I believe some people are born with some natural running talent, but hard work and discipline can get an average person to the top. I was an average runner later in my years. But I had some guts and loved the feeling of running and the solitude it provides.

3. When did you decide to get into racing and why?

I ran my first road race in 1981 when I was in High School. It was the big event in Port Townsend called the Rhode Run. I didn’t do too badly.

Later in my early 20s I wanted to start running because I wanted to stay fit and it was the easiest thing to do. My first 10k was in Florida.

4. Did you love racing right from the start?

No, because I wasn’t sure how to race. I would go out like crazy and die, and that hurts.

5. What kind of training were you doing in the early years? Did you have a coach?

In my early years in Florida I was running around 25 miles a week just to stay fit and a neighbor friend of mine encouraged me run my first 10k. I gutted it out and won it in 35:50 and received a local Nike sponsorship. I didn't have a coach until I started taking it a bit more serious.

6. Tell us about your races leading up to the marathon where you qualified for the Olympic Trials.

When I ran my first marathon I was cranking out the long runs. Fast, fast and too fast. I thought if training hard I’d be a shoe-in for a fast marathon. I would run 20 milers in 6:30 pace. All aerobic...Didn't know any better. When I ran Houston in 1987 I thought I could run 2:40 (back then that was decent) so I went out hard and died. It was so cold that I staggered in around the 26 mile mark and managed to finish 2:50 or so...spent time in the medical tent with hypothermia.

7. What was it like running in the Olympic Marathon Trials? (Three times)

The first one was Pittsburg and I was so over trained, my calves where huge and tight from over training, I can't remember my time it might have been 2:45 or so. The second was Houston, I love Houston, and I don't why I was 17th or 19th in 2:37:09. I remember being around 35th place at halfway and just hung onto my game plan. Olympian Benji Durden was helping me then so I had good coaching. The 3rd was in Columbia, S.C. where I opted to run the 10k instead.

8. Looking back on it, would you have done anything different in the Trials?

I believe things happen for a reason and I wouldn’t change anything. It's a learning process. I did what I could for the Trials and was pleased with my accomplishments.

9. What was your marathon race strategy?

My marathon strategy was to hang back about 20 seconds slower than goal race pace. Benji advised me to break up the marathon into segments. The first 8 miles I would just relax and not worry about other people bolting out; I conserved my energy. The next 5 miles I started thinking about what I needed to do when I approached the 18 mile mark and then the work started. I am a realist.

So I only worried about myself and what I thought I could run/race. I never concerned myself with what others were doing around me.

10. Why do you think you are able to push yourself more than others?

I am able to push myself because I am self motivated, disciplined and have goals. I’d spend weekends with my core group of close girl friends (they didn't run) and be out late and I would get up early and run and come back and they would still in bed. They were always supportive of me but thought I was crazy.

11. What was your favorite distance and why?

I really didn't have a favorite, but if pressed I’d say 5k. I don't have tremendous leg speed so I would always go out at what I thought I could finish. Girls would be flying out the first mile and I would think “they can't run that fast.” So I would catch them around a mile and a half and relied on my strength the last mile or so.

12. How did your training change once you started working with Benji Durden?

Once I started to work with Benji he had me slow down, I know it seems strange but I was cranking out intervals way to fast and running all anaerobic and we know that doesn't work. I became confident in my training and trusted his program. The thing I liked about Benji is his laid back approach. He was also Coaching Kim Jones (family friend) and Kim was running strong and dominating the roads.

13. What race really stand out in your mind?
The Grand Bahama 5000 where I set my PR. I thought I might go under 16 minutes. It was a fast course and some big name runners where there. I remember the race starting at 5 (kinda hot) and we went out like a bat out of hell. I was hanging off the back of some really fast girls, but I kept telling myself to hang on. I am like "OMG” I think I was out around 5:08. I regrouped and just missed breaking 16.

