Paul Koczera is an ultra runner from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Although Paul did not start running at a competitive level until 2012, running has always been a part of his life. At age 3, Paul was given the nickname, “Tasmanian Devil”, as he was endlessly running around the house and launching himself off furniture. By the time Paul turned 11, he ran down a deer with his brother and friend over the span of 2 hours. Running and exploring the outdoors with his older brother and three younger siblings for hours was a typical day of recess for Paul as he was homeschooled from kindergarten through seventh grade. He has tried his hands and feet at many things throughout his life for recreation, but trail running, climbing trees, and bouldering rocks, are his favorite forms of play. At age 31, these activities still fill him with a sense of freedom as they did when he was a child.
One of Paul’s dreams is to run trails throughout the world. One of his missions is to use the restorative power of connectedness: to each other, to nature, and to whole food, in efforts to fix himself and help others dealing with metabolic, addictive, or depressive disorders. Currently, Paul serves Jefferson county West Virginia, and the Eastern Panhandle region, as a VISTA AmeriCorps member. He serves in partnership with his sponsor, West Virginia Promise Alliance For Youth, and hosts University Healthcare WVU Medicine at Jefferson Medical Center, to bring health outreach programs to youth in the community. Most recently in his service, Paul co-directed youth running camps for middle school students and high school students. Paul says, “The best is yet to come for the health of myself and the community. Let’s run.”
- Paul graduated from Shepherd University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies.
- As a former Combat Control Trainee for the United States Air Force, in 2009 Air Force doctors recommended that Paul should stop running for the rest of his life to avoid triggering Chiari Malformation symptoms.
- In 2010, Paul began working for Two Rivers Treads, the nation’s first minimalist footwear store.
- In early 2011, Paul began barefoot training, and wearing minimal shoes.
- In February 2012, Paul ran his first 5k (barefoot), and in October 2012, he ran his first marathon (half in Fivefingers, half barefoot).
- In 2014, for Operation 2nd Chance (veteran charity), Paul ran 7 marathons in 7 consecutive days with the non-profit group 185 For Heroes.
- In August 2016, Paul and his friends; Jared, Jack, and Bill, will attempt to set the fastest Ultra time in the men’s division at the Ragnar Appalachians event in West Virginia. Their team name is The Dudes Abide.
To inquire about working with Paul contact RecessReborn@gmail.com
Photo Credit: Jessie Puffenberger