Doug Goodhue: Grandpa 'Rug' Beats All
Photo: Doug Goodhue ran the Borgess Half Marathon in 1:24:54, which converts to an age-graded 1:09:08.

I am not a runner. Sure, I torture myself on a treadmill regularly, but my only goal is a firm butt and making it to the end of 20 minutes without tripping and being shot off the back of that evil machine like a Jell-O cannonball. I guess I'll have to find other ways to make my dad, Senior Male Runner of the Year Doug Goodhue, proud of me.

I remember when Dad resumed running, many years after his stints on Redford High School track and cross country teams: he was in his mid- life crisis years, me in my hormone-cluttered early teens. Sometimes we'd run together and discuss how I was going to be an Olympic gymnast or on the LPGA tour, and he was going to run a marathon.

I tossed away those dreams with my worn-out gym shoes, but Dad drew nearer his with each stride. Now, 20 plus years later, he has run not just any marathon, but the Boston Marathon. He was USA Track & Field Outstanding Male Athlete of 2002, was ranked No. 1 nationally in his age group, and now is MR's Senior Male Runner of the Year.

But his latest honor did not come easily. Former Senior ROYs Jim Carlton and Gerard Malaczynski were on Dad's heels with every race. Fortunately, so was his coach, Bill Stewart. In the end, the challenges of running a tough, statewide race series, several injuries and the mere fact of being 62 years old, proved nothing my "young at heart" father could not overcome.

I may be proudest of my dad for the fact that he regularly acknowledges the people who support him. I love to tease him about his cult-like group of running friends from the Michigan Grand Masters Team, Ann Arbor Track Club and Brighton Area Road Striders, but they're a positive influence and the reason he races week after week.

Of course, his wife, Cindy, also a dedicated runner, is a major part of his success. She recently qualified for the Boston Marathon herself, so the happy couple will be found this April running side-by-side through the streets of Beantown (though it appears everyone's favorite running dog, Molly, will have to bow out of that race).

And you can't underestimate the support of the heirs of all Dad's awards, medals, plaques and trophies: the children and grandchildren. Despite Dad's best efforts, his daughters will not be carrying on the Goodhue running legacy -- except, perhaps, in writings or photos. But "Grandpa Rug" (a two-year-old's combination of "Run" and "Doug") has already been a strong influence on his grandchildren, no strangers to "pace" and "PR." The little, future Runners of the Year know that there's never a shortage of Gatorade and carbs at Grandma and Grandpa's home in Milford.

When Dad is not training, racing or just running with Cindy, Molly or the grandkids, he uses his other talents as a certified kitchen designer and senior account manager at E.W. Kitchens in Wixom. He and Cindy often volunteer their time behind the scenes of local races, such as the Milford Memories 5K in August. And, every once in a while, he finds time to play some golf.

I asked my dad (also known as the "Silver Bullet") what goals he has left for next year. He seems to have done it all -- winning road and cross country races, indoor and outdoor track competitions. He replied he knows there will be even more competition next year, with Wally Herrala turning 60 and past Senior ROYs still fit, fast and motivated; but added that fuels his fire even more.

For now, he is focused on running Boston this spring with Cindy. After that? "Maybe I'll run some marathons, see how quick I can do them."

Just when I thought I would see him next summer. MR