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Graham Cooper: Ultrarunning Addict

Posted July 4, 2007 at 02:00 PM by Jessica Galvano

Section: His Fitness, Cardio Training, His Health, Physical Health, His Inspiration, Success Stories

The public generally regards ultrarunners with combined admiration and sheer awe. Many can appreciate the necessary grit and determination, but few can comprehend the desire to traverse 100 miles of near vertical trails. Graham Cooper, defending champion of the Western States Endurance Run, defies the perception of the almost inhuman, mileage-obsessed ultrarunner.
Though Cooper began running at the early age of nine and completed the San Francisco Marathon at 13, his adolescent career was short lived. The Oakland native lost interest in the sport during high school, only to return to it during his 30s. As a latecomer to ultrarunning, Cooper’s MBA from Stanford and fit yet far from skin-and-bones build make him an unexpected participant in the ultramarathon.
Unlike many of his high-mileage peers, Cooper abides by a relaxed training regimen based more upon a genuine passion for running than a preoccupation with distance and time. Oftentimes he even runs watchless, a true testament to his no-numbers approach. For Cooper, fun takes precedence over miles and minutes. He attributes the real joy of running to variety; the occasional triathlon, long distance bike race, and competition of lesser mileage sustain Cooper’s devotion to ultrarunning.
Despite all of the qualities that distinguish Cooper from the typical ultrarunner—his businessman occupation, unconventional training methods, and late arrival on the ultrarunning scene—he exhibits one trait common to all long distance runners: obsession. Cooper admits that while physical stamina is necessary for the sport, stamina cannot develop without a slightly stubborn, and at times somewhat crazed mindset. 
At 37, Cooper’s running follows a “pain is temporary” mentality. He recognizes most pain not as pain, but as discomfort. Multiple successes at ultra distances prove that Cooper can withstand endless miles of his own unusual definition of pain.
Among Cooper’s accomplishments, the Western States 100 marks a particularly tough test of both physical and mental fortitude. In last year’s race Cooper trailed leader Brian Morrison by four minutes into the final 22 miles. Cooper maintained a steady pace into mile 80; it was then that he decided to increase the pace. Morrison, apparently sharing Cooper’s winning attitude, did the same.
In spite of Cooper’s quickened pace, Morrison managed to extend a four minute lead to five minutes, five minutes to six minutes, eventually tripling the margin. Morrison’s incredible surge, however, ended before he could cross the finish line. Cooper, who had accepted the inevitability of a second place finish, instead passed a collapsed Morrison to break unbroken tape. Obviously concerned for an ailing Morrison, Cooper only half-heartedly celebrated his victory in 2006.
In this year’s Western States competition, Cooper hopes that he can deliver another top-10 performance. The tenacity and enthusiasm that Cooper brings to the intensely competitive sport certainly make him a threat in the upcoming 100-miler.
Already established in the business world, Cooper’s reputation as an exceptional ultrarunner grows with each competition. Though not your average ultramarathoner, Graham Cooper is unmistakably and irrevocably addicted to the sport.

For resources and more information: [Contracosta Times] [Picture]

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Tags: cooper, distance, graham cooper, mentality, miles, mindset, oakland, runner, running, stamina, stanford, ultrarunner, western states endurance run, winning

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