Here at RockMyRun we’re kicking off a series of blog posts featuring our awesome Run Rocker family. Each post will be 26(.2) rapid-fire questions that not only showcases the RockMyRun spirit but also presents unique perspectives on the sport of running, how music plays a role and hopefully offers some tips on challenges you may experience in your journeys.
For our first post, we went in house with Tim Weyel, RockMyRun’s Director of Rocking Products. Juggling a career and two little ones at home, this Run Rocker is quickly learning the benefits of sticking to a running routine no matter what obstacles get in the way. If you are new to running, see if you can relate to Tim’s newfound love of the sport and insight on the music that motivates him.
1. When did you start running?
Fall of 2011
2. Why did you start running? Did something or someone initially motivate you?
I never really enjoyed running just to run but played baseball, soccer and basketball growing up. I would just use the elliptical at the gym for my cardio work. I started listening to RockMyRun mixes on the elliptical and I found that I was feeling compelled to run.
3. When you first ran, did you love it or hate it?
Loved it and that completely surprised me. My whole life I would see people running and would think to myself, “Why in the world would you do that? It looks so boring.”
4. How often do you run weekly/monthly?
I shoot for 3 times a week and am trying to get up to 4.
5. What time of day do you prefer to run?
Early morning, but it usually ends up being just before lunch.
6. Do you prefer to run indoors or outdoors?
Initially indoors, hoping to go easier on my knees. I’ve had some problems with shin splints, but I’ve recently started some outdoor runs and was pleasantly surprised. I live by the beach and now realize why so many people run by the beach. It’s amazing.
7. How do you squeeze running time into your schedule?
It’s hard with two small children and a full-time job. I usually try for just before lunch during the work week. I can’t tell you how frustrated I get when something comes up that makes me miss a run.
8. What races or “fun runs” have you participated in, if any?
I haven’t done any yet, but that’s one of my ‘to-dos’ for 2013. I have done a few Hashes, though.
9. If you have run in some, what was your most memorable? If not, do you plan to do any?
There’s a few 5Ks here in the Santa Barbara area that I hope to do.
10. What running accomplishment are you most proud of?
So far it’s been the jump from 2 to 3 miles without stopping/walking.
11. Since you started running, what is the biggest change in yourself, either physical or emotional that you’ve noticed?
Initially it was the satisfaction of persevering over myself. Continuing to push through when my mind kept saying I couldn’t. My self-esteem is better and I just feel better physically and stronger mentally.
12. What was your fastest time for a race?
It wasn’t a race, but I broke 24 minutes over 3 miles.
13. What is the farthest you’ve ever run?
3.5 miles, unless you count endless soccer practices in school.
14. What was your best running experience?
My first outdoor run in Morro Bay on a chilly, fall morning.
15. What was your worst running experience?
Anytime a shin splint shows up.
16. Why do you listen to music while running?
It’s partially WHY I run. I love all types of music. I can lose myself in the right music, listening specifically to different beats or instruments in the song. I’ve never meditated, but I would imagine it’s something like that. Sort of relaxes my mind. It’s a temporary escape.
17. What kind of music inspires you while running?
It’s gotta have energy, probably a strong beat, and feel inspirational. For me, that’s meant a lot of House mixes but I’ve also found that some Pop, Hip-Hop and Top 40 stuff gets me going.
18. What motivates you to run, besides awesome music?
My health. Like I said earlier, I have two small children that I love to death and I want to be around with them for a long time.
19. What words would you use to describe how you feel while running?
Satisfaction. Perseverance. Endurance. Strength. Escape.
20. How do you fight that “I don’t want to run today” feeling?
Ha. Good question. That is a hard one but usually the thought that if I don’t go today, I’m not going to be as fast tomorrow as I was yesterday. Basically not wanting to take a step backward and lose progress toward my goals.
21. Do you have any running-related goals for 2013? If so what are you plans for reaching it?
I want to do at least two 5Ks and I want to do them in 21 minutes. I’m going to start doing more interval running to improve my anaerobic conditioning and endurance.
22. Have you had any injuries that have prevented or hindered your running?
Yes. Way more often that I care to say. In 2012, I’ve sprained my ankle, had plantar fasciitis, pulled my hamstring and ripped a toe nail off.
23. How do you power through tough stretches of a run?
Arguing with the voice that’s telling me that I’ve had enough. I don’t always win that argument, but my debating skills are getting better.
24. Do you ever do sprints? (Running for a couple minutes and then walking, creating a pattern?) Or do you prefer to keep a constant pace?
Well, when I initially started running, I preferred the constant pace. But, at that time, it was easier to improve my pace by just running more often. When that improvement sort of plateaued, I discovered interval running. Those injuries have thwarted my progress, unfortunately.
25. What is your favorite running accessory?
My iPhone, of course.
26. What one tip would you share with runners everywhere if you could?
If you don’t listen to music while you run, try it. If you do listen to music while you run, try some music that you might not regularly listen to, like House or Dub Step. I did not listen to those before I started running. I think there’s a direct correlation between my performance and the music that I’m listening to. For me, those genres ignite my ‘push it harder’ voice in my head. I even listen to them now when I’m not running. There’s some really good stuff out there.
26.2 Which RockMyRun mixes truly rock your runs?
One of my all time favorite is David J’s “Ain’t Turning Back”.
http://www.rockmyrun.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11419
Recently I have also really enjoy DJ Makem’s “The Energy of 2012”
http://www.rockmyrun.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11528
Thanks Tim! Way to kick off the series!
Can you relate to Tim’s story? Would you like to share your spirit and story with the world? Let us know by contacting our Marketing Rocker Amelie at amelie@rockmyrun.com and we’d love to feature you!
