Thursday, October 30, 2008
Robert Schmidt had run every day since April in preparation for his first marathon, the Kansas City Marathon. His goal was to finish the 26.2 miles in two hours and 45 minutes and to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
With a time of 2 hours and 39 minutes, Schmidt beat his goal.
“It was one of the best feelings in the world,” he said.
Schmidt, Overland Park junior, placed fifth at the annual Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon on Oct. 18. He ranked first among the runners of his age group and is now preparing for the Boston Marathon — the world’s oldest annual marathon — to be held in April.
Other KU students who ran the Kansas City Marathon and qualified for the Boston Marathon include Alex Rock, Lawrence senior, Andrew Henshaw, West Point, N.Y., senior, John McGreevy, Wichita sophomore, and Meredith Van Natta, Torrance, Calif., senior.
Schmidt participated in cross county while he was in high school. He said he had run a half marathon, but never experienced a full marathon until the Kansas City Marathon. Despite its length, he said the race was enjoyable.
“I felt tired afterwords, but at the same time it was kind of energizing,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt’s training for the Kansas City Marathon consisted of running in Lawrence. He said he set a weekly mileage goal — 100 miles during the summer and 75 to 85 miles during the school year — to motivate himself.
Stephan Thrun, Fairway sophomore and Schmidt’s friend, said Schmidt was usually busy studying, practicing for marching band and training for the marathon, but that they occasionally found time to jog together.
“He’s dedicated to what he does,” Thrun said. “He’s very knowledgeable about sports and gives me good advice.”
Along with his passion for running, Schmidt is pursuing a double major in French and exercise science. He’s a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and the Marching Jayhawks.
Schmidt has played the trombone since he was in high school. In the Marching Jayhawks, Schmidt is a section leader for trombone players.
Annie LeCluyse, Phoenix junior, met Schmidt through Marching Jayhawks. She said she was impressed by his discipline, personality and leadership skills.
“He has a great attitude on life,” LeCluyse said. “He’s very laid back and easy going. He goes with the flow.”
Schmidt also belongs to the pep band and performed in San Antonio during the NCAA National Championship game in April.
Schmidt said the preparation for the marathon taught him to set goals and manage his time well.
Schmidt said his goal for the Boston Marathon was to finish the race in 2 hours and 36 minutes or faster. But Schmidt said he expected the Boston Marathon’s course to be less difficult than Kansas City’s.
“I heard that the Kansas City Marathon is much hillier, so I think it should be easier for me,” Schmidt said.
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