1976-1978: Running for my doctoral life

For me, 'running' initially was an alternative to the problem of trying to schedule both a court and a partner to play racquetball in the old gym at Penn State, Rec Hall. Rec was maybe 150 yards from my office in the now former business school building (BAB). BAB was pretty new in 1975. It was on the east end of campus, pretty isolated from many elements of campus life, but close to the main library, West Halls, the former football field (moved out to Beaver Stadium on the far north end of campus, perhaps a mile away) and Rec Hall.

Doug Darran, an older business doctoral student had invited me to play racquetball with him. Finding a mutually agreeable time was not easy. Reserving a court at that time was difficult. Beating Doug -- or, as I recall, any other opponent -- seemed impossible. Running was a personal, almost private experience. I'd run the loop at the top of Rec, with it's banked quarters, a vestige of indoor track from a time long ago. I got pretty good indoors.

Later, Tom Broitman, the undergraduate dean, got me to run with him around the golf course across North Atherton Street from Rec Hall. It became a pleasant experience, with modest hills, lots of greenery, and options for alternative routes. When I later moved to an apartment at 118 East College, I'd still often dress at home and run up to and around the golf course.

My first year was spent on South Allen Street, with a nearly invisible room mate. I started running after about my first six months on South Allen. Second year was on Fairmount, with my colorful colleague, Richard Carlin Henry. My last fifteen months wee at 118 East College, a tiny studio that I turned over to Jack Sullivan upon leaving in August 1978. I think rent was $140 a month and somehow I never received an expected utility bill.

IN the third year, I became for ambitious. I'd run out to the stadium and towards the Toftrees resort. I'd run by the new hospital, high on a hill beyond the stadium. I'd cut across northbound College Avenue and run through Lamont and out towards Boalsburg, returning home vis South Atherton.

My three years of the doctoral program were colored by uncertain progress, anxiety, and a nearly impoverished lifestyle. I learned to live on very little. By my third year, my one real 'treat' was a Sunday meal at the corner room, which meant a burger and fries, followed by a bowl of ice cream. Eating at home meant open faced cheese sandwiches grilled in my ancient oven, breakfast of Dannon yogurt (vanilla, cherry or apple spice), often a large salad, and snacks of Nature Valley granola bars. Not much cooking and not much variety.

Running was my entertainment. I think I purchased one of the original Nike waffle models at the downtown running shop for $14.95, still pretty expensive when monthly income was $400. A pair or two of running shorts and perhaps two singlet mesh tops were my basic running wardrobe. I could wash out the sweaty clothes in my sink. I can't even remember where or how I did my laundry, but it mush have been at a coin laundromat.

Perhaps the best thing about running was that it eventually lead to friendships and a social life, first at Kansas, later at North Carolina. Between those two was a solitary period running in Laramie (1982-83).

Now I have to cherish the joy of walking. Ten miles in the past two days! Today in thirty degree weather in shorts!