NRCer of the Month, Don Tangren, is no newbie to running. In fact, he’s been running in some form or fashion since the age of 14 when he ran for his school. Since he hasn’t participated in official races recently, some may be surprised to know that he’s completed multiple marathons and has a strong running background, but that is just one of the many interesting things about Don.
Perhaps most recognizable in jean shorts and a cotton tee-shirt, Don is not overly concerned with the accoutrements of running. He opts to focus his energy in the relationships he’s forged over the miles and the adventures they bring. He shares all kinds of knowledge with his NRC interval running and walking crews, from his love of nature and biology to his encounters in the wild.
For those of you who may not have had the pleasure of catching these conversations, NRC snagged an interview with Don so we could share his story with you. Although, we bet it will just make you want to walk and talk with him even more!
NRC: Where are you from originally and what were your favorite things to do growing up?
Don: I was born in Punxsutawney, Pa., but only lived there 2 years. Our family moved to a small coal mining town called Aultman. It had a “company store” and nothing else for miles. I come from a big family. Out of 9 of us, I was the only athlete. I would have to say that it was a smart family, too with having 6 college graduates, including 3 physicists.
Growing up, I put in thousands of miles of biking and hiking. Nobody knew the woods like me. My nickname was Cheyenne. I also kept a small zoo in the back yard. No one had my interests, so I pretty much grew up alone. I remember the biology teacher assigning everyone to find 25 different tree leaves. I showed up with 67.
NRC: When did you first start running for exercise and was there a particular motivation?
Don: Here’s a brief history – I started racing at 14 years old for my high school and, with the exception of a few years, have run ever since. I was the top distance runner for my school in my junior and senior years. My coach in high school knew nothing about running and spent very little time with us. I really needed the help. I guess what did help me was that I lived 8 miles from school and had to run home after practice and both ways on weekend practices. Our family had 1 car and Dad worked far from home. Since then, I’ve run 2 marathons and many 10Ks; although, none with NRC. club
NRC: How did you hear about NRC and what drew you to come to your first run?
Don: I ran on my own while I lived in Murfreesboro for 17 years. Never saw or thought about joining a running group. When I moved to Antioch, I did look around and NRC was the first one that I tried. I was amazed at how many showed up and how nice the people were.
NRC: What are a few of your most memorable running accomplishments?
Don: I’ve run the Music City Marathon twice along with lots of 10Ks. Both marathons were in 4.5 hours. I just didn’t know how to run a marathon. My pace for the first half would be in the 7-minute range and then I would blow up. My best time for a 10k was 38’07”. That was in my early 30’s. Funny how you remember that stuff.
NRC: You are part of a dedicated crew of walkers and interval runners for NRC! I hear you’re known to enjoy the hills, and are not a flatlander! Is that true?
Don: I have always noticed how people struggle with hills. When you train hard, the race is easy. The Wednesdays and Saturdays may feel like a social event, but I also treat them as a serious workout.
NRC: Have you dealt with injuries that impacted your ability to get out and run or walk? If so, do you have any tips for others who may get sidelined by injury for getting through that tough time?
Don: I didn’t have a single injury, but probably an accumulation of small ones. It just became too painful to run or walk any distance and I won’t take any pain killers. I didn’t have a lot of faith in physical therapy, but I was amazed how well it worked. I am back to walking and want to try running again soon.
NRC: I caught up to a few of your NRC friends, Mary Beth Moore and Suzanne Wolff, and asked them to share some memories of their walks with you at NRC.
Mary Beth said, “I first met Don when he was running with the interval group. Now, he walks with us, and he can walk circles around me! Not only is he a fast walker, he walks 5 or 6 miles in the morning and then will join us on Monday and Wednesday evening and do 3 more. As we walk the streets and trails of Nolensville, Don is the one to ask if you have a question about any plants, trees, bugs, moths or butterflies, you might run across. We have even seen pictures of his giant pet turtle!
Suzanne Wolff added, “Don has been walking with us for at least 4 or 5 years. He never signs up for a race, but does all the training with us, even when we are training for a half! He always has a good story to tell. Ask him about the bear coming in his tent while he was sleeping!! Also, he has a pet tortoise that he’s had for years. Oh, and he built a garage, by himself, for the tortoise to stay in. Very impressive!”
NRC: You’ve certainly made an impression on them and other NRC members. What are your favorite things about running with this great group of people?
Don: The entire walking group acts a single unit. Everybody watches out for and encourages each other. Their big job is to get me out of bed in the morning. I am not a morning person.
NRC: What would you tell someone who hasn’t joined NRC because they think they have to be a “runner”?
Don: I would have to say that the NRC treats every new person like an old friend.
NRC: In talking with you at NRC from time to time, I understand your childhood love of nature is something you still have now. What interests do you enjoy most when you’re not walking/running?
Don: My interests are in entomology (moths), botany (native plants) and herpetology (turtles) and I am a member of many state and national societies. I’ve had turtles since I was 5 years old. I had one for 50 years. I have a 100-pound tortoise named, Indy (an eating machine!) and 13 turtles now. Some are grand-turtles of the original turtles. From my entomology background, I have a 25,000+ specimen collection of moths and butterflies.
NRC: Wow! That’s amazing! So, looking ahead, what is your current training goal and what motivates you to keep walking/running regularly?
Don: I have no specific goal right now. People in my family live a long time. I do notice that when they slow down or stop, they go downhill faster. I have no intentions of slowing down.
NRC: Well, we don’t doubt it! We’re glad you’re a part of NRC and look forward to traveling many more miles with you on the road ahead!
SPEED ROUND – Don Tangren:
Favorite TV show: NOVA or Front Line—-They are teaching me something.
Dream Interview – past or present: This would be my father who served in WW2. He fought in Saipan (where he was wounded) and Iwo Jima. He was the sole survivor in his platoon that was bombed. He kept silent about it. I can’t imagine how he carried that and what it was like to go through that.
Craving – salty or sweet: Salty is addictive, so I prefer sweet.
Favorite mantra: Never stop learning.
