This month's shoutout is exciting, it's my first couple shoutout! Anna has been on the team for about a year and Tom started this winter as they trained for a Spartan race together. Both are incredible athletes and they make a great team together! Here is my interview with the power couple:
Tell us about yourself:
Tom: I grew up in Colorado and now live in Bozeman, MT. I love all things outdoors.
PS. Tom is an avid cross country skier and replaced many long runs this winter with ski trips, which put him in amazing shape for his spartan race this spring!
Anna: I'm from Colorado and spent most of my 20s summiting some of the highest peaks in the state. Besides running, I love ot backcountry ski, cook, spend time with Tom and my dogs, watch interesting movies, and have a good spa day with friends. I'm a person training and certified nutritional therapist- but currently in the very early stages of starting a cooking focused you tube channel.
How did you get started on your running journey?
Tom: I was a cross country ski racer when I was younger. I never really liked running very much but as I got older I started to enjoy it - no equipment, just put on your shoes and go!
Anna: I ran track in high school, but really took to it in my freshman year of college when I signed up for a running class and started training for my first half marathon. I found something really comforting about such a simple sport!
What are you currently training for?
Tom: I am training for a 10k at the end of July and a Half Marathon this fall.
Anna: A trail 10 miler the last weekend of July and a 20K in October.
*Anna also just completed an extremely difficult trail 25K a week ago!
What is your favorite Running snack:
Tom: Honey Stinger waffles
Anna: Potato chips for late in a race, but probably gummy candy as a regular go-to
What keeps you motivated?
Tom: Running is a great way to stay in shape despite the busy world we live in. Having scheduled training makes me more likely to stay in shape and feel better!
Anna: When I feel unmotivated, I remind myself I’m just one workout away from feeling WAY more motivated - it’s easy for me when almost every training session delivers on feel-good endorphins and tons of personal satisfaction.
Do you have a mantra or quote that you use when things get tough?
Tom: Usually just trying to settle in and focus on my breath.
Anna: When I’m beating myself up during a race, I like to say, “I’m a runner among runners” - it reminds be I’m just here to have an experience with all of these other runners - competition comes second to that.
If you could give any advice to another athlete, what would it be?
Tom: For me it’s all about accepting how you are feeling and where you are at in a race. Trying to force things has never worked!
Anna: Find something you like and not something you feel like you should be doing. You have to enjoy it to stick with anything. Also, just sign up for a race down the line, it’s a great way to keep you from getting more out of shape than you’d like to be in. Also, just telling yourself, “I’m an athlete” is really powerful. So many people don’t feel like they have the talent, experience, or whatever to call themselves an athlete, but you are an athlete! Its awesome to remind yourself of that fact often.
What is your favorite workout in your program so far?
Tom: Intervals
Anna: I really enjoyed the fartlek run/strength workouts. 6 Rounds of 3 min run, plus a circuit of 15 squats, 12 lunges, 45 second plank with shoulder taps, 10 pushups. It was hard and fun!
*This was a workout focused on strength for the Spartan race!
It's been such a joy to work with Anna and Tom and I cannot wait to see where they go on their journey together and as atheltes!
Comments