Jason Fitzgerald (Fitz) is the author and founder of Strength Running, a running community that helps runners achieve their best and prevent injury. He has been racing competitively for nearly 12 years and has run 2:44 at the New York Marathon.
1. Why did you start running? Why not other sport?
I started running at the very beginning of my freshman year in high school. I almost became a golfer instead! When I started cross country, I could barely finish 3 miles and then I couldn�t walk for a week. I persevered because I liked the team and I wanted to get in good shape. I started to see some success during cross country and made the decision to run indoor track instead of playing basketball. I haven�t looked back since and now I�m running about 70 miles/week.
2. Do you think that running changed your life? Do you feel more active, happy :)?
Running has absolutely changed my life, for the better. It�s more than something I do on the weekends or before work; it�s my lifestyle. Running has given me goals to pursue, a level of fitness that I never thought possible, and a passion. Most of my best friends I met through running, including my girlfriend. If anybody reading this is on the fence about starting a running program, dive right in! One of the reasons I started Strength Running was to help beginning runners start their running careers and enjoy it as much as I do.
3. What are personal records for 5k and 10k?
My best time for 5k is 16:02 from college, but I don�t consider myself a 5k runner. I think my best races have been 10 miles and the marathon.
4. Do you participate in races?
I love racing! I competed twice recently, a road 5k and sprint triathlon. Those were for fun and I�m really gearing up for a 5 mile road race in July and a 10 mile race in August. Those are my short-term goals and ultimately I�d like to run the Chicago Marathon in 2011 and the Boston Marathon in 2012.
5. What would be your top (1 or 5 or 10) tips for beginners?
*Avoid the three too�s: Too much, too soon, too fast.
*Be consistent.
*Do the little things: strength work, recovery, core exercises.
*Focus on long-term development.
*Find a community of supportive runners and a good source of running information so you�re always learning.
6. What are your running goals?
Besides my racing goals, I want to be even more consistent with my training. I always want to be able to avoid injury, run at a high level, and to teach others how to do the same.
7. How often do you run (per week)?
I run every day unless I really believe I need a day off for an injury or life gets in the way.
8. What is running in your life?
Running is so many things to me. It�s my passion, my stress reliever, and my form of exercise. I like running because it is something I can control directly and judge objectively. Running has given me friends, love, and a great community of people who value a sport that I love.
9. What are your favourite runners?
I have a lot of favorite runners and I think this will be different for everyone. I love watching Americans Bernard Lagat, Dathan Ritzenhein, and Chris Solinsky race. They give electrifying performances and are setting the bar for American distance running. I�m also a big fan of Ryan Hall, Haile Gebrselassie, and Hicham El Guerrouj.
10. Why do you write about running?
I write about running to help others reach their goals. I�m fascinated by running and the training that goes into running a personal best. I decided to merge both of these passions with Strength Running and now I write about gym workouts for runners, motivation, and how to structure your training.
Thank you Fitz for your answers and wish you the best :)
Do not forget to visit his website.