Carla Clark | For The Republic Evan Scherschel and his grandfather Greg Scherschel celebrate crossing the finish line during the Mill Race Marathon in Columbus, Ind., September 24, 2022.
There are people in the over-60 demographic who are setting an example for us all with their participation in 5K, 10K, half and full marathons. Running is a major factor in the quality of life they enjoy, and it provides them with opportunities to see the nation’s cities and natural wonders.
Greg Scherschel is one who sets an example for all of us. The Bedford native ran track and cross country in high school.
“I never lettered,” he said. “I wasn’t fast.”
He came to Columbus in the mid-1970s, pursued a career in the insurance industry and began running again. This year, he ran in the 5K race which is one in the package of races that happens every year on the Saturday of the Mill Race Marathon. He’s participated in some kind of race in that event every year since its inception. He did the full marathon at its debut.
“The 1974 Fall Fitness Festival was my first 5K,” he said. From there, it became a big part of his life. “I have no idea how many 5Ks I’ve done,” he said. “I’ve done about three dozen half marathons.”
A few races do stand out to him, though. The one of which he’s most proud is the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. which was a fundraiser for a Native American charity he’s involved with. That fall, he got a runner’s view of some Indiana natural splendor when he did the Tecumseh Trail marathon through Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood state forests. He’s ran in the Chicago Marathon, and The Goofy at Disney World in Florida was a memorable experience, as well. Four people from Columbus participated the year he went. He got the big gold Mickey Mouse medal for completing the full marathon, and a gold Goofy medal for knocking out the half marathon the next day.
He and his grandson, Evan Scherschel, will run in a 5K that starts and ends at St. Bartholomew Church on October 21. That event raises funds for a program that supports literacy in Haiti.
Over the years, he’s stayed in good physical shape. “I’ve been blessed with good knees,” he said. “They don’t bother me.”
However, he has had to contend with other injuries. For about five years, he had a connective tissue condition called plantar fasciitis. It causes pain in the bottom of the feet, particularly in the first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning. He also had an accident ten years ago that damaged his diaphragm, affecting his breathing.
Why did he only do the 5K on Mill Race Saturday this year?
“I’ll be 75 in November,” he said. “I’m not willing or able to dedicate the time it takes to properly train without hurting myself.”
He stresses that Columbus resident Shayla Holtkamp deserves the credit for putting him on the path to proper training in 1998.
“She started the Pace for the Race program, which has evolved into the Columbus Running Club,” he said.
Once he understood the principles involved, however, he trained on his own. He uses family trips to train. He’s run in the Colorado Rockies and in the forests of Ontario, about three hours north of Sault Ste. Marie.
Other ways he’s stayed in shape include biking and performing manual labor on property his family owns west of Columbus.
“I also walk eleven miles to that property,” he said. “That includes going up Taylor Hill, the highest point in Bartholomew County.”
What advice would he give to someone over 60 considering running?
“Start slow. Gradually increase distance. Be consistent. I’d recommend four or five days a week. Hydrate and don’t overdress.”
When asked if running has been a key element in his current good health, he replied, “Absolutely.”
He noted that he dislikes buying clothes, and that he can “wear the same clothes that fit me 20 years ago.”
