Russell W. Lauer
NICKNAME	Lauer Pauer
HOMETOWN	Bronx, NY
DOB	7/14/62
HIGH SCHOOL	Columbia High School, East Greenbush, N.Y.
COLLEGE	College of St. Rose, Albany, N.Y.
WHEN YOU STARTED RUNNING	1984
WHY YOU STARTED RUNNING	Prozac was not invented yet and I needed a 'stress buster'.
PRs:	5K = 16:22 (2004 Ghostly Gallop) 10K = 34:17 (2004 Troy Turkey Trot 10k) 15K = 53:17 (2004 Stockade-athon) Half Marathon = 1:18:04 (2004 America's Finest City) Marathon = 2:45:14 (2004 Mohawk Hudson Fall Marathon)
RUNNING GOALS	sub 2:45 Marathon
FAVORITE DISTANCES	10K, 15K--
FAVORITE RACES	Boilermaker 15K, Utica, N.Y.
NEXT GOAL RACE	The Stockade-athon
FAVORITE MOVIE	This is Spinal Tap
WHAT DO YOU CHERISH THE MOST?	I value people who are honest, compassionate and who have clear goals. I also love "The Deuce"
WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE IF THEY KNEW ABOUT YOU	It seems to surprise everyone that I used to drive tractor trailers for a living. I guess I don't fit the stereotype.
WHY DO YOU RUN?	My brain doesn't produce enough serotonin, and I can't afford Prozac!
WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF COACH JIM THE FIRST TIME YOU MET HIM	What a Kook! How can anyone run 500 miles in a week?! Actually, I was in awe of all that he has accomplished in his life so far, and that he has an amazing energy level, and is positive and upbeat.
WHAT YOU THINK OF COACH JIM NOW	What a kook! I mean that in the most endearing way! This guy is totally for real. Jim has a vast circle of friends and running companions that he always has time for. His dedication to the sport of running goes way beyond personal accomplishment. He gives much of his time and effort to help others succeed and reach their goals. Jim carefully and thoughtfully manages team utopia and cares for each member on a personal level.
WHY TEAM UTOPIA?	I connect with this group in a profound way. At first, it was all about running, improving and having others to train with. As I continue to get to know this diverse and unique family, I find myself among people with a variety of interests, who are intelligent, have a great sense of humor, and who are genuinely great people.
FAVORITE RUNNING MEMORY	I was very pleased to finally break 40 minutes for a 10k race in September of 2001. What a coincidence--that was also the day that Team Utopia recruited me (under the watchful eyes of Ken P. and Dave T. at the Watervliet Arsenal Challenge.)
LEAST FAVORITE RUNNING MEMORY	I ran the boilermaker after drinking all night and performed rather poorly and almost got kicked out of the race for getting too near the elite runners before the start of the race (1997).
YOUR RUNNING STORY/HISTORY	I started running in the summer of 1984 due to high anxiety levels.
FAVORITE QUOTE	"Badges, we don't need no stinking badges".