Sheila Loar

Sheila Loar of Salisbury recalls wearing Keds and tube socks as an elementary school runner and never used a running watch until a few years ago. Get to know Sheila in this interview and see what running has taught her through the years and what big goal she is working toward.

When did you start running? Were you a college athlete? 
I have been an athlete since I was 9 years old. I grew up in Vermont and started running at the age of 12 (1982) and ran cross country for my elementary school from 1982-1984. I was the only girl on our team of 5 runners. We had one cross country meet each season in Canada. I also played soccer, basketball, and softball in high school and in college.  

Did you ever set running aside or has this been a lifelong habit? 
After I was introduced to running in 1982, I used running to condition for the team sports I participate in. It developed into a lifelong habit, and I will be celebrating 43 years of running this year!

How do you think the sport of running has changed over the years? 
Running has become more than just a sport for the elite. People of all ages, backgrounds, ability, and paces can run to chase a PR or BQ, for wellness, mental health, or even socially! Online and in person running clubs have exploded and offer people a chance to connect and build relationships while hitting the road or trails for adventure. Group running is more popular than ever, and you can now travel the world and plan “runcations”. The possibilities are limitless with how running can be a part of your story. There truly is something for everyone.

Do you have a particular race that’s a favorite? How about distance? 
That is tough. I would like to share three. The first is the first Boston Marathon I ran in 1995. I qualified for Boston at the first marathon I ran in 1994, the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. I had no idea what being a Boston qualifier meant at the time but was encouraged by my professor at Old Dominion University, Terri Zablocki, to do it.  I really thought Boston was just for professionals.  It was surreal! I qualified at the 1995 Boston for the 100^th! The whole experience felt like a dream!

 The second race that has had a HUGE impact on my life was the first race I served as a Wingman for Athletes Serving Athletes. I helped an ASA athlete cross the finish line at the Skipjack 10K. Of all the finish lines I have crossed, this finish left me speechless. Helping an athlete with a different ability finish on his own and seeing how he, his family, and his team responded was beyond words for me. My heart exploded that day with joy! I am currently a Captain for TEAM 360, a local non-profit running organization to help athletes with different abilities participate in and finish mainstream races. There is no greater feeling than helping others cross that finish line. 

The third is finishing my first ultramarathon, the Algonquin 50K, in 2023. I went into race day with a partially torn hamstring and was able to meet my goal finish time. The experience was the toughest challenge I have ever faced physically and mentally. I could not have accomplished it without my best running partner by my side, Nikki Rittling. 

As for a favorite race distance, I love the half marathon distance!

What has running taught you? 
Running has taught me a lot about myself. I’ve learned patience, discipline, the value of hard work, and how to battle. Running has meant different things to me over the years. My running has evolved from solo runs to running with others. I never imagined running with others when I was younger. I didn’t want to slow anyone down and was very nervous to join group runs. I am so glad I met amazing friends who are also runners!

Running has been my lifeline at times. It has been a way I can clear my mind and deal with struggles. I always come back from a run better able to handle what I have been dealt. Running for me is freedom, independence, an opportunity to test limits, a place to “let go,” and a place to build friendships. Solo runs have their benefits but the miles I have shared with friends are so much richer and meaningful. The relationships I have made give me a sense of belonging and purpose. Doing hard things is more rewarding when shared with like-minded people. You really learn a lot about yourself and others on a run.

 How do you train? Do you follow a plan? 
I plan for 5-6 days of running, 25-30 miles total, each week. I do some of the workouts solo, but I also enjoy running with friends and in the run clubs. The running days include a mix of tempo, speedwork, and long run days on trails and road. I do not use any special training method. I have a game plan for each training but have always run by how I feel. I listen to my body, my breathing, and the sound of how my foot strikes the ground. I strive for a particular rhythm and lock into what my body will give that day. I make adjustments as I go. I rarely look at my watch on a run other than to check heart rate.  I love pressing the stop button at the finish of training to see how I did.

I also added strength training to my weekly plan 4 years ago.  I train at Fixer Upper Health Club three days a week for 60 minutes.

Tell us more about your strength training.
Fixer Upper is the best investment I have made for my health and wellness. The only regret is I didn’t start sooner. Zac Jones is my personal trainer, and he has customized training cycles that compliment my training and race schedules. I feel stronger, more stable, and have learned a more efficient and safer way to train so I can continue what I love to do. Strength training is a non-negotiable in my running plan. The benefits are helping me perform at new levels and helping me take a proactive step in managing the effects of perimenopause and aging. 

Any running goals you’d like to share? 
I am working on returning to road marathons. My last road marathon was in 2001. I will be running the Richmond Marathon on November 15, 2025.  My goal is to qualify for the 2027 Boston Marathon.