14. Did you change your racing strategy to get under 17 for 5k and 34:30 for 10k?

I didn't change my race strategy for the shorter races. I might have done some quicker intervals but most of time I trained the same.

15. Why do you think you never dipped under 16 for 5k?

I think it was because of timing. I think I might have been able to do it. I was running low 16's. It was probably lack of sheer leg speed.

16. How important do you think diet is for a runner?

Diet is something runners should watch. I did reach a point in my running when I was around 100 pounds and 8% body fat. I was a lean mean machine, I ate a lot, but not enough fat. I ran Houston and the Twin Cities marathon and I lacked the fat burning and around 20 miles I paid for it. I ran low 2:40 or so. Amie Durden and Benji were there and Amie mentioned I looked a bit thin. So I went home and ate cheese. But if you are running the mileage food intake is so important. When I was racing I liked to be around 105 I don't and never owned a scale. Now I like my weight around 108-110 I think. Water is so important and another one element I was weak in.

Comments and Feedback

Mary, you really do love running and racing...thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Bob Anderson 1/16/12 10:16 pm

Thank you for allowing me to share! Mary
Mary Level Menton 1/17/12 5:12 am

,,,,,

17. Did you do any weight training? I am glad you asked this question. I love to lift weights. I believe it has kept me strong and balanced. I like the way my body feels when I lift. I am not huge nor do I lift heavy. I go for a lot of reps. I strongly believe in weight lifting. I have done it all my life. I am ok with the extra pounds on me. My abs are strong from lifting as I do not do sit ups. Today I still try and lift two or three days a week.

18. You ran well once you turned 40. Tell us about that. Why did you not continue at this level?

I ran well when I turned 40 up until 44 when I moved away from my good friends and training partners in south Florida. My good friend Trish Malischewski Butler, an All American at NC state, and I use to hammer track work and long runs together. After our track sessions, all stinky and smelly, we would go shopping in Boca. I miss the sophistication of Ft. Lauderdale. I miss my training partners. I live in an area where running is not big. I know I will be moving in the next year or so and I am hoping to move closer to a metropolitan city. My best times in the last year have been 18:40 5k and 1:32 half. Without much training or interval work it’s mostly on strength. I am hoping when I reach 50 I will get the desire back to crank out some workouts

19. How have you handled your training and racing over the years being a mother of three?

I am pretty structured and disciplined. But I also balance myself. Everything in moderation. I was afforded the lifestyle where I could stay home and take care of my girls and run. I had great support from friends and family.

20. Do you still enjoy racing?

I do enjoy racing because I toe the line with a realistic attitude. I know I am not going to run under 18 minutes because I didn't put the work in or break 1:30 in the half. I still enjoy the camaraderie with my friends. So if I run 19 minutes I am ok with it. The greatest thing about this sport is the lasting friendships I have made over the years.

21. Can you get even close to the same pleasure from racing now as you did when you were running 16:05 5k's and 2:37 marathons?

The same pleasure? Yes and no. I know I am not going to run the times but I like to go out and challenge myself

22. What do you think about the millions of dollars of prize money being awarded elite runners?

I think prize money should be awarded to elite runners. I am more concerned with American runners trying to make a jump. They need the income to live so they can train. It’s so much work and dedication. I would like to see the money utilized further down in the awards. Like maybe top 20 in a Major Marathon.

23. Do you think offering prize money improves performances?

I don't think it improves performance it just allows them to focus on their training. Men especially, they are usually the bread winners. It can relieve a lot of stress

24. What was it like being one of the top female runners in the country?

I don't consider myself a "TOP" female in the country. I was pretty good and I worked hard for every second. I just enjoyed showing up and racing with them.

25. What award did you receive that stands out beyond all others and why?

It was Boulder 93 or 94. I think I was 10th or 11th and on that course It was hard. I might have been 2/3rd American. Of course, I’ve never keep records. I kind of wished I would have now. I loved Lilac Bloomsday also.

