Paul Soskind interviews Wan Park

Paul Soskind: When did you start running? Wan Park: I began in high school, competing in events from the 220 to the 880.

P.S.: How did you do in those events?

Wan: My PRs were 52.5 in the 440 and 1:58 in the 880. After I graduated, I ran track for Cornell.

P.S.: What happened after college?

Wan: I lived in Florida, ran down there, and did the Walt Disney Marathon there in 1999.

P.S.: So that was your first. What was the experience like?

Wan: I found it to be boring; it was an out and back course. On that day it was also colder than expected, but I did finish under 3 hours.

P.S.: So when you came to New York, what prompted you to join PPTC?

Wan: I thought it would be enjoyable to run and train with others.

P.S.: Tell us about your most intense running experience.

Wan: It was at the Boston Marathon where I was on target for a 2:42, but because of dehydration I started to fall off pace. I gutted it out and did a 2:47. It was a learning experience!

P.S.: That's fantastic! Tell us what your goals are long term.

Wan: I would like to look back about 30 years from now on a successful running career with at least 35 well run marathons under my belt. I still feel motivated and capable of training well each day.

P.S.: We really appreciate the experiences you've shared with us, and look forward to many more triumphs from such a talented individual.

First published Saturday, April 16, 2011