Ahmad Thames
Wednesday, March 02, 2016
On who you are…
I'm a 28 year old flight attendant for a major airline. I'm also a formerly certified personal trainer.
On running…
I was in the military for 6 years so I'd run during that time but I hated it. But it was after going through a breakup with my longtime girlfriend that I started running. At the time I lived in Atlanta so I joined a running group there (shoutout to Movers + Pacers!). M+P is an awesome group of runners on all levels. The group was very welcoming and just encouraged me to try my best. I ran consistently with the crew for about a year before relocating to the Detroit, MI area. Now I'm training for my first of 3 planned half marathons for this year.
It's cliche, but I truly believe running is a metaphor for life. Sometimes it will be easy. Sometimes it won't. But once you go out there, you've gotta finish it. Take care of yourself and you'll be able to do anything. That's life in a nutshell.
On Street culture…
BLACK LIVES MATTER!
On Running culture…
As a "new runner" it's so dope to me to see how much running is catching on. My best friend could barely get through 2 miles a year ago. Last week she finished her first half marathon! Running encourages camaraderie. Runners don't really compete with other runners. The competition is against yourself. You're out there trying to set your own PR's. So I've found that runners push other runners because we want to see everyone at their best.
On gadgets…
I'm a gadget guy lol. I love electronics and technology. I missed the first wave on the Apple Watch so I'm definitely getting one when the new ones debut this spring. Other than that I like to keep it pretty simple for my runs. I run with my iPhone in an armband and track my runs with the Nike+ Running app. I've got to have music when I run and I just started using AfterShokz open ear headphones. They're awesome! They allow me to hear my music nice and clear but the open ear design lets me also hear what's going on around me.
On injury…
I do my best to take care of myself. I've learned the importance of stretching before and after a run. After a long run I also foam roll. I'm fortunate enough to not have been injured so far (knocks on wood). The most important thing when it comes to injury is to do your best to prevent them. Take care of your body, listen to it when it hurts and never overexert yourself.
On achievements…
I'm a Bling Chaser! As far as organized races go, if it ain't got a medal I ain't going! But medals aren't the only thing I run for. I'm constantly trying to improve my PR's. That's why I love the Nike+ Running app, because it gives achievement banners for various things. You get some for running on holidays, for running multiple times a day, for maintaining an active streak and many other things. It's cool to look at your friends "trophy case" and see what banners they've unlocked and it pushes you to try to unlock some of them too.
On future goals…
My Running Bucket List grows all the time. I'll eventually run the world lol. I'm planning to run a few Rock N Roll series races this year. I'm pretty sure one of those will be a full marathon. Next year, more RnR's. Lots more. I want their Hall of Fame medal which is given for running 15 of their races in a year. I've got Disney's Dopey Challenge on my list as well as the Great Wall Marathon. Who knows? I may qualify for Boston one day! Sky's the limit...
On your social media…
I've always enjoyed social media. Instagram is my favorite but I've been getting into Snapchat lately. I know some people hate when people post fitness stuff on social media. These are mostly inactive people who don't like having that mirror held up to them. But I think it's important to share your runs and other activities on social media because your friends will hold you accountable. When I was in training for my job, I couldn't run as much as I used to. So after not seeing running posts for a while a few friends hit me up to ask if everything was ok.
I've always been a fan of pink. And I'm told I wear it well lol. I lost a cousin to breast cancer a few years ago so I proudly rock my pink in October in remembrance of her. But year around I can be spotted wearing it. I've just always felt that as a man, if your masculinity or sexuality are threatened by a color, you've got some deeper things to figure out.
On Pain…
I'm
a United States Marine so to me "pain is weakness leaving the body!"
But I think it's also important to listen to your body and not overdo
it.
When I die…
I just hope I can make some sort of impact on the world that will live on long past my earthly body.
#RunRevolution
0 comments