"In the Spotlight" - October 2009

Mike Walsh - Born: Toronto, Canada July 16, 1949 (60 years old)

Mike grew up in West Hill (Toronto area) and lived there until the age of 11. His family then moved to Whittier, California in 1960 where he attended Sierra High School and afterwards started his first year of college at Rio Hondo.

“After the death of my father at age 52, I started full time employment. I was 18 years old at the time. At the age of 3, my father put me in ice skates and 5 years later organized hockey began. I played most of my youth in Southern California and in 1967 I joined the Western Hockey League for 10 years.”

Mike was first married in 1968 and has one daughter named Wendi from that marriage. Wendi and her husband Paul have not only made Mike a grandpa once, but four times giving four grandchildren ages 4, 5, 9, and 18.

In 1968 Mike also joined the US Army. “Years later, in 1992, I married my beautiful wife Ida and we have one granddaughter named Katrina. Ida and I have custody and we are “mom” and “dad”. As of now, I am the only runner in my family, but hopefully that will change.”

On occasion Mike plays tennis with his wife. “Ida and I love to travel. We have a timeshare in Hawaii and we trade with RCI to go to other areas all over the world. One place we love is the Caribbean along with cruise ships.”

Currently, Mike’s occupation is in sales in his own company T.D.S. (Truncated Dome Specialists, Inc). They specialize in sales and installation of truncated dome mats per ADA requirements for the visually impaired. Also, they sell all traffic control products and equipment.

“My running history had been on and off throughout my life averaging 1-3 miles to keep in shape. In 2007 while on a 2 mile jog, I was introduced to Eddie and Steve Pacers Running Club. In March of that year, I started training for the Long Beach Marathon with Rosa Garza and friends. In June, I ran my first half marathon with Rosa in Fontana on June 2, 2007 and went on to complete a marathon in October. In 2008, we switched to I.E. Running Club (Peter/Ken/Greg/and Eddie).”

Throughout 2008, I trained with my buddies Hussein, Georgina, Raul, Rosa, and Michael for the Mount Disappointment Run at Mount Wilson. Good TimesTo date I’ve entered 4 races.

This year I plan to run the Long Beach Marathon. As for 2010, I’m going to run Surf City, the L.A. Marathon, San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon, San Francisco and whatever else comes my way. My training routine is a Tuesday hill run at Butterfield Park, Saturdays with I.E. Running Club, and a Sunday Marshall Canyon Training run.

The most memorable race for me has been in Fontana because it’s downhill and I can finish at 2.15 which is very fast for me. My ultimate goal is the L.A. Marathon. Thoughts of completing this race date back 30 years.
Mike would like most of all to run with is the I.E. Running Club starting with Danny and his speed and all the runners in between and back to the courage of the walking group. I am inspired by all my new and old friends on the I.E. Running Club and it makes me very proud to run alongside such amazing people. My favorite saying: “Sunshine and blue skies”. I am a 5 years cancer survivor and I thank the Lord everyday for another great day.

Mike is one of those people you can’t say enough good things about. I am always so moved by his obvious compassion and example of how he treats people with a real sense of friendship. His greetings are always with a handshake and a hug. It’s easy to befriend Mike because he is truly one of the nicest people you’ll ever want to know. As I’ve explained to many of our members; the Spotlight feature isn’t always about great runners. In fact it is more about the spirit and human side of great people who are deserving of a place under our bright lights. Mike, you are a very important part out team. It is an honor to have you as a member of the I.E.R.C. family and to be our “In the Spotlight” runner of the month!

Greg Serrato