Meet Troy Shull, the 58-Year-Old Runner Who’s Completed a 100-Mile Race
For most runners, completing a marathon is the accomplishment of a lifetime. For Troy Shull, it’s his warm-up. The 58-year-old Plano author has run as many as 80 miles a week in preparation for a 100-mile race this weekend benefiting the McKinney Fire Department.
Not even fractured shins could stop him earlier this year when he completed his first 100-mile race in support of Plano Fire-Rescue. It took him nearly 60 hours to complete the race, running through rain and multiple sunrises and sunsets to raise about $1,500 for Plano’s first responders. “I just can’t quit. I cannot quit,” he said. “If I have to crawl across it, I will.”
Shull’s Inspiration and Motivation
Shull is a lifelong runner with a goal to give back. After enrolling in Plano’s Citizens Fire Academy, a class highlighting the city’s emergency medical services, firefighting and special rescue operations, he was struck by the courage and life-saving decisions made by first responders every day. “They’re running into danger, not away from it,” he said.
Shull had attempted and failed the 100-miler twice before, suffering hypothermia in his first attempt and blisters on the second. But he said this year’s race in Plano was his hardest yet, and he took six weeks off of running in order to recover. The difference on his third attempt, he said, was the mission behind his race.
Training and Preparation
Shull trains for months in advance, six days a week. He hit the ground running with his training routine in August, starting at 50 miles a week then working up to 80. “You got to fight through the schedule,” he said. “After a while, you are always running on tired legs.”
Author Troy Shull has been practicing “like a madman,” last week running 80 miles. As race day nears, he’s beginning to taper off.
Christine Vo / Staff Photographer
The Challenge and the Cause
The challenge is more about mental strength than physical endurance. It’s not about how you feel during the race, Shull said, it’s about how you push through despite your feelings — you can’t run on feelings. “If you struggle through something,” Shull said, “you’ll develop the mental fortitude to get to the next level.”
Proceeds raised by donors inspired by Shull’s Firehouse 100 Run will go toward the Neighborhood Hero Program, a community fundraiser to place hundreds of AEDs, devices that can save someone experiencing cardiac arrest, within four minutes of any location in McKinney. Shull’s sponsors include HEB, Fleet Feet and Salomay coffee shop.
The Course and the Impact
The course will include three 33.3-mile loops through McKinney that stop at seven McKinney fire stations. Some runners will join Shull for parts of the race, including some firefighters, and he’ll take photos and meet with attendees at each station. He expects the race to take 36 hours.
Conclusion
Troy Shull’s determination and perseverance are an inspiration to many. His selfless act of running 100 miles to raise money for the Neighborhood Hero Program is a testament to his character and commitment to giving back to his community. As he embarks on his next challenge, we can’t help but admire his courage and dedication to his cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Neighborhood Hero Program?
A: The Neighborhood Hero Program is a community fundraiser that aims to place hundreds of AEDs, devices that can save someone experiencing cardiac arrest, within four minutes of any location in McKinney.