26. How important has running been to your life?

Running has been an important part of my life: It makes me feel healthy, relieves stress, keeps me fit and is something I just enjoy doing. I love clothes and fashion so I like to stay thin. Also It is so enjoyable now that I can go out and run with my girls.

27. How many races would you normally run annually and why?

I would run at least two good marathons and maybe one race every three weeks. It also depended how important the race was. I would use local races as workouts and not taper.

28. What are your racing plans for the future?

I really don't have a structured plan to race right now. I have been fortunate that I get comp entries so I will jump in a race here and there.

29. Telling us about your coaching... What success have you had?

I have good success with coaching especially in H.S. (not coaching now to spend time with my 10 year old.) I really enjoy it and have had the opportunity to take a lack of talent and depth and take it to another level. I took over a dwindling Boys program and we made it to state the first year. When I coached at another school I took 8 girls, 6 of which had never run before, and we won Counties, Districts and made 10th place at State the first year.

I had more success in South Florida because running is big there. Parents really wanted their kids to be successful and knew I could help and they paid. I have also found that people want advice for free. I have given plenty of free advice. So I started my little business. It is going OK. You and I know coaches are a dime a dozen. I hope to coach at the H.S. Level again.

30. Do you think most everyone needs a coach? I don't think everyone needs a coach. But I like to have one. I just like someone telling me what to do. I coach myself now, but I am not doing any intervals so I can tell myself to go out and run.

31. Tell us about your website. My website came as a way to make a little money. It’s doing OK. But like I said, people want advice for free.

32. What do you enjoy besides running?

I enjoy being a mom. My girls are at fantastic ages where we can do things together. I love fashion, shoes and handbags. I enjoy decorating and I also enjoy finding antiques and fixing them up. I enjoy good wine and good food.

33. Does your family run?

My girls ran in H.S. My daughter Megan will attend Florida State University next year and will probably make the Club team and my daughter Sara ran in H.S but played soccer at a division 3 college where she was a starter. She is looking to attend Grad School next year. My daughter Ryan plays flag football and soccer. She did run her first 5k…37 minutes. A lot of walking.

34. Are some races too commercial?

I believe some races are too commercial but if they have the endorsements and can put on a good race than I am ok with it. Maybe less commercial more prize money would be better?

35. Have you ever not felt safe out training?

There has only been one time out running (with my girl friend) that I was a bit scared. We had traveled to a race in Tampa after the race we had to travel about 4 hours to get home. I was scheduled to do an evening run that day so on our drive home we stopped outside of Naples and decided we should do the hour run. We were out about 25 minutes out on a golf course under construction and noticed a car with dark windows following us for about 10 minutes. Our hearts were beating and we darted to the nearest gas station and waited. After about 10 minutes they left and we thought it best to get in our car and head home.

36. Do you have any special advice for other female runners?

Don’t run with music. I have tried, but I like the sounds around me and listening to myself breathe. I don't think it is safe to have head phones on when you don't know who is behind you.

37. What has changed for female runners over the last 20 years?

The change in female runners has been how significantly FAST they have gotten. AMAZING!

38. Did you do anything special an hour before the start of an important race?

Yes, I wouldn't talk to anyone. I would stretch, go for my warm up and put my game face on. I was friendly though, always.

39. Have you ever thought about not running? Are you addicted to running?

I would never stop running. I run EVERYDAY (unless I am sick). If I only have time for a 20 minute run, I would take the 20 minutes. My daughter and I last year were catching a flight so we got up at 4:30 a.m. to run 40 minutes. It was dark and I did end up spraining my ankle in a pot hole. Had to take three days off. Bottom line is: I love running

40. What do you think about Bob Anderson running 50 races in 2012? Is he going to make it?

I think Bob Anderson is amazing. 50 Races in 2012? You can do it. I’d put my money on it. You and your wife should travel to Florida for one of those 50. My goal it to beat your 1:28 half....

For additional information -
UjENA FIT Club Profile link: Mary Level Menton

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