This interview is a couple of man on an epic working mission. Justin Daniels’ quest began in 2013 when he discovered that his Dad was identified with COPD (Persistent obstructive pulmonary illness) – a illness that basically assaults the lungs. He began by working 5K races in 2013 and all of it simply escalated from there. Most not too long ago, he accomplished a 500 km race throughout the state of Tennessee in the midst of the summer time warmth. We’re grateful to get some working and fueling ideas in addition to some recommendation about working with working manufacturers that will help you in your working mission.
Congrats on ending the VolState 500k. That’s fairly badass. Inform us in regards to the expertise – what was essentially the most difficult a part of the race.
Thanks I actually respect it. Probably the most difficult a part of the race for me was the dearth of sleep adopted by the 115-degree temperatures for certain. Coming into this race you already know sleep goes to be minimal however lengthy scorching days added could make issues depressing at occasions till you begin to adapt.
How did you take care of the excessive temperatures? Did it have any impact in your fueling and hydration technique?
It was very heat on the course all through the 9 days I used to be on the market. It didn’t have any damaging results on me or my hydration. I like to run within the warmth as a result of I really feel my physique does higher so this was proper up my alley. Greatest factor was stroll when it was the most popular components of the day and proceed to drink and gas even in the event you didn’t really feel you wanted to.
Was this race a part of your COPD consciousness mission of working a marathon in all 50 states? (We perceive that 500k is just a little longer than a marathon). Are you able to give us some extra background about this mission? How did it get began and why did you select working to unfold consciousness?
Yeah, it was for certain a part of my COPD consciousness mission. Each run that I do regardless of the gap is for my mission and the those that must take care of the lethal illness every year. Haha yeah, a 500k is just a little longer than a marathon or some other extremely that I’ve accomplished.
I stared working for COPD consciousness in 2013 after my dad was identified with the illness. Many individuals wish to do one thing to boost consciousness for one thing and I felt the identical approach. After considering for awhile of one thing that I might do, I felt working was the very best thought since you use your lungs, and I might be a voice for the those that didn’t have one.
I began out working native 5k races round Indiana and Ohio till signing up for a marathon. After finishing a marathon, I felt there was extra that I might achieve this I signed up for 2 marathons the following yr and it has taken off since. I’ve now accomplished 68 marathons in 48 states, accomplished a 50 miler in Daytona, 50k in New York Metropolis and accomplished the VolState 500k throughout Tennessee.
Operating has helped me attain so many individuals dwelling with or coping with COPD similar to I needed it to. My purpose has at all times been to satisfy as many individuals as doable coping with COPD in no matter state that I’m working in in order that they have an opportunity to see that somebody actually does care about them and prepared to combat for them.
We perceive that you’ve got had a number of manufacturers supporting your quests through the years. Do you wish to give a shout out to any of them? Do you might have any favourite flavors of the merchandise you’ve used?
I’ve had among the finest firms help myself and my mission all through my journey. Newton Operating Sneakers has been with me since 2017 and made certain that I’ve had the very best sneakers doable to get me to whichever end line I used to be at.
Honey Stinger has been my gas of alternative with the waffles and power gels. Whereas I’m working I’m not an individual that basically eats loads so the Honey Waffles are at all times my go to when packing for a race.
Throughout a race I am going with the Honey Stinger Fruit Smoothie Power Chews due to the style and the quantity of power I can get. Style is a giant factor with me if I’m utilizing a product whereas working.
SaltStick is one other firm that I really feel everybody ought to try as a result of whilst you’re figuring out you’re dropping salt and with their FastChews you’ll be able to get what you want faster and with nice tasting flavors.
Different manufacturers that I’m at present working with are: GoPro, Michelob Extremely, Alter-Ego Operating, Street ID, Roka Sports activities, Ogio Inc.
What’s the connection like with the manufacturers that you just work with? How did you discover them or how did they discover you?
My relationship with the manufacturers that I’m working with has been nice. All of them have the identical beliefs that I do and have been very supportive in no matter run that I’m doing. Most manufacturers I went and located them years in the past as a result of I’ve at all times felt in the event you sit round and wait on folks to return to you then you definitely gained’t get anyplace.
After I needed to do that, I researched what I wanted to do and I went after it needed to do it the appropriate approach so the manufacturers knew I wasn’t just a few man wanting their merchandise.
Each model I went after to start with I had already been utilizing their merchandise, so I felt I wanted to help them as if I owned the corporate and provides them the popularity they deserved.
Do you might have any ideas for different athletes trying to get some help from massive manufacturers?
Ideas that I’ve for different athletes trying to get some help for large manufacturers is don’t hand over and by no means let the corporate down. In case you promise to do one thing, ensure you do it and deal with each firm that helps you as if it had been your organization.
Create a resume for the manufacturers to have a look at with what you’ve carried out and how one can help their model then be prepared to place within the work to get the help you need.
Exterior of racing, what’s your method to diet and weight loss program?
Throughout racing season my diet relies upon loads on the gap of the race. Whereas I used to be working the 500k I used to be in a position to eat no matter gasoline station meals just about I might discover and nonetheless misplaced 11lbs.
I usually trip with a low carb/greater carb weight loss program relying how near a race I’m getting. I at all times be sure to drink a minimum of one gallon of water a day so that there’s at all times some water in me for hydration.
I do start every morning with an power drink to get my coronary heart price up and prepare for the day. Through the month of December, I take off from working and simply calm down and heal my physique so that’s when I’ve the large meals due to the vacations!
Lastly, the place can folks discover you and study extra about your mission?
There are a pair totally different locations that folks can discover me and find out about my mission or to ask questions on what I’m doing.
www.fb.com/runningforcopd
www.runningforcopd.com
Get in contact at: j_daniels2@hotmail.com
