Tim Young
After all that you accomplished, what drives you to continue running?
I find that my motivation to continue training comes from still having a few goals that I want to achieve before I am done with the sport; from a competitive standpoint. I missed the 2012 Olympic Trials in Houston after developing Achilles tendinitis about 8 weeks before that race that caused me to miss too much time prior to the race. The boxes that I haven't checked off on my list motivate me to keep putting the effort in.
How do you motivate yourself on days when you don't feel like running?
On the days where I don't feel like getting out the door and putting the work in I find that looking back at my goals that I have yet to accomplish give me the boost I need to go out and train. No matter how bad the weather or how tired I am from work, those goals motivate me to do the training.
On average, how many times and miles do you run a month?
In a usual training block I run every day, sometimes twice, unless I am on downtime from a race, where I won't run anywhere from 3 to 14 days depending on the race distance that I just completed. A rough estimate of mileage per month would be anywhere from 400 to 500 miles a month, again depending on what distance I am training for. A marathon I typically run between 120 to 140 miles a week and a half-marathon I'll top out around 100 to 110.
What's the weirdest or funniest thing that ever happened to you while running?
Funniest/weirdest thing that happened while running, not me specifically but I was right there, was when a few teammates and I were running while at James Madison University. A car passed us near campus and right before they passed us we had a cake thrown at us, hitting my teammate in the back. It was one of those moments where you aren't even mad, you just can't believe that you had a cake hit you.
What are your favorite types of fuel for running and why?
I prefer Tri-Berry GU for fuel during races and also use Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance formula. I also have used the Honey Stinger waffles pre-run and find the Vanilla flavor delicious. Post-workouts I use GU Recovery. A cup of coffee is a must before every morning run.
What's your favorite cheat food & drink?
Pizza and a cold beer are my cheat foods. I think I have too many cheat food days though.
Do you like ice baths? Why or why not?
I used to ice bath a lot in college when I had access to one but nowadays I rarely take an ice bath. I hate the cold water. Absolutely hate it.
What's the most important tip you like to give new runners?
The tip I always offer new runners is to start slow and have fun. Don't rush into it and try to push yourself to your limits right away. It is a process that takes time.
What is your favorite running accomplishment so far?
At this moment I would say making the USA marathon team for the 2015 Pan Am Games that were held this past July. I have wanted to make a US team since our college team was cut back in 2007 and 8 years later finally did it. I was honored to be selected to wear the USA singlet in an international race.
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