From starting a quirky personal journey to becoming the talk of the town, Matt Drol is a testament to what's possible when you choose fun and dedication.
From Humble Beginnings: The Start of the Banana Run
For many, running is a solitary exercise, a test of endurance and willpower. But for Amherst's local celebrity, Matt Drol, it became a passion that not only tested his physical limits but also confirmed his ability to spread cheer. Drol made a decision that would change his life and that of his town forever.
The journey began with a singular race – the Cleveland Half Marathon. Not feeling entirely ready for it and apprehensive about his pace, Drol figured he wasn’t in the greatest shape and thought no one would pay attention to his pace if he dressed up as a banana.
One race turned into two, then three, and soon it became his signature style. Even his wife and children joined in on the fun, becoming a family of running bananas spreading cheer throughout Amherst.
A Symbol of Hope During Challenging Times
But how did this transition from a marathon stunt to a town-wide sensation happen? The catalyst was unexpected. As the COVID pandemic unfurled and races were canceled all over the country, Drol did not hang up his banana costume. Instead, he took to the streets of Amherst, aiming to brighten up the days of his neighbors during those difficult times. The decision, which he thought would be without any consequences, catapulted him to local fame. Spotting the ‘running banana’ became a favorite pastime, and his efforts even got recognized on community forums.
Despite running not being his original forte, Drol has accumulated an impressive 2,500 miles over the past three years, all while dressing up in his iconic banana outfit.
In true competitive spirit, Drol doesn’t want to stop at just being the town's favorite banana runner. He has plans, and ambitious ones, to chase the Guinness World Record for the fastest half-marathon run by someone in a banana suit. The record stands slightly above two hours, but Drol believes he can trim it down to a brisk 90 minutes.
The Heart of the Running Banana
So, what's the key takeaway from Matt Drol's story? It’s the blend of dedication and sheer fun. And perhaps, the joy is what we can all resonate with. Whether it's wearing a banana suit or simply sharing a smile, the ripple effect of positivity is profound, and Matt inspires us to stay just a little bit bananas.
Wanna fuel like Matt Drol? Try our new muesli Banana + Cranberries to start your day with the same energy and enthusiasm!
Sources: Amherst man dons banana suit running through city Hoffman https://www.morningjournal.com/2022/12/09/amherst-man-dons-banana-suit-running-through-city/
How to Make Running Fun: Meet the Guy Who Always Runs in a Banana Suit https://www.weeviews.com/rundown/how-to-put-the-fun-back-in-running-meet-the-guy-who-always-runs-in-a-banana-suit
Peeling out: Amherst jogger spreads joy in banana costume https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/peeling-out-amherst-jogger-spreads-joy-in-banana-costume
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