Aug
24
Predawn Profile – Jay Parker
If you join Dailymile, one of the first people to greet you may be Jay Parker. With just one look at his avatar, you can accurately predict that he’s one of the friendliest people you’ll come across. And when you watch his training, you’ll find he’s a pretty intense runner as well. I’ve enjoyed my own interactions with Jay (especially his sense of humor) on Dailymile and Twitter, and like reading his blogs, one of which (That Guy Who Runs) focuses on running and the other on, well, root beer? It was fun to sit down with Jay (OK, I mean sit down at the computer) and learn more about him. I mean, maybe our standards have slipped a bit on “predawn” (though Jay insists he gets out before 6AM sometimes), but they have not slipped on commitment and personality.
Predawn Runner: You were a bit of a late starter when it came to running, right? What prompted you to start running?
Jay Parker: During my wife’s first pregnancy, we ate ice cream every night. I had also recently quit smoking after 20 years of killing myself day by day. One day, I looked in the mirror and saw a fat, old guy staring back at me. The problem was that I was only 37. My cholesterol was high, my blood pressure was creeping up and I just felt like crap overall. The next day, I grabbed an old pair of shoes I had and tried to run a mile. I couldn’t, it was unacceptable… For some reference, check out the before and after pictures. My only wish is that I had found running earlier!
PR: You know, once they find it, I think most runners wish they had discovered it sooner. Can you share how this new habit has changed your lifestyle?
JP: I look forward to the run every day. I’m healthier, happier and have a lot more energy to keep up with my wife and kids! Running has helped me learn a lot about myself: what I am capable of; discipline; thought patterns, and how to make my body better day by day through process and hard work. I’ve also changed my diet significantly to the positive in order to get the maximum energy benefit from caloric intake and to set a positive example for my kids.
PR: With a successful career and young family, it has to be hard to fit in running some times. How do you make it all work?
JP: Yes, this is always a challenge. Prioritization becomes important in everything. On business trips, I take my gear with me and explore new places. At home, I volunteer to take our two year old in the running stroller and get our 10 year old to ride her bike along side us. It requires a new level of planning and focus, but I manage to make it work. When necessary, I even get up for the *gasp* predawn run!
PR: Well, we appreciate you bringing yourself down to run at our level sometimes. It seems you have found colleagues and friends who are also into running (including your boss). Has this made things easier?
JP: Absolutely, A few years ago, my boss issued a health challenge in our leadership team and I took it seriously! I’ve learned a lot about leadership and inspiration of people from him. He has always taken the stance that if you need to be late to a meeting because you’re working out, then it’s no problem. We’ve all seen the health benefits from it, and we’re all the more loyal for it. As our company has changed and I’ve taken on more of a leadership role, I’ve tried to carry the torch and continue inspiring others through inclusion and example.
PR: You have focused your efforts around half-marathons, and I know you have a love-hate relationship with them. Can you explain a little about that?
JP: I’ve focused on half marathons mainly because the time commitment for long runs on the weekends is very difficult to fit into our schedule right now, and also because frankly, I don’t like going long very much. I run because I love it and because of the health benefits, not to be a marathoner, although I do foresee attempting one when the kids are older. Racing is fun, but not my main priority right now while I have very small kids. My biggest frustration with the half-marathon distance is that for a number of reasons, I’ve never been able to deliver on race day what I am capable of in training. Some of this is because of lack of experience in racing, and the rest is what I’ve got to figure out to transform the relationship between me and half-marathons from love-hate to one of all love. I’m open to all suggestions! What I really like about the distance is that I feel that I train enough to be ready to give pretty decent effort at racing one without too much advance notice.
PR: Do you see yourself trying any new approaches to reach your half-marathon goals, and when do you anticipate making your next attempt at the race?
JP: As above, I’m open to suggestions, and wouldn’t mind crowd sourcing my training. I worked with Caleb Masland for my last half, and he put together a great training plan for me that really helped me improve my speed. Unfortunately, Plantar Fasciitis reared its ugly head and hindered me on race day. I currently only have two races on my calendar: the Army Ten Miler in October, and the Gothenburg, Sweden Half-Marathon in May 2011 (my third consecutive year).
PR: Sweden? How do you end up running a race in Sweden every year?
JP: Well, I work for Volvo, and Volvo is a major sponsor of the Gothenburg Half Marathon (Göteborgsvarvet). They sponsor employees’ race entries and have a separate start group. Plus, my wife is Swedish, so it’s a good time to get everyone over there to see her side of the family. Now it’s started to become a family rivalry too, with both her brothers planning to run it next year. It’s a great race that the whole city turns out for, check out my race report from 2010.
PR: What have you been most proud about when it comes to your running?
JP: I’ve never been an athlete; more of a band geek, so being able to see results within a relatively short time through hard work and commitment has been very rewarding. However, I think to date, there are two moments that come to mind: 1) coming in second in my age group in a 5k (age group win is my next goal), and when my 2 year old daughter comes up to me and says she wants to go running!
PR: And what’s the obsession with root beer?
JP: That’s a great question! I’ve always loved root beer, ever since my dad and I used to share one when I was a kid. When I chose to change my lifestyle, I gave up drinking all sodas. monthlyrootbeer.com came about as a reward to myself for follow through in training. This way, I can enjoy root beer and limit my soda intake at the same time!
PR: Have any root beer makers expressed an interest in sponsoring your running?
JP: Unfortunately, so far, no companies have offered a running sponsorship (come on Maine Root, I’m still hopeful!!!), but I have been contacted by a number of root beer makers asking for reviews! If anyone has local root beer that is hard to find, I’d love to hear from you!
