Runner of the week Adam Rabo is an energetic 23 year old and lives in Shreveport. Adam has been running for ten plus years and even though he loves trails, he does most of his training by running out of the front door on to the roads because of the convenience factor. Adam is currently running between 30-50 miles per week and aiming to eventually average 60-70. Does he consider himself a serious runner? Adam says, “I try to constantly improve so I guess you could consider me serious. I like to push myself and test my limits to see what I’m capable of.” And Adam, we believe that qualifies you a serious RunLA’er for sure!
Surprisingly, Adam started running on his own in Jr. High to get better at football and recently achieved a half marathon PR of 1:38:02. Here’s what this ex-NFL hopeful has to say to our running questions…
Favorite place to run? We go camping a lot around Albert Pike Recreation Area in Arkansas. I did a 10 mile run in theOuachita Mountainson part of the hiking trail. Eagle Rock Loop is a 27 mile hiking trail that we backpack as often as possible. Running single track trails over “mountains” early in the morning as the sun rises was amazing. I can’t wait to go back and do it again.
What shoes do you run in? Trainers: Asics, K-Swiss, Brooks. Races: Mostly Nike but I’ve worn Vibrams and New Balance as well.
Favorite & least favorite workout? I love long runs. Just clipping along at your own pace and letting your mind wander is a great way to relax. Intervals can really suck sometimes, although there is no better feeling in the world than crushing a hard interval workout.
What does the voice in your head say when you want to give up? I talk myself out of it: Go another mile/Just go a little further/Back off the pace until you feel better. Sometimes I’ll just change the song on my iPod to something that gets me motivated. Other times I project myself into a race I’m planning on doing or some make believe Olympic race. As crazy as it sounds, some of the greatest runner’s highs I’ve ever gotten happened while doing this. Picturing yourself in the lead with a couple of miles left to go at Boston and suddenly your whole body starts tingling…makes it all worth it.
Guilty pleasure? Junk food. Cheesy pop music: Ke$ha, Katy Perry, etc. Sleeping in.
One piece of training gear you can’t live without? Toss up between iPod and Garmin. I’m a stats freak so I love getting splits and pace but, having said that, I hate running with no music so I guess the iPod wins.
Who or what do you look to for motivation? I talk to Alan and David, my old running buddies from high school, everyday. We talk about our mileage and workouts (and a lot of other shenanigans and tom-foolery) and they give me advice and encouragement on my running. We get together every other month or so for a race and hang out for a weekend. In town, my buddy Spoor has been a source of inspiration and motivation. He went from not running at all to doing 5Ks, duathlons, and he’s about to do his first half marathon with me. In the process he’s lost over 50 lbs.
Pet peeve of other runners or races? Probably the biggest is runners getting at the front of the pack at the starting line when they really shouldn’t be there. People who cat-call or insult me when I’m wearing running shorts. They are legs: you will live. Drivers who don’t give me room on the road.
Do you have a bad habit? I’m impatient which has led to some injuries. I over-estimate my ability, which can be frustrating in interval workouts or races. I have the eating habits of a 5 year old, almost no fruits and veggies.
Favorite pre race/workout snack? 2 hours before race start I drink a cup of coffee (lots of cream, lots of sugar) and eat PB&J on wheat.
Favorite electrolyte replacement? I generally drink Gatorade. I have used Endurox and liked it a lot. I need to get some soon.
Favorite post race/workout meal? In high school there was nothing better than waking up on a Saturday morning, running 12 miles and then eating half a dozen doughnuts. These days I’d probably say pizza.
In your opinion, what is your biggest achievement? I just bought a house so that’s pretty huge. On the running front, I would have to say the marathon I ran. I’ve never had the urge to give up as bad as I did during that run. You hit 20 miles and you still have a 10K to go. It beats you down physically and mentally. Seeing my watch his 26.2 was one of the greatest feelings I’ve had, although at the time I was just happy to get it over with.
Lifetime goal? Win a few marathons, get sponsored by Nike, win an Olympic gold medal, become stupid rich from sponsorships, buy a private island or some other place no one lives (Siberia maybe), amass a following, world domination. Haha. I guess it would be to stay healthy and be able to run well into my old age.
What’s your secret weapon? If I told you that it wouldn’t be a secret. Okay, it’s my moustache. When I have a big race coming up I trim down to the stache to channel my inner Pre/Shorter/Magnum PI. I’ve never lost while having one, in face, 60% of the time it works everytime.
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