50 Years of Running, Still Going Strong

Michael Ranck, 64, Trophy Series age group leader, has been running for the last five decades

Despite hot and humid weather, Michael Ranck gets it done at the Chief Wetona Challenge earlier this month. Courtesy of Michael Ranck

Michael Ranck has been running for longer than many of us have been alive. A resident of Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, the 64-year-old retired science teacher has been a runner for 50 years, 40 of those running trails. Though he doesn’t log the miles he once did, Ranck is still running—and racing—strong. Two months into the Trail Runner Trophy Series, he leads the men’s 60+ age group, a new category added this year to recognize the achievements of those who run competitively well past retirement.

For a complete Trophy Series leaderboard, see the next page. Or learn more about the Trophy Series here.

>Q&A

1. What’s your favorite Trophy Series race so far this season, and why?

The Mile Run Trail Half Marathon. We ran most of the race in snow, which I enjoy. Then, with a half mile to go, we ran through two tunnels carrying a stream under an interstate highway. The only problem was that my shoelaces were frozen until I got back to my car.

2. How did you first get into trail running?

I taught earth science, so I am all about the outdoors. We had a few short-lived trail races in my area in the 1970s, which I tried. Then I read an article about the Western States 100 in Sports Illustrated. I ran the race twice after that, and was hooked on running in the mountains.

3. What does your typical training look like?

At my age, I am not into mileage and real long runs any more. I run by myself all the time, except the days I do two to three miles with my dogs. I try to get in five to seven miles one or two days [a week] on local rails-to-trails and throw in some fast running. I might do hill repeats prepping for a tough trail race or run up and down a nearby mountain during my long run of 15 miles.

4. What advice do you have for other masters-age runners, or younger runners who want to run healthily into their masters’ years?

Throw in some cross training and strength training. Doing some mountain biking and strength training prevents joint problems for me. I also do active/dynamic stretching and use a foam roller to keep leg tissue supple for the dozen or so tough trail races I run each year. Those are usually less than marathon length, so I run them at a faster pace, which is hard on the legs.

5. Do you feel you have a unique perspective on running that younger athletes may lack?

I don’t feel the need to do my best in every race. Younger athletes seem to feel the need to do that, so they don’t run many races. I like to use races as training runs. I believe it helps me peak for certain races.

Next page: The current Trophy Series leaderboard

Trophy Series Leaders and Standings (as of May 14, 2015)

Age-group leaders

F 10-19 – Aly Gregory, College Station, TX, 19, 3 races, 22.4 miles, 89.6 points

F 20-29 – Allyson Weimer, Oklahoma City, OK, 27, 2 races, 28.6 miles, 114.4 points

F 30-39 – Sayard Tanis, Dauphin, PA, 33, 3 races, 40 miles, 160 points

F 40-49 – Carole Dudukovich, Port Matilda, PA, 48, 2 races, 29 miles, 102.5 points

F 50-59 – Sharon Foley, Williamsport, PA, 51, 2 races, 29 miles, 116 points

F 60+ – Jane Kone, Howard, PA, 61, 3 races, 34 miles, 104 points

M 10-19 – John Pancoast, Huntingdon, PA, 17, 2 races, 29 miles, 85 points

M 20-29 – Matt Lipsey, Kersey, PA, 25, 3 races, 42.1 miles, 152.9 points

M 30-39 – Adam Russell, Rome, PA, 36, 3 races, 57.6 miles, 93.3 points

M 40-49 – Jeff Smucker, Woodward, PA, 2 races, 29 miles, 116 points

M 50-59 – Dennis Yonkin, Lewisburg, PA, 36, 3 races, 57.6 miles, 106.4 points

M 60+ – Michael Ranck, Deer Lake, PA, 63, 3 races, 42.1 miles, 137.4 points

Ultra Standings

Men

T1 – Steven Najjar, Longwood, FL, 50, 2 races, 150 miles, 400 points

T1 – Kenneth Ebener, West Columbia, SC, 44, 1 race, 100 miles, 400 points

T1 – Justin Franklin, Collinsville, OK, 28, 1 race, 100 miles, 400 points

Women

T1 – Missy Kittrell, Montevallo, AL, 44, 1 race, 100 miles, 400 points

T1 – Kodi Panzer, Marion KS, 1 race, 100 miles, 400 points

T1 – April Wilbur, Boise, ID, 37, 1 race, 100 miles, 400 points

Most Races

Rob Shirk, Altoona, PA, 53, 5 races

Most Miles

Matthew Watts, Broomfield, CO, 200 miles

> Find out more about the Trail Runner Trophy Series