Tuesday, April 1, 2014

{Q&A} Jeremy from Confessions Of An Amateur Athlete



Well, you made it through Monday!
Hooray! 
Happy Tuesday everyone!
 I've got Jeremy from Confessions Of An Amateur Athlete on my Q&A series today. I am so excited to have Jeremy on my blog. He is such a positive and inspirational individual!
Let's get to know Jeremy!! 


1.    Tell us a little about yourself and your blog. What inspired you to create a blog?
 The name of my blog pretty much says it all: Confessions of an Amateur Athlete!  I’m a mid-pack runner, an average athlete, striving to improve myself, well-seasoned but definitely far from a “pro”.  I’ve got just enough experience to spread a little advice to those just starting out, aiming for a new distance, or even those at my “level”.  I love sharing my adventures with everyone, and hope to inspire and entertain others along the way!


2.    When you’re not running, how do you stay active?
 When I’m not running I love to spend time with my pup, hiking with friends, or dabble in rock-climbing/rappelling. I’m always looking for new outdoor adventures!


3.     If we took a peek into your gym bag, what would we find?
  If you’re going to look in my gym bag, open at your own risk! Lol.  I’m sure there’s probably a forgotten smelly sock and an old water bottle drifting around in there.  But I make sure to clean it out before it gets TOO out of hand!


4.    If you could only run in one shoe for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’m a Brooks shoe guy all the way.  I’ve tried others but Brooks has always worked out the best.  I love the Trance 12’s but they discontinued that line.  Right now the Ravennas are treating me great!


5.    What is your pre-race (or race day) tradition?
Pre-race, I like to take a shower, eat some overnight oats, and enjoy a cup of coffee.  It means I have to get up pretty early to get all that in on time, but it also helps to settle any pre-race jitters.  After a race, I celebrate with my running friends.  We love to race together and celebrate together!


6.    If you could run anywhere in the world, where would that be?
I’d love to run in Hawaii or any other island with volcanoes!  I don’t know why but volcanic islands are so beautiful to me and running around one is just something I’ve always wanted to do!


7.    If you could have only wish in your running career be granted, what would that be?
I’d like to travel more out of the country to races.  Right now I stick to the U.S. but hopefully when I get a little older (and a little richer) I can travel to far off corners of the world for some really awesome adventures (like a volcanic island)!


8.    What is your worst running experience to date? How did you come back from it?
  I’ve had some bad runs but that happens to all runners.  My worst *race* was last year.  I got food poisoning and was… well… let’s say I spent a LOT of time in the bathroom the day before and morning of the race.  I was set to run the San Diego Full Marathon and had planned on PRing.  On the way to the start, I was getting nervous.  Horrible images of passing out from dehydration on the course or searching for a porta-potty at every mile kept running through my head.  But I decided I had worked hard to run this marathon, I may not PR but by golly I was going to finish it!  And finish it I did!  It ended up being my worst race experience, but I turned it into one of my most triumphant accomplishments!!


9.    What advice do you have for those who are just beginning their interest in running?
  The great thing about running is that it is a sport EVERYONE can do.  You don’t have to be fast, or need tons of experience, or even have expensive gear.  If it’s your first race remember everyone started out just like you.  It takes practice, determination, and a positive attitude.  If you have those three, than you are ready to be a runner and you’ll be GREAT at it!


10. What race do you wish of competing in (or) what race has been your favorite to date?
One day I hope to compete in the Western Sates 100-Mile Endurance Run.  I’m slowly working up to begin running in Ultra-Marathons.  So in a way I’ll be a “beginner” all over again!  But I look forward to the new adventures it will bring!


11. (Finish this sentence) “I cannot leave for a run without ____”
“I cannot leave for a run without my music!” It helps me through the tough runs, and makes the great runs even better!    


12. Tell us about a moment where running has changed your life.
I hear a lot of people say “running changed my life”.  For me, I don’t think that.  When I began running it felt like it was something that had always been a part of me.  It was always in me, I just had to bring it out.  Now it’s something I don’t ever want to give up.  I run because it’s who I am.


13. Tell us how you stay motivated. What inspires you?
I love challenging myself and pushing my limits.  Tackling a new goal keeps me motivated.  I look to my running friends for inspiration and we motivate each other.  I highly recommend finding a running friend, or a dozen, that you can connect with like I do.  Also, I look to the runners of all ranges that I meet through social media or through my blog for inspiration.


14. What aspect of running challenges you the most?
Although, I have PR goals to get faster, and improve my speed…Distance is more my area.  I dread speed work and only do it out of necessity.  I’d rather train for an ultra-marathon then try to qualify for Boston.  Pushing myself to see how much further I can go entices me much more than being a speedster. 
15.  What is your go to power song? 

I have tons of “go to” songs… but one of my favorites has been “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons.  Always good for settling into a pace or a powerful kick when needed.


Thank you so much for sharing with us! 
If you aren't following Jeremy, you need to head over to his blog now!

Make sure to check out more of Jeremy (below)

Confessions Of An Amateur Athlete
Twitter: @runblogaz
Instagram: runner_blogger_az

3 comments:

  1. Radioactive is such a great run/workout song. Amazing job on finishing the SD marathon during food poisoning! That really sucks the life out of you- you're a trooper!

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    1. Thanks Heidi! It was tough, but I celebrated with a drink and some chocolate chip pancakes so all was right with the world. :D And believe it or not, at that race, I FINISHED to "Radioactive"!

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  2. I love that song too! It's a great pump-me-up song. Thank you for being an absolute inspiration Jeremy!

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