Runner in the spotlight: Bob Bertemes
How has running changed your life?
I have always been running since my early childhood so there was no real life changing moment which came with running for me. Although I can say that running is making me a better person in every aspect of life. It is a daily challenge to be the best you can be on each particular day, which will eventually lead to reaching the goals which you set yourself. Moreover, you try to stay healthy as much as possible and as running is not like your normal job where you have a defined starting and finishing times each day, you are living this running “lifestyle” 24/7. This leads, at least for me, to a better way of life (eat healthy, sleep early etc).
But, other than that, to me running has always been a great metaphor for life, as it is the most rewarding but also the most brutal sport. You really get out of it what you invest if you trained well the results will be good but vice versa if you haven’t trained as much it will immediately show in your results. You are responsible on your own and you will get all the reward if it turns out great but on the other side you are the only one to blame when it goes totally wrong!
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO RUN?
That’s a simple one for me! Even if I do love running at home, on the local roads and trails, my favorite place to run is at our annual fall training camp in Poland. Each year it seems different and I have witnessed meters of snow but also pure sunshine. Reaching the top of these mountains and taking a minute or two to enjoy the sceneries is just breathtaking.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RUN FOOD?
Post run I love to eat a banana or any other fruit! Later, I love to get my carbs in with a simple pasta dish.
Post-race a nice Burger is also always a great idea.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?
I am really proud of all my achievements as I worked hard for them, but my biggest accomplishment is for sure my 10th place finish at the “Jeux de la Francophonie” at the Ivory Coast this year.
WHO IS YOUR DREAM RUNNING PARTNER?
I have a lot of running idols but one stands above them all and that must be Nick Willis! I was lucky to meet him at the same meet where I ran my 1500m PB this year. He had already been my sporting idol before, as his consistency and medal collection speaks for itself, but when I met him he was very friendly. I would love to run with him, get more of his advice and profit from his experience!
IF YOU COULD RUN ANY RACE WHAT RACE WOULD IT BE?
The Olympics for sure ;)! But another race I would love to run at least once might be the Boston Marathon! This marathon might be the biggest race you can take part in for a normal person!
FAVORITE PIECE OF RUNNING GEAR?
My running cap. I do wear it nearly always as it is a protection against rain, cold and sun. For me, the most universal running tool.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING RUNNING STORY?
It happened already more than once … Due to my bad handwriting, my name has already appeared more than once misspelled in the results.
WHAT IS ONE THING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?
The reason I do track and field is not to run fast times and run faster than others, even though I like when such things happen. The main reason why I run is to challenge myself, my body but also my mind and to test my limits on a daily basis.
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