PROFILE--Doug Goodhue has been running for 36 years

(Oct. 2019) Doug Goodhue is one of the U.S.'s finest distance runners. Period. Those who know him also give him a high ranking for finest people. He's 77, from Milford, MI, and good luck trying to beat him in any age-group competition. The fact that he's still trying to dip under 20:00 for 5K (and coming damn close) gives a little insight. Goodhue has never overly focused on the marathon, racing his best from 5K to 20K, with innumerable individual age-group and team titles on his resume. After a race, he likes beer and burgers, just like every other guy from the Mid West. (Pass the yogurt and kombucha, please.)

Career: Retired from the residential construction business in January 2008.

When and why started running? Came back to running (ran track & cross country in
high school) at age 40. Started running again as a reaction to a major change in my personal life, which then became a way to help release the stress and strain. Ran my first marathon at age 41......have only run a total of 10 marathons. 

Began running 45-50 miles a week way back in the early eighties, and I am still averaging the same weekly mileage. 

Best races or achievements? My favorite race is the American & World Best AG record time I ran at the USATF 12k Road Championship in Alexandria, VA in 2014 at age 72. As I approached the finish line, I heard the announcer say "And from Milford, Michigan breaking the American age group record, Doug Goodhue" It was defiantly a goose bump moment for me as I crossed the line.

Total lifetime running miles? Aprx. 75,000

Current training and cross training? Still running 6 days a week, with a regular post run stretching routine.  I add spin classes during the winter month's. 

Recent races? Ran my 32nd Crim 10 Miler in Flint, MI on August 24th in 1:12 (1st. Age)  Ran the USATF Masters 5k Road Championship in Atlanta on August 17th in 21:24 (1st. Age, 1st. 70+ Team, 5th AG)

Does getting slower bother you? Still a little frustrating that I can't break 20 minutes for a 5k, or 40 minutes for a 10k any more. But then I see my times compared to other 70 year old's nationally and realize my race results are pretty good. I run three times a weeks with training partners from the two clubs I belong to (average age is around 48 yrs). Sharing their goals and their successes is a huge inspiration to me!

Goodhue and Billy Mills

Have your diet and weight changed through the years? Diet and weight have not changed in 35 years. No supplements on any kind. Best post run treat: burger and BEER. 

Injury issues? Fortunate to not have had any career-ending running injuries, but I have had most of the lower body ones--strained calf muscles, pulled hamstrings, meniscus tear, plantar fasciitis, etc.   My answer to those running setbacks is something I read in Runner's World years ago as part of the Commandments of Running Injury-Free, and never forgot! "Thou shalt not be afraid to rest"

Three tips for others who want to be lifetime runners?
1--If you don't already belong to a running club, join one!  
2--Set long and short term goals and share them with your friends, family and training partners.  
3--Challenge yourself, come out of your comfort zone and remember,"Nothing worth having comes easy."

Has running helped you with the aging process? As a retiree, and after my family and friends, comes my running, racing, volunteering, race directing and coaching. There is no doubt that I am truly living a very healthy and blessed life

With wife, Cindy

What contributes to your success? Being fortunate enough to have the genealogy and athletic ability to be a top age-group runner in the country, I have come to realize that probable the greatest asset I have as an athlete is my wife, Cindy!  An accomplished runner herself, she has pushed, encouraged and supported me through all my highs and all my lows! I ran the 2005 Boston Marathon as her pacing partner.....a wonderful lifetime memory!