A Quarter Mile With Mercury Masters
Mercury Masters, a club for women runners age 50-plus, was founded in 1995 and welcomes runners of all abilities. For 2019, the team is at the top of the NYRR club standings in the women's 70+ division.
Name: Carol Schimmelpfenneg Sandow
Club: Mercury Masters
Fartlek or tempo? Tempo. Slow but steady wins the race.
Favorite NYRR race? Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M because it's so inspirational and we volunteer as a team every year.
Favorite race distance? 10K. I always feel a sense of accomplishment after crossing the finish line and it's a challenge.
Favorite distance to run? Five miles. It's enjoyable and not too intimidating. It's a good everyday run because it pushes me just enough.
Running hero? Meb Keflezighi and any Achilles athlete for their skill, perseverance, and character.
Post-race meal? Bloody B.L.T. or Spicy Brine Margarita with a BBQ Smothered Pepper Jack Chicken Biscuit Sandwich at Jacob's Pickles on the Upper West Side.
Cold-weather or warm-weather running? Cold. I can always layer up if it's cold, but if it's hot, it's just plain hot.
Treadmills: Yay or nay? Yay, for cardio, followed by weights and strength exercises at the gym. I do one-minute sprints every three minutes on the treadmill to relieve boredom and make the time go by faster. But I’d always rather run outside in Central Park. I know every hill, turn, and distance, but every run in Central Park is guaranteed to be different and definitely not boring.
Most exotic place you’ve ever run? I haven't done it yet, but plan to do it soon: the Mackinac Island Eight Mile in Michigan. The course is around the entire island, with spectacular views of the Mackinac Bridge. There are no cars on the island, only horses and bikes. It's one of my favorite places and “pure Michigan.”
Inspirational quote? "When I do the best I can with what I have, then I have won my race." – Jay Foonberg
Song that makes you pick it up? There are several: "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen, "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors, and "You're All I Need to Get By" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.
Toughest NYRR race course? Any race involving the Harlem hills of Central Park.
Three people you’d like to have along on a training run? Peter Ciaccia, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
Best non-running account you follow on Instagram? Doug the Pug and The Dogist. I love dogs and have a pug named Daisy.
Your club, in five words? Friendship, fun, supportive, no judgments.