Durango resident Leith “Marek” Wentling marked his 70th birthday this week by running 70 miles in 24 hours.
He set out to complete the long-distance journey not only to achieve a personal goal, but to encourage others to never underestimate their capabilities.
His preparation and mental toughness paid off. He successfully completed the run Sunday in just over 24 hours. Splitting running and walking for about half the duration, he was able to regulate his energy and keep a steady pace for the entire time.
Wentling started running at age 9, in 1960. John F. Kennedy was elected president, the Cold War was escalating and “To Kill a Mockingbird” was first published. But for a 9-year-old boy, Looney Tunes cartoons were experiencing their Golden Age with the advent of new characters like Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner.
“My first run felt like I was flying, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.” he said. “I just put the image of the Road Runner from Looney Tunes in my head and let go.”
Wentling’s 70-mile run took him on what’s called an out and back: He started from his home near the Durango Sports Club, went to Santa Rita Park, then back to his house, then north on East Animas Road (County Road 250) to Bakers Bridge, and north on U.S. Highway 550 past Cascade Creek before turning back and returning to his apartment on Florida Road.
Wentling said he wanted to prove he still has a lot left in the tank. Setting goals and achieving them builds confidence and inspires his grandchildren, he said.
“My grandchildren are so impressed by what I do, and that only fuels the fire more,” he said.
His ambition also inspires his children. Wentling’s son, Emory, originally from Taos, New Mexico, is a silversmith, and his daughter, Rachel, born in Mexico and raised in various states in the western U.S., obtained her father’s fitness gene and enjoys competing as a Spartan athlete.
“They are behind me 100%, no matter the distance,” he said.
Long-distance running at Wentling’s age requires a fair amount of mental and physical preparation. The training regimen Wentling followed was the perfect tool to provide him with the confidence to cover 70 miles. He ran 60 miles a few weeks before, and continued to eat lots of fruits and veggies loaded with vitamins and minerals. He then rested for multiple days leading up to the attempt with only minor exercises to keep the blood flowing and his muscles warm. He also ensures that he’ll be protected from the elements out on the road with wool socks, a mirror to alert him of traffic and even a pedicure for his feet. No stone is left unturned for this challenge.
Simple mistakes can run the risk of an uncompleted run or worse, an injury.
“I always wear the most heavy-duty protection I can find as well as full-compression (clothing) from head to toe,” he said. “I’m always staying hydrated with lots of water and electrolytes in my 12-pound backpack.”
Wentling hasn’t escaped without his share of difficulties.
Last year, he had a medical situation that required prostate surgery that set him back five months. As part of his recovery, he couldn’t physically exert himself for an extended period of time, during which he gained 14 pounds in nine months. That placed him significantly below the physical benchmark he desired for his 70-mile run. But he trained hard for the past six months.
“I just want to inspire people of all ages, physicalities or whatever sets you apart from the crowd,” Wentling said. “The outdoors is a therapeutic place for me, and I know anyone can have that same wonderful feeling regardless of their circumstances.”
Wentling has also completed his first book, a seven-year project titled, “Crossover: A Shamantic Thriller,” under the pen name Leith Marek. It tells the story of a young boy thrust into challenging circumstances, but when he moves to a beautiful farmscape, he discovers himself in ways he never imagined possible. The book is available in paperback or digital download on Amazon.com.
Wentling’s advice to those struggling to sustain an active lifestyle is to “start small and take things a few steps at a time.” He hopes others see exercise and healthy habits lead to a more fulfilling life.
“It’s not supposed to be stress-inducing,” he said. “It opens you up to fun adventures. For older people, this concept is imperative if you want to feel good down the road.”
