Trisha Sarac, 81, and her son Sascha Edge, 56, speak every morning. The first thing they ask each other is, “How far did you run today?” Their second question is often “What’s your next race?”
Sascha, a Chicago native, started running at 43 years old. Since then, he has run 28 marathons (including two trail marathons), completed the six World Major Marathons—most of them twice.
Trisha, who grew up in Minnesota, is a retired nurse, diabetes educator, mother of two, and grandmother of four who logs about 40 miles a week. She ran her first half marathon in 2016. Trisha is modest about her accomplishments, but being an inspiration to runners keeps her going.
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When Trisha moved to Florida in 1995, a highlight of Sascha’s visits from Chicago would be starting each day with a morning run together. While the two share a love of running, they like to run different races and cheer each other on.
Running together is a way to motivate each other. There are signs that this family tradition may span more generations than they realized. One time when Sascha was looking through some old family artifacts, he came across a trophy, which was his grandfather’s, for a 100-meter race. Maybe running was always their fate.
Sascha:
Runner’s World: What do you do to stay healthy?
I just turned 56 and I exercise every day and lead a pretty clean life (meaning I rarely drink and do not smoke and try and eat as healthy as one can). I run, on average, 10 miles every morning and two to three times a week I add a second workout at lunchtime. The balance of the time is really focused on stretching, foam-rolling, core strengthening, flexibility and mobility, some light strength training, push-ups and sit-ups, and I will typically add a 10-15 minute HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) session.
What is your running routine?
I am out the door by 5 a.m., but depending on length of run, I may start as early as 4:30. My run is probably pretty consistent with most runners with a speed workout during the middle of the week and a long run on the weekend. And some easy runs on the balance of the days with strides, fartleks, and intervals mixed in. I work with DWRunning and a coach to customize a workout for me each week based on how my previous week went, my work-life balance, and anything else that needs to be taken into consideration to formulate a plan.
Must haves before and after a run?
My go to for any decent length run or mid-length run but with a lot of intensity is oatmeal with raisons, walnuts, honey, and fruit. This has not changed over the years. I love that it has a low-glycemic index, which provides a sustained release of energy into the bloodstream. After a run, I will have a banana and a protein shake of some kind. Prior to a big race, workout, or marathon, I like to drink UCAN, which is supposed to help you burn a greater percentage of fat versus carbohydrates at race pace.
Favorite running season and why?
Summer! Most people in Chicago do not fall in love with summer running due to heat and humidity. But I just love the preparation for my morning run when all I need is a pair of shoes, socks, and shorts. To be able to run that free and feel the warm air on my skin is just heaven!
Advice to runners?
Listen to your body but don’t be afraid to push yourself. We are all afraid to leave our comfort zone, but that is where the gains happen. You are never too old to start running and you can continue to get faster as you get older. I am living proof of that. I didn’t start running until my 40s and I’ve run the Chicago Marathon 10 straight years.
Trisha:
Runner’s World: What do you do to stay healthy?
Exercise daily, including running, walking, body weight and balance exercises. I follow a low-glycemic vegan, whole food organic diet.
What is your running routine?
I listen to my body and run by feel, usually averaging 40 miles per week. I do stretching before and after my runs.
Must haves before and after a run?
After a run, I have breakfast. My go to breakfast is a mix of whole grains, fruit, nuts and seeds. If I am doing my long run, I might have corn grits or oatmeal with some banana prior to the run. During the run, I carry water and some pieces of salted potato and pieces of banana.
Favorite running season?
Spring is so exciting to see the plants and flowers and trees blooming. Summer, I can go out in shorts and a bathing suit top and enjoy the feeling of the sun and festive atmosphere. In the fall, I love the colors, the smells, and the wonderful air temperature. In the winter, it’s exciting, invigorating, and makes me feel strong and tough.
Advice for runners?
The secret to being strong and healthy is not being sedentary! Never stop studying and learning about factors that affect health.
