Adam Wallace chooses the path that many never consider. A path that some feel is too difficult and taxing to even warrant a passing thought. That path, of course, is running. Wallace is a distance runner for the University of Wisconsin cross country and track teams, specializing in the 10,000-meter race.
However, more interesting than being just a runner are the sacrifices Wallace has made along the way, with the goal of becoming the best runner physically possible.
The story begins at Dartmouth University where Wallace began his collegiate career after a successful high school career. However, his less-traveled path ultimately led him to the University of Wisconsin.
“I didn’t feel I would achieve my potential as an athlete (at Dartmouth),” Wallace said.
Wallace has had a different experience athletically at Wisconsin.
“The athletes at Wisconsin come here with higher expectations of themselves as athletes, and that makes a big difference at this level.”
Wisconsin was the destination for Wallace, but he was not originally recruited by Wisconsin out of his Deerfield, Ill., high school. Oddly, it worked out that the present coach at Wisconsin, Jerry Schumacher, recruited Wallace when Schumacher was at the University of North Carolina. Therefore, Wallace had a connection with Wisconsin when Schumacher became a Badger coach.
During his time at Wisconsin, Wallace has built up quite a resume, but he will never admit it. Of all the accolades he collected in his collegiate career, Wallace does not point to the individual accomplishments like being a 2000 and 2002 All-American in cross country or being 2002 All-Big Ten and All-Region in cross-country as the most memorable thing he has ever done.
He proudly highlights the second-place team finish at this year’s cross country nationals.
“To win a national title here was something that was a goal,” Wallace said.
“To go through a whole season together and run for each other is something that you carry with you above and beyond anything individual that you will really ever accomplish.”
Now in the present Wallace reflected on his running and realized the sacrifices made to become one of the best runners in the conference and even the nation.
“Running is a lifestyle,” Wallace said. “The biggest sacrifice is the stress of having to constantly factor in running to every choice you make.”
Wallace certainly leaves no doubt about where running ranks on his list of priorities. Running has become his lifestyle and it shows in his performance.
Not only has Wallace made significant sacrifices, but his parents have as well. Sherwood and Lois Wallace provided much support for their son, but they find it difficult to watch him make decisions based on his running.
“It’s a sacrifice on their part too,” Wallace remarked. “To see me make these decisions that they would not make, that’s something that’s had a profound affect on me.”
Wallace is very grateful for the parental support he received, without which he would not have accomplished what he has in running.
The sacrifices will not stop after his last collegiate meet. Although, when Wallace crosses the finish line for the last time as a University Wisconsin runner, relief will hit him as he realizes the stress and pressure are over.
“I would never say that I love running,” Wallace stated. “It is certainly a burden and there will be a large element of relief when I retire.”
Currently, Adam runs over 20 miles per day for practice, something he will gladly leave behind.
Finishing up his career at the track national competition, Wallace will not stop taking that path. He plans to pursue a career in marathon running after college. He knows that it will be a tough life and truly is a path less traveled, but after pouring years of effort and training into running, it seems out of the question to stop now.
“I worked five years just in college to become competitive at the national level and I’m still improving,” Wallace commented. “It doesn’t make sense to stop now.”
This commitment to running would require full-time training if Wallace was to enter the marathon running world.
So, look for Adam Wallace, but you might not be able to find him. Chances are he will be taking the path less traveled which many consider irrelevant or non-existent. Don’t expect Adam to be just leisurely taking the path either; no doubt he will be running it.