(Oct. 2019) Dr. Andrew Lovy is an ultra-runner and board-certified psychiatrist. For the last 30 years, he's been helping runners stay on course, literally, during various ultra races. "We all are at the interface between dedicated, persevering, OCD, stubborn, and just plain crazy," he says. At 84, Lovy is still running ultras, having recently completed the 24-hour Cleveland Nationals with 28.2 miles. Career? I’m still working 3 jobs, in Kirksville MO. I also volunteer medical help to runners during ultra races. Was team physician for the US World 24-hour team for 11 years and medical director for the US 24-hour championships for 15 years.
When and why did you start running? In 1983 I miserably failed my annual physical. I had been a surgeon with the 101st ABN battalion--the first DO in the Army with a commission in the Medical Corps. I made 13 jumps, etc. . We had to be very fit.
But when I got home, I let myself go until I decided to get fit again to enjoy my life,