79-year-old Camarillo man puts in the miles
Tom McKiernan has run 30 marathons, training for two more this spring
By Mira Reverente Special to the Acorn

GOING THE DISTANCE- Tom McKiernan, a 79-year-old Camarillo resident, ran in the 21st Los Angeles Marathon last February. McKiernan, who has run in numerous marathons since 1982, is now in training for March's 2008 Los Angeles Marathon and the Big Sur International Marathon in April.

He's light on his feet. His arms swing effortlessly. His shoulders are relaxed, and his eyes are focused on the road ahead.

The way Tom McKiernan runs, it's hard to tell he's almost 80.

Some days the road is straight and short like the roads near his Camarillo home. Some days, it is winding and hilly, like a recent marathon course.

For the past 27 years, McKiernan has run almost every day. "I actually ran cross country in high school, took a long break and raised four kids, then resumed running when I turned 52," said the Los Angeles native.

A pharmacist by profession, chemistry was McKiernan's first love before he discovered running.

"My friend and I started running after organizing this 10k in Pacific Palisades to benefit a home for delinquent boys in Highland Park," McKiernan said. "The 10k became an annual event, and the rest is history. I just couldn't stop running."

Soon, McKiernan moved on to half-marathons, then ran his first full marathon in Lompoc in 1982, finishing in four hours and 10 minutes.

Since then he has been a regular finisher in the L.A. Marathon since its inception in 1985, only missing the event once or twice.

"I completed several of my marathons with my son John, who is now 48." McKiernan said.

"He used to drive alongside me while I was training. I think the only reason he got into running is so he could watch over me and make sure I don't trip, fall or get into trouble," he said with a chuckle.

The 2007 Big Sur International Marathon in April was the most recent 26-mile, 385-yard race that father and son have run together.

It was McKiernan's 30th marathon.

The Big Sur course is notorious for its endless hills and sixhour cut-off time. McKiernan crossed the finish line in just under six hours and is determined to do it again.

Coordinators of that marathon are cheering him on.

"We are glad that Tom is returning to Big Sur next April. Only one other 80-year-old has completed it in the past," said Sally Smith, Big Sur marathon registrar.

"He'll definitely be among a very elite group of amazing individuals," said Julie Armstrong, a Big Sur Marathon spokesperson.

Before that race, McKiernan will tackle the L.A. Marathon again on March 2, 2008, with the Ventura Road Runners, a group that he trains with on Saturday mornings.

George Arita, 66, a fellow Road Runner, has nothing but praise for the soontobe octogenarian.

"Tom is the human equivalent of the Energizer Bunny," Arita said. "When I first met him, I quickly identified with him because of our similar running longevities and ages. I subsequently learned that he is 13 years my senior."

Another member of the running group, Jim Good, 54, also has nothing but admiration for McKiernan. "He's got the legs of a 40-year-old," Good said. "He never complains or makes excuses. He is definitely a great role model for younger runners like me."

A role model he certainly is, to family members, fellow runners, former colleagues and even students at Cal State Channel Islands, where McKiernan has been taking noncredit enrichment classes. He also stays active by working part-time delivering BMW cars for a local dealer.

When asked if running has contributed to his long life, McKiernan said, "Running has been good to me. It has helped me physically and mentally. I do my part by watching my diet, seeing my doctor regularly and spending time outdoors to tend to my garden.

"I think optimism is the secret of my longevity, but it's really not a secret. One just has to embrace life and whatever it throws your way."