Profile of US OT marathon qualifer Stephan Shay who lives in a van down the beach

How is that "lsmall sponsorship" with Skechers?

Well ... La... Dee... Dah!

Well I wish him the best as he is living his dream (I hope). He is sacrificing a lot to live in an RV and run. A bit surprised about how low his mileage is for a marathoner. Barring a HUGE breakthrough, he has no chance of making the Olympic team so I wonder what other factors are motivating him to do this? Or is this just his dream lifestyle?

"Shay, the younger brother of Ryan Shay, who died due to a heart condition during the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in New York City"

I wish him all the best.

Edward Teach wrote:

http://running.competitor.com/2015/09/news/road-warrior-marathoner-stephan-shays-mobile-home-life_135669#DhijCrEx7cbwti6g.01

Fun article - thanks for posting the link.

Sounds like an interesting life. I'm glad Skechers threw a few bucks or shoes his way. His life story and accomplishments will continue to let him get published for a while in various news outlets, so it's a good call by Skechers.

Hard to say how seriously he's taking running right now. I'm sure it's difficult to juggle a serious commitment to running with pursuing a traditional career.

Doesn't seem like he's sacrificing anything to me. It sounds like a blast. Ultimately I think we all should live in vans.

HRE wrote:

Doesn't seem like he's sacrificing anything to me. It sounds like a blast. Ultimately I think we all should live in vans.

Yes.

He does seem to be living the good life and is aware of being responsible for the future of the world. Best of luck to him in the pursuit of his running dreams.

Sponsors should be looking much more at people like Stephen Shay. They are the guys that most runners can relate to and the way they live their lives gives that spark of inspiration to many to train hard and explore one's limits.

In contrast, PED-infused Africans or people taking hormones and living in oxygen bubbles are a turn off to most runners. Their actions show only how ugly the sport can be.

Sponsors, take note on what message you are giving to the running community!

Down by the river!

That;s awesome. Thank you for the article.

With a 1:02 half he can get that Marathon time down. Making the team...no...but it doesn't look to me like that's what this is all about to him. He's no sacrificing anything. He's living the good life.

I wish him well

OK, Richie, you drive, I'll navigate.

How much does a 1:02 half pay?

If he was serious about marathon training he would be doing more than 80-90 a week.

Great story!!

That's what its all about. The true essence of being a competitive distance runner. Not all the bells and whistles are available to everyone. Its about sleeping on floors and friends couches, shacking up with a group of runners sharing the same dream, scrounging up running shoes from whoever, bummin' a meal here and there from family and friends, running local road races to pay rent or gas money to get to the next race. The only thing important is resting up for the next run to get a shot at reaching your full potential.

Best of Luck!!!!

Great read

So happy for him

Truly sounds like an enjoyable and passionate life

I am anxious to hear how he is doing in 20 years.

That job experience is going to serve him well in saving for retirement and providing for his family.

I race often still and have a small handful of gear sponsors, but I also work and am moving forward with my life. Fringe pro running can be a trap.

I love his story but I am also sad for him.....life may not be so.....balanced....at age 40 and 50.

Sad state of affairs when any human...runner or not

Does not have housing...

The market does not provide for all.

Housing should be a basic human right.

Food medical care too.

Everybody is thinking it so here it is:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/4183

I had not seen that. Thank you for keeping it real in the 1980s.

Wikid wrote:

Sad state of affairs when any human...runner or not

Does not have housing...

Housing should be a basic human right.

Food medical care too.

So as a Native American I nor my ancestors should have had to hunt to build shelter or acquire food? I wish you'd of told us that 1000s of years ago!