100,000 Mile Man Keeps Running

People always wonder how I get ideas for my Ramblin' columns in The Gazette.

Well, today's idea about Tim Phillips of Hiawatha, Iowa, who surpassed his goal of running 100,000 miles, came from his friend and running partner, Ron Kohler of Robins. With this writeup, how could I resist?

Here's what Ron wrote:

Hi Dave:

My name is Ron Kohler.  I'd like to tell you about a friend of mine who set a goal  . . . . to "run" 100,000 miles.

His name is Tim Phillips and he lives in Hiawatha, IA.

I think it would make a great feature story for your column.  I hope you'll consider it. 

Now back to the story.

Tim started running in October 1965 (at age 15).  He kept a "running journal" to keep a record of his miles.

In his journal on May 8, 1996, he wrote the following:

"Ever since I began running nearly 45 years ago, one of my goals was to reach 100,000 miles in my running career.  As of January 1, 1996, I have already run 69,773 miles.  I am now 46 years old.  I pray that the Lord allows me to stay healthy so I can reach 100,000 miles before I am 60 years old." 

Well, Tim only missed the goal by a couple months.

At the age of 60, Tim ran mile number 100,000 (photo attached is of Tim just as he reached the 100,000 mile mark this week). 

Let's go back along the 100,000 miles to see what was accomplished.

Tim ran track in high school and college.  Yet, it was after college that Tim got hooked on  running.

Actually, Tim has run all over the world. He has run in many countries including: China (along the Great Wall), Hong Kong, Canada, England, Holland, East and West Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Cuba, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and northeast India in the Himalayas.

For the most part, Tim has run without injury, with one major exception.  In 2001, Tim set a goal to  have his own "Run Across Iowa."  He solicited sponsors pledging offerings (per mile) to finance the building of a missionary school in India.

Tim had planned to run 40 to 50 miles per day from Council Bluffs to Burlington, Iowa.  However, on the third day of the run, Tim ruptured his Achilles tendon.  The  pain  reduced his pace to walking and by mid-morning the fourth day he had to postpone the "Run Across Iowa."

It was a big disappointment for him personally, as well as, for the mission he had for raising money for the school in India.

His also participated in various races through the years including 24-hour races, 50-kilometer races, marathons, 10-mile races and 10-kilometer races.  He also trained as a race walker.  He spent much of his free time running and preparing for competitive running.

Tim says he just loves to run. 

Even at age 60, Tim looks youthful and enjoys good health.  He says he realizes that it is a blessing from God that he is able to do this and he does not take it for granted.  He thanks the Lord always for his blessings and the gift of running.

Nothing seems to stop Tim from running, not harsh Iowa winters or hot summer weather.  He has suffered a few short-term illnesses that have created brief set backs, but never for more than a day or two.

Tim has averaged seven miles per day over the nearly 45 years in his running career. Tim completed his goal of running 100,000 miles on March 4, 2010.

When asked what's his next goal, Tim said, "to run the next 100,000 miles of course."