by Lucas Colombo
At first light on the morning of October 2, CHS Principal Susan Lanz and 230 fellow competitors began the Cuyamaca 100k. At the end of the grueling day’s work in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Mrs. Lanz crossed the finish line after 62 miles with a time of 16:47:57. The unbelievable strength and pure masterclass of mental and physical drive to overcome an obstacle of this volume is legendary. Mrs. Lanz says she runs between 7 and 8 hours a day, an hour and a half to two hours before school and the rest after school. She adds that she pushes herself forward one step at a time, knowing that there’s an end, and praying to God throughout the race. When asked about her physical state before the 100k, Lanz responded like a true athlete, saying, “My trainer tapers me for a week, and I’m ready to run. I’ve got so much energy stored up, and I just wanna go!” Since nutrition is important for a runner, we asked her what her meal plan consists of before and after races. Always smiling, she answers, “I eat plant-based foods, with some pasta, and very little acid. I drink a gallon or more of water every day a week prior to competition, and my vegetables.” When asked if endurance is more important than speed, she responded “Speed is actually more important! I do a lot of strength and speed training which builds power and, all combined, leads to building my endurance!” Lanz’s go-to running shoes for her mountain climbing competitions and training sessions are the Hoka Cliftons. She also lives by her life verse Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Mrs. Lanz is often seen running with the CHS Cross Country Team during their season.
