by Will Harlan

Zika and Andy Palmer had a dream: to build an Olympic training facility for runners. Both were elite runners themselves-Andy had competed in two Olympic Marathon Trials and Zika was a top collegiate runner. So a few years ago, they bought 60 acres near Blowing Rock, N.C., and opened ZAP Fitness (ZAP an acronym for Zika and Andy Palmer), a state-of-the-art training facility and 24-room lodge in the mountains.

But their dream suddenly became a nightmare when, in February 2002, 48-year-old Andy Palmer died of a heart attack while running. A grieving Zika faced the biggest decision of her life: Let the ZAP dream die with her husband, or continue operating the facility on her own. “I’ll make it work, no matter what,” resolved Zika, then just 26 years old. “I believe wholeheartedly in this place and the community of runners and friends that have made it possible.”

Today, ZAP Fitness is a mecca for runners throughout the region. It hosts summer camps and outdoor retreats, and it sponsors five of the country’s top distance runners. Perhaps the biggest success story is Zika herself, who has unexpectedly catapulted into the top echelon of women’s marathoners. She ran a personal-best 2:42 at the Chicago Marathon last fall, and this past spring, Zika was one of the top finishers from the Southeast at the Olympic Marathon Trials in her native city of St. Louis, Mo., where she placed 42nd amid the cheering hometown crowds.

BRO: When did you start to think about trying to qualify for the Trials?
ZP: Andy started talking to me about the Trials two years ago, but it seemed out of reach. He believed in me, though, and told me to go for it. So I slowly started to build a stronger mileage foundation, and gradually began to chip away at my times. Andy definitely inspired me to find out how good I could be and to really go for it 100%.

BRO: Has it been helpful to train with ZAP runners?
ZP: Definitely. I experienced a huge jump in my fitness level through training with ZAP athletes, especially Ann McGranahan. She is much quicker than me, but I would try to keep up with her anyway. She really helped me step it up on my daily runs. On those days when I just felt like plodding through a workout, she would be right there to push me. Overall, it’s actually an incredibly supportive atmosphere.

BRO: How did you train specifically for the Trials?
ZP: I ran 100+ mile weeks through the winter, and a lot of my speed sessions were incorporated into longer runs. For example, I would integrate 5-10 miles of speed within a 22-mile run. I also did a lot of intervals, like 3 x 3-miles or 6 x mile.

BRO: Describe your typical training day.
ZP: I woke up around 7:30am and met up with other ZAP runners for 10-12 miles in the morning, then got into the office by 10:30 and worked the rest of the day. Around 4:30, I’d run a faster-paced workout-perhaps a tempo run or speed session. Then I’d eat dinner with the ZAP athletes around 6:30, head home, take a shower, and fall asleep on the couch.

BRO: Any injuries along the way?
ZP: I’ve been lucky-only a few minor structural problems in my lower back and hips. I’m pretty good about resting and recovering after hard workouts. I run on trails a lot, which also helps.

BRO: How did you feel at the Trials?
ZP: Terrible. I never felt fresh. I knew around mile four that I wasn’t ‘on.’ It was mentally intimidating to be surrounded by such amazing runners. It was also pretty windy on race morning. I was by myself a lot out on the course, without other runners to help pace or drive through the winds. But the spectator support was awesome. It really kept me going.

BRO: What were you thinking about during the race?
ZP: Dropping out. I really had to stay mentally focused and relaxed to keep my head in the race. I took it one loop at a time and divided up the marathon into smaller races to get through.

BRO: What did you do after the Trials?
ZP: I waited for my stomach to settle down. Then I had my favorite post-race meal: a cheeseburger.

BRO: What did you learn from the Trials?
ZP: How to mentally prepare by keeping focused and relaxed. I want to be able to walk to the start line in 2008 with a clear head and complete confidence.

BRO: Do you have any running heroes that inspire you?
ZP: I’ve gotten to know Joan Samuelson over the years through Andy and his family. She is the toughest competitor I’ve ever met and I admire her for what she accomplished as a runner [1984 Women’s Olympic Marathon champion and former world and American marathon record holder at 2:21:21].

BRO: What’s been your most memorable race in the Southeast?
ZP: Probably the Asheville Half Marathon last fall. I knew it was going to be hilly, but I had no idea it was going to be that tough. I was in great shape going in to the race and managed to run a half-marathon PR [1:20:20]. Time-wise, it was not a big breakthrough, but I knew that I was ready to run Chicago, where I ran a big personal record for the marathon [2:42:42].

BRO: What’s next?
ZP: I’ll probably do some cross-country and shorter road racing stuff this fall. I probably won’t run another marathon until next spring. But I’m definitely aiming for the Trials in 2008.

BRO: How has Andy affected your running?
ZP: Andy inspired me in a lot of ways including with his own accomplishments as a runner. The greatest thing he taught me was what it really means to train. He taught me how American runners trained when they were at their best and what kind of lifestyle was necessary to become a great runner. He also helped me realize that a runner with a moderate amount of talent who is willing to work hard and dedicate their life to something can accomplish some great things.

BRO: Did you think about him at the Trials?
ZP: Of course. I think about him everyday. I know that he would be proud of what I have accomplished with my running and ZAP Fitness. I think about him in training and racing when I am feeling kind of wimpy and remind myself of what all he accomplished and what a tough competitor he was. He inspires me to not give up and to keep working hard. He shared his passion for running with me and I use that to inspire me to be the best runner I can be.