gO! Runner of the Day- Troy Christensen

I am 36 and I am currently living in Citrus Heights with my wife Wendy and her two cats. I have been working for Delta Dental in Rancho Cordova in the mailroom for three years; while I am not the biggest fan the management side of my job, I really enjoy the many projects that I have been involved in. Until recently I was a student at University of Phoenix studying Business Finance when I decided that transfer to a Computer Science degree at National University where I will begin in October. Like running, starting over will be a new adventure and I looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.

Growing up, I had a good friend who was always busy training for races; I must admit that I was very jealous of his many medals, plaques, ribbons and trophies. I was always interested in running and even attempted to train with him on several occasions; each time finding myself frustrated and/or injured because I was trying to train as his pace. I guess you could say that I gave up on my dream and sat down on the couch. In March of this year, I had lunch with another friend who had just finished her first half marathon (the Shamrock’n). Like me she was not a runner, so I asked her how she was able to do it; she said she joined a training group through Fleet Feet of Sacramento. After looking into it I found No Boundaries and though, heck I can do this; what is 3.1 miles? After the first few runs I had what I thought was the answer…PURE HELL!!! Early on, I was able to run only a minute at a time and every muscle in my body ached for two days following. It took a lot of encouragement and a whole lot of mental toughness, but I made it through and actually starting having fun. I just didn’t realize how much I was enjoying running until my first three mile run in the pouring rain. I am currently running on the marathon training plan; however, due to upcoming changes my life I am not sure I will be able to complete one this year. If things go as planned, my first marathon will be the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon next year.

Outside of running I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible. A perfect week for me would be spent backpacking into a remote lake with good friends spending the week fishing, hiking and living off the land. When I can’t get away, I spend most of my time working (which I consider a hobby), reading and learning. I typically read about one book a week, on subjects of business, finance, biographies or mountain climbing. When I finally do finish my degree I plan to trek to Mount Everest and climb to Advanced Base Camp at the top of the Khumba Icefall.