Canadian master has world record in sights

The sands of time may always be moving, but so is Canadian masters runner Peter Lawson.

Time is something that I make more note of as I get closer in age to 40. I don’t consider 40 old, but it seems to be regarded as a birthday to make not of. In the last few years I have noticed running and training aren’t any more difficult, but are different. My body and mind react differently to training and racing, and someone seems to have dulled my top-end gears. I am not quite the same runner I was when I had a full-head of blond hair at 20.

This blog is about a runner I briefly had the privilege of running behind during a time trial in my younger running days in Halifax, N.S. Peter Lawson, whom I am about to introduce to you, made me feel like I was walking. He’s also the only runner I know whose hair looks just as good after a run as it did before.

Peter Lawson

Peter is 45 years old and grew up in Dartmouth, N.S. Peter is a small business owner and is also a trained hair stylist since 1998. Peter does not look 45 and has a fit running body many younger runners would envy, and a full head of well-coiffed hair. His significant other in life, Maddie his little six year-old, and his apparently spoiled rotten dog hangs out at work with Peter.

Peter’s running began back in 1986 in the days of 80s pop music and the crazy Flock of Seagulls hairstyle. Serious training did not really commence until Peter was in Grade 12. Peter’s talent and speed soon became evident. Peter progressed from a high school athlete to national-calibre sprinter focusing mainly on the 400m event.

In March 2014, after overcoming injury and a difficult year, Peter, as part of a Canadian Masters team help set Canadian record in the 4x200m event and brought home an individual medal. I caught up with Peter and asked him a few questions about his running and his future goals. I found out he has his eyes set on more than just medals.

What was it like representing Canada as a master’s athlete?

I was so happy with my results in Budapest. I overcame such great obstacles to get to these championships. I joined a team of 50 Canadian athletes and over 3,800 from all over the world. I unexpectedly got to carry the Canadian flag into the opening ceremonies and be part of representing Canada at these championships. It is such an honour to wear the Canadian track and field uniform and compete against other countries from all over the world.

In the final I knew everyone was fast and that it was going to be a race to the cut-in and that being first to the pylons would give an advantage. I got to the pylons and ended up being in fourth with 100m to go. I then knew I had to remain relaxed, patient and also close to the three competitors in front of me or I would not be able to close the gap with a straight stretch that is 60 m shorter than on an outdoor track.

When we came off the final turn I was still in fourth position and the American in front of me strategically moved out from lane one to the outside lanes to make it more difficult for me to pass. I quickly decided that I needed to move to his inside to make a surprise final attempt to pass him. I inched closer and closer but the finish line was coming too fast. I leaned and looked towards my competitor and could see the surprise on his face. I stepped off the track and looked up at the results screen to see that I had run 52.63, one one-hundredth of a second faster than the American who was fourth.

I captured the bronze. Getting the bronze medal was really just a bonus to what was such an incredible journey!

What keeps you running and challenging yourself?

I have always loved to run fast. When I am asked why I still run I often say running is like a heartbeat, my body in rhythm, just one with myself.I got picked on when I was a little kid and believe that was what compelled me to run track and field. I would run away from kids trying to get me. I realized I was actually good at running and that I didn’t have to be afraid because no one could catch me.

Many runners lose their speed and decide to run longer distances as they age. Why not you?

I love the 400m and have had such a relationship with this race. In general, I am very loyal so I find it difficult to move away from this event. I think that change is very important though and want to give myself more opportunities racing both the 800m and the 200m in the future. Many of the people I race against at these major competitions compete in the 400 and 800 or 200 and 400. My coach and I have always stayed focused to get the best results possible and I believe this is the best approach at these major competitions.

I remember when I was in my early 30s, I did not think I would want to compete as a masters runner. I think at the time it would be admitting to myself that I was going to age into my 40s and I was not psychologically ready to let go as a competitor against younger runners. My coach Heather Hennigar was contacted by a masters aged athlete who was looking at my 400m times when I was 39. He thought that I would really be a benefit to their 4x400m team in Finland the following summer in 2009.

What are your running goals, long and short term?

I have a goal to chase down the world outdoor record in the 400m for men 45 and older. I turned 45 in December and have the greatest opportunity when I am at my youngest age in this M45 category. I ran 50.04 when I was 41, which is the Canadian record for [that age group]. The outdoor world record for M45 is 50.6. This will be what I will build my training around for the next 16 months.

Running is a passion for many like Peter that does not die with time. Time may slow us but the flame and love of competition and challenge does not.

See you on the roads or in the blogosphere.

Do you have a running story to share?

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