Our June Runner Spotlight is on Luis Navarro, 47, who was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to the United States in 1993 at age 16. Luis states, “I started running in my late teens to prepare for Basic Training. I continued running just enough to stay in shape and because it was part of the job.”
Despite training for—and completing—the JFK 50 Miler in 2004 and 2006, Luis wasn’t “completely hooked on running until 2007” when he discovered that he could maintain a sub-6 minute mile pace for more than 2 miles. Even when directed off a 5k loop by a confused course marshal at one race, Luis still managed a first place finish, annoying fellow competitors in what he describes as his most embarrassing running moment: “I was in the lead, and the course marshal sent me in the wrong direction at around mile one. I realized something wasn’t right, so I decided to turn around at mile 1.55, ran back to the start line, and was declared the winner despite complaints from the other runners (it was supposed to be a loop course, not an out and back).” While Luis says that his fastest “days are long gone,” he continues to race whenever possible, about 40 to 50 events annually. He now finds the 5k and 10k distances to be “more enjoyable” than ultramarathons.
In September 2013, Luis started running with Bishop’s Events when he competed in the Run for the Cure LLS 5k at Patterson Park-Baltimore. He has now completed upwards of 140 races with us! While his favorite courses are Old Mill and Columbia Island, Luis says, “I keep coming back because Bishop’s Events puts together well-organized, quality events. The staff members are amazing, and the runners are supportive. I also like it that the races support multiple charities.” Luis also says that he looks “forward to the challenging courses.”
Running has become an important part of Luis’ daily life: “I run five to six miles every morning unless I am doing a morning race,” he says. “I also believe that weightlifting (and pull-ups) has helped me improve as a runner. I recommend weightlifting to every runner.” Someday Luis hopes “to complete the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen (De 4 Daggse). Participants must walk 30 km to 50 km daily (18.6 to 31 miles) to earn the Cross for the Four Day Marches. Check it out!”
Post-race, you might find Luis sipping on a “Dunkin’ or Starbucks coffee with a shot of expresso.” Come join him at one of our upcoming events!