Marathon runner
By Mike Rainey
Photograph by Peter Newcomb
Bocher, 24, was born and raised in Watertown, Wis., and moved to St. Louis last August to pursue his master’s degree in engineering from Washington University. He received his undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he ran track and cross country. While there, he decided to become a Jesuit priest and currently is in formation for the Catholic priesthood. On April 10, he will participate in his first St. Louis Marathon and his third marathon overall. He finished first in the Brookings Marathon in Brookings, S.D., last May, with a time of two hours, 35 minutes, 15 seconds.
MR: How long does it take you to train for a marathon?
BB: From beginning to end, at least six months.
MR: What is your workout regimen like during training?
BB: The staple is the weekend long run, which is always over 20 miles. During the week, I like to try to get in two days of good workouts, and one of those days I try to get above 12 miles. The other days I take it easy. One of those easy days I go no more than six miles.
MR: Do you have a favorite place to train?
BB: Forest Park has definitely been a staple because I go to school at Wash. U. and it’s right there. For me, one of the greatest things about recently moving here is exploring the city and checking out new parks.
MR: What kind of foods do you eat during training?
BB: My favorite is cereal. I get kidded for the ridiculous amounts of cereal I consume. For lunch, more than anything it’s sandwiches. I’m a big fan of nuts. I don’t eat a lot of meat. I find myself eating a lot of peanut butter and jelly with natural peanut butter and any kind of fruit I can get my hands on.
MR: Is there a particular gym around town where you go to work out?
BB: I use the weight room at Wash. U. Once in a while I do a pool workout, and I also do that at Wash. U.
MR: What kinds of things do you do during a marathon to help you get to the finish line?
BB: I’m all about body cues. I like to paint myself before I run, whether that’s a smiley face or the word “Jesus” written on my arm, just to remind myself that running is a gift. I don’t think about racing until the half-marathon mark and then there’s a mental change at mile 20. All of a sudden it’s like, “This is the real part of the race.”
MR: How does your body feel after running a marathon?
BB: After my first marathon I passed out. I’ve gotten better at learning how to top off the tank and keep it fueled. I don’t go up and down stairs really easily for a few days, and I want to do nothing but lie down. It’s a great awareness of my limitedness, I guess. My body is in a world of hurt for a few weeks after a marathon.
MR: What’s your favorite part of St. Louis?
BB: I like the Soulard area.
MR: What do you like to do in your free time?
BB: I’m a huge fan of biking and I also love to dance, whether it’s salsa dancing or Latin dancing.
MR: Where do you go to dance?
BB: Club Viva in the Central West End is a great place.
MR: Favorite place to eat?
BB: Probably Imo’s. I know it’s a St. Louis favorite. I’m a fan of pizza.
MR: You’ve lived in a few different places. How do you like St. Louis?
BB: I love this city.
