Running Biography of Al “JJ” Delago

My early running career started in high school, when my new incoming wrestling coach
informed us that if we were to wrestle for his team the following year, we would have
to either play football or run cross country before wrestling season started so we would
be in shape for wrestling. Being 105 pounds I basically ruled out football so decided to
run cross country. I ran for 2 years, the first because I had to, the 2nd because I decided
I liked it. I then ran one year of track.

I then entered a long retirement phase of around 26 or 27 years, though I was “talked
into running a few races” without any training at all. My longest being a 15 mile race,
with no training, which made me decide to never run a marathon. Of course after finishing
a 15 mile race with no training, I guess I could have trained and done a marathon.

When our youngest son got into high school and started running cross country, and his
coach happened to be my best friend from high school (who had talked me into those other
races), I got back to running moderately to help out the program he had going (3D Runners).
After a Dr. visit showed my weight at 196 pounds and my cholesterol was high along with
my blood pressure, I decided to get a little more serious about it. Though still on
medication for high blood pressure, my cholesterol has dropped and my weight is down to
the 150 pound range.

While I don’t have many “records” of accomplishments I can say I won the 10K Florida
state championship for the senior games in 2007 (50 and over) and placed 2nd in the 5K.

Our club is closely associated with an area high school, and all us adults have become
“volunteer assistant coaches.” It does give one personal satisfaction at seeing young
kids become runners and athletes and to watch their progress over the years, and know
that you have an impact on their progress, training and development. The 3D Road Runners
Club has helped me become a better runner, and a better mentor to the young kids going
through our program. I hope it continues for many years...