Fast-track Therapy

For many, running is little more than a quick way to burn excess pounds. For 50-year-old Ralph Lowery, who has participated in every Cleveland Marathon since the event originated in 1978, it's more like having a full-time therapist at his disposal. "Running helps with my attitude and with life," he says. "It gives me the energy and positive attitude that I need for living."

"As long as my body will let me, I will keep running. There is nothing that I can see to stop me beyond being totally paralyzed or dead." Such optimism is especially critical for the Stow resident because of his career: He works as addiction team leader at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Brecksville. Running, he says, gives his mind time to "free-flow" and unwind from daily stresses. "It's probably kept me in this field longer than most," he says.

Lowery began running as a young boy. "I didn't know I was athletic," he says. "I was a skinny kid without confidence and ability." Running was one thing that came naturally for him.

Lowery blazes through six pairs of running shoes a year and has run more than 90 marathons. "I don't keep absolute track because I don't want too much pressure to hit 100," he notes. Quick calculation will tell you that translates into 2,340 miles in marathons alone, the equivalent of traveling from Cleveland to California. In doing so, Lowery has become a regular at the annual CVS/pharmacy Cleveland Marathon and 10k, as well as the Boston Marathon.

At his peak, Lowery was running from 70 to 90 miles per week. His personal best in a marathon took place in Cleveland in 1984. Lowery maintained a pace of less than six-minute miles, finishing the race in 2 hours and 36 minutes.

The euphoric feeling that accompanies completion of such a race is unmatched. "Finishing is its own reward," Lowery says. "Crossing the finish line is a great relief. You wonder if you have any legs left at all. It is exhilarating and emotional."

The CVS/pharmacy Cleveland Marathon and 10k April 29, 2001

For more information, click to www.clevelandmarathon.com or call (800) 467-3826.

Though he's sitting out the Boston Marathon this year because of a torn hip ligament, Lowery refuses to let age be more than a minor obstacle. Sure, he's not able to log the 70-plus miles a week he used to, but Lowery has found other ways to keep in top shape. In addition to running approximately 50 miles per week, Lowery spends his time swimming, biking and, most recently, attending power yoga classes.

When asked at what point he believes he will stop running, Lowery answers quickly: "My attitude is that it is a lifelong endeavor. As long as my body will let me, I will keep running. There is nothing that I can see to stop me beyond being totally paralyzed or dead."