Christopher Mertz
Resides in: Palmer Township, Easton
Years running: 27
Bio: Born and raised in Easton and started running in 6th grade for the middle school program. Four unforgettable years running cross country and track for legendary coach Mr. Ray Herman. Graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI with a degree in Hospitality Management. I am currently a manager at the Boston Market in Stroudsburg. I help out with the Easton cross country team whenever possible and officiate many track meets in the Spring. I enjoy dining out and vacations at the beach.

What are your favorite training foods?
My favorite foods are blueberry pancakes, all fruits, salmon, pasta (of course} and lasagna.

What is the strangest/funniest thing that has happened to you on a run?
One of the strangest runs I’ve ever been on was a 5 miler during the Summer while in high school. There were about 6 of us and my friend Joe and I broke away from the others. We were on Washington St. in Wilson and had about a mile or so to go. All of a sudden we saw a car on fire outside a corner bar. Joe and I ran in the bar, asked for the fire extinguisher, came out and put the engine fire out. As we were finishing up the 2nd group came up and they said they saw the whole thing. We all had a big laugh when we got back to the high school.

What is your biggest running accomplishment and why?
Running my PR at the Chicago Marathon in 2002 (2:41:35). I went out there looking to break 2:46 and everything clicked that day. Looking back on it now, I should have savored the moment longer at the finish area. The race started at 8 and I think I was back in my hotel room by 11:15am. The door man (Julio) asked if I was done already. I said yeah, no worries.

Favorite race distance?
The Marathon- the longer the better for me.

What is your favorite running mantra?
Consistency, consistency, consistency.
And from Lynn Jennings – RUN FAST!

Running Heroes?
Alberto Salazar, Joan Benoit Samuelson

Current running goals?
To see how close I can get to my marathon PR at Chicago this Fall.
To one day run the Comrades Marathon in South Africa.

What are some things you’ve learned about yourself from running?
If you have a structured plan/schedule, things will work out for the best.

What would your family and friends tell us about your passion for running?
That they see me all over town running and that I hardly ever run a race in the Lehigh Valley.

Best race experience?
Making the turn on Hereford Street onto Boyleston Street in Boston every year. The crowd is just nuts.

What gets you excited about running?
Standing on the starting line, knowing you put in all those miles and this could be a special day.

Do you have a favorite race?
My 3 favorite races are The Boston Marathon (16X, 15 in a row), The Beach 2 Beacon Road Race (Joanie’s race) in Cape Elizabeth ME (I’ve done EVERY one (12), The Stone Harbor Lions Club 10K in NJ (fun weekend at the Jersey shore).