Over
the 2007 racing season, retired Army veteran Victor Brown made a
name for himself amongst his peers through his competitive racing
and a penchant for snappy running attire. As a result, the
gregarious "Sophomore" of racing has since become one of the more
recognizable figures in the Michigan running community. Setting
several PR's in various competitions, it was certainly a heralded
season for Victor. However, like all triumphs, it took many
disappointments to achieve some measure of success.
"I experienced running as part of my training regimen in the
military, but never really competed in organized races," said Victor
of his early running career. That is until he found himself with "an
expanding waistline" in the fall of 2006 and was compelled to take
up running as a lifestyle. Along with his wife, a member of the
Stone Steppers Running Club in Southfield, he was encouraged to take
up racing. His first venture was the Big Bird 10k as a Stone
Stepper. "I had done several six mile runs before the race to gauge
my fitness level." At the time that level equated to slightly over
seven minutes a mile. "To this day, it is the only race where I
truly felt the sting of being out of my league both mentally and
physically," he recalls. Nevertheless, the race spurred on the
desire to race more frequently, and over the next year his 10k time
was bettered by over six minutes.
Yet Victor's seemingly quick accomplishments didn't come
easily as he was, after all, a relatively new runner. "Early on
training for me became a drag sometimes because I was competing with
every session," reminisces Victor. Like most runners he has
tried various training philosophies until he had the energy systems
explained. He continually touts advice he received at Tortoise and
Hare as gospel. "I now know I can achieve the results I want by
running efficiently through heart rate (HRM) training." He continues
by saying, "Working intensely has its specific time and place. The
success I've experienced with HRM training is based on knowing the
difference."
Victor may have found the secret to his training, but he
still knows his limitations. "I definitely don't consider myself an
elite, but I would love to run like one someday," he comments. In
fact, he looks up to many other runners including Nolan Shaheed out
of California, a 58 year-old phenomenon who holds several World and
American age group records. "In lieu of (his records) he's a
very engaging person that doesn't come across as a primadonna
athlete," says Victor. "He's just one of those people you want to
see succeed."
But don't resign Victor to the proletariat of
running just yet, as despite his 44 years of age he does not
consider himself a Masters runner. "I don't like to marginalize
myself in terms of age," he comments. "It puts a peripheral ceiling
on what can be achieved." He continues to deny any disillusionment
on the limits of his success, but still looks to the entire field
for competition. "Eight to eighty is my age group, gender
non-specific," he opines. "When you approach it that way it gives
the field more depth and adds substance to your results." He
favors looking for the best competition available in races, and
chooses not to "cherry pick" races to find those he can win. "You
can't determine who shows up at a road race, but a little research
let's you know whether to pack a lunch or to kick back in comfort
with your choices," he laughs. "I like to be victorious as much as
the next runner, but I don't want it to come easy. The essence of
competition for me is when the outcome is always in doubt."
However, not all of Victor's notoriety comes from
performance. He has achieved some manner of fame through his color
coordinated racing kits. A regular Isaac Mizrahi of running apparel
he rarely is seen without accompanying accessories, but this bird's
bright plumage is nothing more than a mere hobby. "Variety is the
spice of life, and that's my outlook with clothing in general. On
the other hand, apparel choices should never trump your ability to
compete well. Whether it's a plain cotton tee, cargo shorts, or a
pink polka dotted bandana you'd better be more of a runner than a
gimmick when the gun goes off."
Looking toward the future Victor plans on running the Chicago
Marathon. When asked about his goals he merely states, "A lot of
people like setting time goals (for their first marathon). I just
want to be really prepared." He plans to run a few races in the
meantime to "stay sharp," but not make the mistake he made the
previous year by "getting excited and running too many races."
He acknowledges that his racing career is finite, with only
about ten years in his estimation of performance oriented
running. "When my future ability comes full circle with where I
started in '06 I'll know it's time to get back to fishing full
time." He hopes to look back on his career knowing he gave "100%
effort when needed." He goes on to say, "If I come out of running
competitively the way I came in, injury free, then I will be
completely happy. Competing well has a limited shelf life, but
running is a passion. Even after I'm done racing, I don't think I'll
ever stop."
