Featured Runner “Bob Hall” June 2017
Posted in Announcements, Featured Runners, Funny, Inspirational, Motivational, Personal Philosophies, Preferences & Opinions, Tips, Training
Meet Bob Hall, married to Cathy Schmalz Hall, father of three children, Robert, Jessica & Matt. Grandfather of four of Jessica’s children; Aubrey, Jordan, Micah & Jalen. Bob’s first long run (to him) was a Half Marathon in 2011, he ran with his daughter Jessica, in Warrensburg Missouri, where he ran the whole race and finished without walking. Bob has continued to run…and the distances have grown. He is now up to 15 ultras, including several 100 Milers, in just a few short years. Working full time as an Exterminator and fitting some runs in during the week keep him very busy. His wife Cathy has been an exceptional supporter of his craziness and has never told him not to run a race. Bob’s motto is; “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care”.
THE BASICS
Date of Birth: 12/01/1956
Place of Birth: Independence, MO
Currently Residing: Kansas City, KS
Marital Status: Married
Job(s): Marine, Meat packer, Exterminator
Children: Robert, Jessica, & Matt. Grand children: Aubrey, Jordan, Micah, & Jalen
Height: 6ft. 4in.
Weight: 185 lbs.
Shoe Size: 13
Best Physical Feature: Height
Worst Physical Feature: Teeth
Religion: Christian
Political Affiliation: Conservative
Educational Background: 2 years’ college
Personal Strength(s): I can talk to just about anybody.
Personal Weakness(es): I always want more.
Make Of Car You Drive: Chevy
Make Of Car You Would Like To Drive: Viper
Pets: Not now
FAVORITES
Favorite Author: God
Favorite Book: Bible
Favorite Non-Running Magazine: Bow Hunting
Favorite Movie: Full Metal Jacket
Favorite TV Show: Cops
Favorite Actor/Actress: Al Pacino
Favorite Music: Rock
Favorite Musical Performer: Jim Morrison
Favorite Artist: Norman Rockwell
Favorite Spectator Sport: Football
Favorite Subject in School: Art
Favorite Game: Golf
Favorite Time Of Day: Morning
Favorite Item Of Clothing: Jeans
Favorite Non-Running Leisure Activity: People watching.
Favorite Running Shoe: Salomon
Favorite Food/Drink Before An Ultra: Water/ Oatmeal
Favorite Food/Drink During An Ultra: Water/ U-Can
Favorite Food/Drink After An Ultra: Beet juice
Favorite Crew/Pacer Person(s): Matt Hall
Favorite Place To Run: Wyandotte County Lake
Favorite Type Of Running Surface: Dirt
ULTRA STUFF
Number of Years Running Ultras: 3
Number of Ultras Finished: 15
Best Ultra Performance(s): 50 miler @ Prairie Spirit 9:35, Prairie Spirit 100 miler 23:24
Most Memorable Ultra: Flatrock 101K, 2017 (Check out some of Bob’s “Go Pro” footage)
Typical Training Week(s) Before A Major Race: 30 miles
Injuries: Two back surgeries, torn Rotator cuff, & detached bicep tendon.
Ultra-running Idol: Zack Bitter
Why Do You Run Ultras: To face an ever changing set of circumstances.
Advice for Other Ultra runners: Do what you can’t.
ACHIEVEMENTS / GOALS / MEMORIES
Personal Hero: Dad
Personal Philosophy: Always give 110%
Short-Term Goal: Finish Barkley’s Fall Classic.
Long-Term Goal: Hike to EBC
Most Prized Possession: My Salvation
Most Proud Achievement: First Pope & Young Whitetail I shot with my bow.
Happiest Memory: Seeing my oldest son get off the plane coming back from Iraq.
Secret Ambition/Fantasy: Play the guitar like Jimmy Hendricks.
Greatest Adventure: USMC
DISLIKES / FEARS
Least Liked Subject: Math
Least Liked Household Chore: Pull weeds.
Pet Peeve(s): Lazy people
Greatest Fear: God
SPARE TIME
Book Currently Reading: The Harbinger
Hobbies: Running & Golf
Collections: Wildlife trophies.
What’s next: Barkley’s Fall Classic
Bob w/his wife Cathy, and son, Matthew, after his Hawk 100 Mile finish!
2 Responses to “Featured Runner “Bob Hall” June 2017”
I love hearing about older runners running ultras. I’m 57 and hope to complete my first 50K this year. Here are some more questions for Bob:
1. Have you always been thin or within a healthy weight? Were you ever highly overweight?
2. Did you ever smoke or drink too much for an extended period of time in your life?
3. What kind of training schedule for a 50K would you follow? A typical one you’d find on the web or would it be age appropriate?
4. What do you eat typically in a day while training?
5. Have you run your whole life?
6. What are some things you’d tell yourself to do differently if you were running your first 50K?
I’m sure I got 100 more questions but that’s it for now.
Thanks, I appreciate all the info you provide. Great stuff!
Bill
You the man! Great job!
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