What began as a return to a sport from his youth quickly evolved into a serious commitment to training and competition for University of Iowa physics professor John Prineas.
Earlier this year, Prineas earned a fifth-place finish in his age group in the 800-meter dash at the World Masters Indoor Track Meet in Gainesville, Florida. He clocked a time of 2:11 at the March 24 international competition that drew more than 4,000 athletes from around the world.
"When I started running again in 2019, I had no plans to compete at a national or international level," says Prineas, 56. "I was just getting back to something I really enjoyed."
Prineas trains seven days a week, alternating between outdoor runs and strength training at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. Prineas takes advantage of the more than 200 pieces of fitness equipment at CRWC, especially ellipticals, free weights, and cable machines. When employees at the UI complete their annual Personal Health Assessment, they become eligible for the Recreation Membership Incentive Program, which earns employees a 50% discount at recreation facilities across campus.
"All of the facilities I've taken advantage of at Iowa have been very helpful to my training," Prineas says.
To help prepare for high-level competition at indoor track meets, Prineas joined the Iowa Track and Field Club, which gave him the ability to practice on the state-of-the-art Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility.
"We have a beautiful indoor track," he says.
In a typical week, the physics professor runs between 40 and 50 miles and incorporates other forms of exercise to help avoid injury and maintain a well-rounded regimen.
All of Prineas' training has paid off. He's competed in events such as Iowa Summer Games, Drake Relays, and the Hood to Coast Relay in Oregon—a 196-mile relay beginning at the top of Mount Hood and ending at the Pacific Ocean.
In 2024, he won first place in his age group in the 800-meter dash at the Masters Track & Field National Championships.
"Overall, running has had a dramatic effect on my social, mental, and physical well-being," Prineas says.