Start Line Stories: A Return to Racing Equals a Return to Health for Eugene Runner

In the spring of 2022, 47-year-old Eugene resident Michael Thompson signed up for something he hadn’t done in a long time: a half marathon (at the 2022 Eugene Marathon). The COVID pandemic had hit him hard – both physically and mentally – so the once avid runner tried something that had always worked for him in the past: he signed up for a few races.

“My partner and I struggled through COVID, so I decided that I was going to get trained up, shed a few pounds and do the half marathon,” Michael said. “Then I did another, and another, and before you knew it, I had 12 half marathons in 12 months on the calendar.

“The COVID years had a truly profound effect on my mental health,” he continued. “I was struggling and running became a place and a way to let that go, and to work through the consequences of an upside-down life. Each half [marathon] gets me closer to normal, closer to feeling right side up.”

Nine months into this year-long challenge, Michael not only has eight more half marathons under his belt (he’s finished 40 total and two full marathons), but also a new PR – which he set at the Redmond Half Marathon last June. Riding the adrenaline rush of a new personal best, Michael kicked his training up a notch and learned that he couldn’t push it too hard. Now he’s back to running three times a week, cross training and getting PT.

“This is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done physically,” he said of the 12 half marathons in 12 months challenge. “I’ve never spent so much time with my physical therapist!”

But not being able to run every day has had its perks.

“I’ve started cross training – biking and doing yoga – and it just feels like a healthy routine,” Michael said. “Life is hard, but when you have the foundation of keeping your body healthy, your mind follows. For me, running is the base of that foundation.”

And racing provides the motivation. Next up on Michael’s race calendar is the My Better Half Marathon in Seattle, the Portland Shamrock Run in March, followed by two in April: the Bend Marathon (April 16) and finally Eugene just two weeks later.

“Last year’s finish line was just the start of an amazing running journey,” said Michael, who is not the only one in his family who likes to tackle running challenges. His partner Amira Fahoum recently completed 40 half marathons before turning 40. As residents of Eugene since 2005, the Eugene Marathon is always on their race calendars.

“In Eugene, if you’re a runner, all roads lead to the Eugene Marathon,” Michael said. “No matter if it’s a 5K, a half marathon or a full marathon.”

On the morning of April 30, 2023 – Michael and Amira will both be there – along with a crew of family and friends. If you live in Eugene, watch for them on the running trails in the coming months, and if you see them in the start corrals on race day, be sure to say hi and give them a high five.