Runners on Edge is a 1 on 1 shakeout run and chat at Edgewater Beach: featuring local runners leading up to the 20th anniversary of the Cleveland 10-Miler.

Today, we have 9x finisher of the 10-Miler and long-time Cleveland runner, Maureen Scullin.

Maureen, tell us a little about yourself and what got you into running.

I was born in Cleveland and grew up in North Olmsted and attended college at Miami University. I now live in Kamm’s Corners – the West Park Area and so far, going pretty well – I have been there a long time.

For work, well, I’ve had a lot of jobs over the years. A little later in life when I turned 40, I got my teaching license and used to teach Art in the city of Cleveland. Now I just substitute, but being a teacher in Cleveland was an experience. They need teachers now more than ever and as a substitute, I work kind of like a nomad and travel to different schools – I like the variety that comes with it. I like to work the Guardians games in the spring, too.

Regarding running, I did run in high school and college but took a break in between because, well – life. I didn’t start getting consistent until I was about 28 years old and wanted to get in shape. I liked how running made me feel – It got me out into the world on foot – not behind the wheel.

I entered into a few races, showed success, and just continued from there. At the same time, I got to know the people and just loved the industry and the community.

My passion for running is as good as can be expected. I like it when I can run around different pockets of Cleveland, it puts me in the moment that you don’t get behind the wheel. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone back to businesses and different locations to explore it further. The second-hand stores and nuances that you overlook when you’re driving it. You just pick up the personality of the city and you can be personal with yourself at the same time.

What thoughts do you have for the newer runner in the scene?

New runners or walkers don’t always feel all that self-confidence or they think all eyes are on them – because naturally, they start off being slow and kind of clumsy.

My advice to beginner runners: just power through it, shake it off, and take those chances! I’ve done things I never thought I would have done in my life and it’s all because of running.

Let me give you a sidebar example: a girlfriend and I ran the Boston Marathon a long time ago and after the race, we were sitting up at the bar celebrating. Shortly after, a couple of guys approached us and started talking about running. Within a month after meeting them, my friend and I joined their relay team and traveled to Nova Scotia to participate in a cool team relay event. (I mentioned to my friend, “What if it’s snowing or what if these guys aren’t telling us the truth?” and she goes “We’re going spend a long weekend in Halifax and have a total blast the entire time”). And she was right – that’s exactly what we did.

What I’m saying is – take chances on people you meet and opportunities you can experience through running (just don’t be dumb about it). You’re going to find out you’re not as vulnerable as you think – most of it’s in your head – you just got to barrel through and keep on showing up.

What exciting race plans do you have for this year? 

I have a few races I do every year, regardless of what else is going on in the world, including the Hermes Cleveland 10 Miler, and Hofbräuhaus 10K, but I’d like to get back into doing a couple of road trip races in 2024. I would also like to up my game for a few races (and therefore will need to up my speedwork)!

Any interesting races/events you have for the memory books?

During the lockdown, we obviously couldn’t race, so I joined the Buckeye State Challenge which had you run the equivalent of the border of Ohio (1118 miles). That was a pretty unique motivator to keep me going and I committed to it! 

Any tips for the first-time Cleveland 10-Miler based on last year’s new course and the unpredictable weather?

Well, I ran the first one back in 2005 and that brought us 7 inches of sideways snow with some of the worst running weather I had ever seen – it was on a Sunday and the streets weren’t plowed yet –  It was brutal. (I don’t know who had it worst, the runners or the water stop volunteers). 

So, 2023 wasn’t as bad, in comparison. However, I think the hills in the newer course can be surprising in the second half for those who are not familiar with that part of Cleveland, and since it was raining the entire morning last year, there were a couple of small sections around Edgewater that were a little slick.

Other than that, just dress for it and suck it up! It’s a great race and also a great training race for an upcoming half marathon. That’s why I ran the first Cleveland 10-Miler because I was training for a marathon that May and wanted a benchmark to keep me motivated.

Maureen, thank you for sharing your morning and insight with us as we build up to the 20th anniversary of the Cleveland 10-Miler on Saturday, April 27, and best of luck on your training (and speed work)!