Age: 44
Hometown: Gray , Ga.
PRs: 18:43 5k ; 39:29 10k ; 1:30:43 Half Marathon ; 3:18:02 Marathon
Thomas has lived in Gray for almost more than 20 years now since moving from Macon. I recently asked him a few questions to get the insight of why he likes to run and why just recently in the past few years you see his name on the top of the results page from the middle Georgia area.
MGRM: How long have you been running ?
Thomas: Ive been running off and on since 1988 however I went through a period of years without running because of business, being daddy and a lot of other excuses.
MGRM: Why or how did you get started into running ?
Thomas: Since a period of a long layoff on May 9th , 2012 I decided to get myself back into shape and remain that way for the rest of my life.
MGRM: What is it that makes running important to you ?
Thomas: I am dedicated to the healthy fitness / running lifestyle. Running is extremely important to me and very important part of my life. Not only does it keep me in great physical condition , it keeps me mentally fit. As you know whether its a tough 5k where you are laying all on the line for a few minutes or whether it is a marathon where you are going as hard as you can go you will come up against mental barriers. You have to be mentally tough to break through those barriers. Running helps me do this not only while running but also during triathlons , everyday life and in business as well.
MGRM: What are your favorite races?
Thomas: Mainly a lot of local races are my favorite. The Labor Day is the one I look forward to, Cherry Blossom, Camp Little Shot and our hometown Daylilly. Last year on Oct. 20th one of my daughters friend Alana Land was killed the day after competing in the Middle School State Cross Country Championships. In her honor I started with the help of Trey Smith and Stevie Shaheen on putting togehter the "Alana (Bug) Land 5k". That race really means the most to me.My favorite Half Marathon is split between the Red Nose in Columbus, Ga. and the Rock and Roll in Savannah, Ga. My Fav marathon is the Snickers Albany Marathon for now. My favorite trail marathon is the L.H. Thompson the saturday after Thanksgiving. With that being sad I'm looking forward to running the Boston Marathon next year.
MGRM: I understand you are training for the Chattanooga Ironman coming this September. What are looking to achieve in this meca sports of endurance?
Thomas: Training for an Ironman. Wow!!
This was a big decision for me, the amount of training hours and hardwork to get ready for an ironman is not for everybody. You really have to take your body to its breaking point almost every training day. My ironman training is in full swing right now and I must give a shout out to my training partners and motivators James West and Dallas Malone, these guys keep me going and keep me focused. In Chattanooga first and foremost I want to finish. That is the answer my coach James West wants me to say, but I really have set a 12 hour goal for myself.
MGRM: What are your goals after Chattanooga Ironman?
Thomas: After Ironman Chattanooga I will immediately begin training for the Rock and Roll Half in Savannah ga. After that I will train throughout the winter preparing for The Snickers Marathon in Albany Ga, but most importantly Boston. After Boston I am going to focus on speed work and getting my times where I want them for the 5k and 10k races. I want to be running 17 min 5k's and 36min 10k's in the future. I would like to close by saying that Runner's in general are a great group of supportive athletes, I am honored to be a runner, I work hard to maintain myself as a runner, I love being a runner and I love to compete. Finally, I lost my childhood best friend almost two years ago. His name is Jay Nathanial Gay, he was a great friend and a great person. Jay was a Marine and he laid it all on the line so we could enjoy our hobbies and passions. All of my run's and triathlons are in memory of Jay Gay.
MGRM: Tell me alittle about your family and how much they support you? I was at the Rock-N-Roll Half Ironman and couldn't help to notice the support you were getting from your family and them crossing the finish line with you. I think one of the main things you need in order to be successful in anything is having a supportive family. You seem to have that.
Thomas: I have a wonderful supportive wife Courtney ( a supportive family is a must). I have two daughters Kelli 14 ( runs for Jones county cross country) Lindsey 12 and my two step daughters Makenzie 12 and Kyndall 8. Running is a family sport for us, we really enjoy competing in the local races.
MGRM: Besides anything sports related, what are your other hobbies you enjoy?
Thomas: My non athletic hobbies are spending time with my wonderful family and trying to be very generous with my time helping people that need help. I love doing projects around the house, painting, tile, woodwork, etc. I try to be a giving person to others in need.
MGRM: I would like to wish you the best of luck in the Ironman and your future running. Thank you very much.
