Eric Bunch

PERSONAL RECORDS:
1500 m 4:11-UMKC Invitational
3 km 9:05-Iowa State Indoor Open
5 km 15:33-UMKC Invitational
10 km 32:29-HAAC Championship
Half-Marathon 1:11:17-Midland Lutheran Half Marathon
Marathon 2:33:04-NAIA Marathon

Weekly mileage: 30-50 miles per week right now.

DOB: 16 November 1981

When did you start running? Because I was too small and uncoordinated to play football, I started cross country in 7th grade.

Who has influenced you most in running? My high school coach was very influential in jump starting my running career and keeping me motivated. His enthusiasm was important in my development. Additionally, Tim Schmid, a William Jewell Alumnus, was a very important individual in shaping my training philosophies. I tend to learn a lot from anyone I ever have a chance to run with.

Running Accomplishments: All-State cross country, North County High School; Four year scholar athlete, Former school record holder-half marathon and current school record holder-marathon, William Jewell College; I hold the dubious distinction of being one place away from All-American in NAIA track and field. I can also eat more cereal and/or ice cream than anyone else I know.

Favorite Workout: Four miles easy, 16 miles at marathon pace and a two-mile cool-down is one of my favorite workouts. Another is three mile tempo on the track, six miles easy on the roads then back to the track for three times a mile, each progressively faster.

Favorite Running Routes in Columbia: There are so many to choose from, but my favorites are McBaine to Roche Port and back on the KATY trail, the trails of Rock Bridge State Park and Rolling Hills loop which includes Gans Creek Road, gravel roads and Rolling Hills Road. I also do some running in Fulton where I enjoy exploring a lot of the Callaway County gravel roads.

Goals: In the last 18 months, I have been plagued with injuries so my primary goal is to remain healthy so I can have consistent training. After I achieve physical health, I hope to run some personal bests this fall and next spring in anything from the 1500 to the marathon. As far as measurable goals go, I hope to finish Heart of America Marathon in Boston Qualifying time and to finish in the top 35 at the Boston Marathon. A sub 2:30 marathon would be nice.

Personal Info and Interests: Currently I am an assistant track and cross country coach at William Woods University where I am also pursuing a Master’s of Education in Athletic and Activities Management. I have a BA in philosophy from William Jewell College where I competed for four years in cross country and track. My parents, Bill and Debbie, and sister, Lindsay, reside in my hometown of Bonne Terre, Missouri.