Laura Yasso

Laura Kulsik Yasso
Resides in: Center Valley
Years Running: Forever….I was on one of the first h.s. girls’ cross-country teams under Title IX in the mid-1970s. Ran my first marathon, San Francisco, at age 22, first ultra at 32, first 100 at 38, and 110th marathon just last month. Now, I am old and slow but still happy to take part!

Who or what was it that inspired you to start running?
Nothing in particular. It was a natural extension to backpacking, hiking and cross-country skiing with my dad in the Sierras. I always enjoyed running and exploring – being outside in nature. I was a little whippet – speedy but not very good at ball sports (not aggressive). If I did manage to make it to base in softball, nobody could steal bases like me!

What is your biggest running accomplishment and why?
My seven finishes, including three top 10 finishes, at the Western States 100-miler. WS is the Granddaddy of all 100s. This is my Olympics. I come alive on this gnarly course that includes 18,000’ feet of climb and 21,000’ of descent. It’s weird but I could beat men who were 2:40 marathoners yet, at my best, I was a 3:14 marathoner. (Women tend to do very well at these epic events!) Ultras reward runners who are patient and can handle bad stuff and man, the bad stuff happens in 100s; you just never know where, when and what. I welcome the challenge.

Favorite race distance?
When I could run well – trail 50Ks. Now, I’m loving the short stuff. My latest running project: to run 50 5Ks in the 50 weeks before my 50th birthday this May but because eastern PA is the 5K mecca for the country I was able to get the 50 done in just 20 weeks. It was a blast.

Running Heroes?
I have a special affinity for those who have struggled. Those folks are my heroes. I know people with weight problems who took up running, secretly working out alone inside or running outside at night so nobody would see them and thus make fun of them. I’d like to think that “my sport” welcomes everyone regardless of appearance or ability.

Current running goals?
To finish the Comrades Marathon (56 miles) in South Africa this May. At 22,000 runners, it’s by far the largest ultra in the world. Wish I could have run it when I was competitive but it’ll still be special to take part in this epic race.

What are some things you’ve learned about yourself from running?
The longer I go, the better I am. If distance running is truly a microcosm of life, the preparation and discipline required in being able to take part in a run seems to mirror the preparation and discipline needed to complete so many of the different aspects of life from work to relationships and various commitments. Sometimes a person doesn’t feel like doing it but keeps at it and begins to see the building of strength (both mental and physical) or the completion of a task. Sometimes one does just finish, and in just finishing there is some type of accomplishment that many people will never sense. And then, sometimes, there’s that PR or job well done which is a great reward in itself – and a great feeling that lasts long after you reach the finish line.

What would your family and friends tell us about your passion for running?
I am not the epitome of the obsessive runner; it’s all about having fun and challenging oneself. Even when I was competitive it was always a fun thing for me. I get family and friends involved whether it be volunteering at a race or walking a 5K with me.

What are your favorite training foods?
I LOVE to eat and eat well but sadly, I have no fave runner foods. They are just fuel for me. I’d much rather sit down and savor a perfect assortment of California-style sushi than chow down on an energy bar at six miles an hour.

Favorite running shirt?
No one particular favorite shirt but some of my faves are my own designs. (I’m a graphic artist). I have a runner’s quilt made out of denim fabric and 48 of my favorite race shirts.