VIENNA - Jason Henthorn had an epiphany.
"I just woke up one day and decided I needed to better my health," said the 42-year-old Parkersburg resident. "I saw people running a lot and I thought 'Hey, I can do that.'
"So, I got into it, and I've been running ever since. I've lost a lot of weight, and I'm in shape. My endurance is really good."
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Photo by Ron Johnston Parkersburg’s Jason Henthorn is training hard to run in his first Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon later his year.
That was about two years ago shortly after having knee surgery. Henthorn tested himself in some 5Ks and 10Ks and "finished first in my age division a few times and not so good other times," he said.
Now, Henthorn believes he's ready to run the big one - the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon.
"It's exciting, and I'm looking forward to it," Henthorn said. "I'd like to do it under two hours."
To prepare for the 13.1 mile event on Aug. 17, he's been training with like-minded participants in clinics spearheaded by the River City Runners and Walkers Club at 5:30 p.m. every Monday at City Park throughout the summer. Last Monday (June 17), the group ran gathered at Jackson Memorial Park off Rosemar (near the ball fields) and ran an 8-mile run.
"There's a lot of hills, coming and going," said Henthorn of the 8-mile training run in Vienna. "And I love hills. They're challenging and it pushes you. It's a good test."
The training runs are low key and not timed, but provide runners with valuable experience before the big race.
"I love this training," Henthorn said. "The people are good and give your pointers. They help you. It's a really good group to be a part of."
A 1995 Parkersburg High School grad, Henthorn said he did not compete in sports as a high schooler. Instead, he focused on studying.
Currently, Henthorn is employed by the Department of Transportation, the WVDOH. He also has two sons Logan (16) and Bryce (14), who play soccer for the Don Fosselman-coached Parkersburg Big Reds.
Henthorn and his girlfriend are vice presidents of the soccer boosters.
He said his sons train with him occasionally but don't compete in any races.
Since running on a regular basis, Henthorn said he averages "about 25 to 30 miles a week."
"I've never run 13.1 miles, but I have run 11 miles a couple of times on my own," he said.
In past years, Henthorn was a spectator at the Half run. He had always told himself he was ready for the challenge of running it, but never took the leap. Now, he's putting his money where his mouth is.
"I've watched it a few times, and I'm thinking, 'Next year, I'll do that. Next year, I'll do that,'" he said, laughing. "But next year never comes around.
"This year, it's going to come around. Now's the time. I'm tired of making excuses. I need to get out and do it. Have fun and enjoy it."