Q&A: Brian Sandusky on Being a Runner, and Wearing What He Wears

If you haven’t had the chance to meet and run with Brian Sandusky, you should!  You can find him at a Fun Run/Walk or possibly in one of Fleet Feet Sports’ many, fantastic Training Programs.

Brian embodies everything that we hope to achieve at Fleet Feet Sports--to inspire others to lead a more healthy, active lifestyle.  Brian reflected on it all during a one-on-one chat.

How did you start running?

I started running two-and-a-half years ago when Lisa (Wilcox) suggested that I try the No Boundaries (NOBO) Training Program.

What other Training Programs have you been a part of?

After that (NOBO), I took a summer of running 5Ks besting my time at each one and PRing at every following one.  This built my confidence greatly to lead me into making the decision to join the Beyond Boundaries 10K Training Program.  The opportunity unfolded for me to dovetail that 10K training almost immediately into the Half Marathon Training Program to complete the Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon in March of 2012.

And then you trained for and finished the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon, right?

The goal of a marathon was not one I had in any capacity beforehand, but there was a great support system of friends who we sort of made the decision together to do it.  And thus, I put in my bid to get into the Marine Corps Marathon and then signed up for the Full Marathon Training Program to be able to follow through.

[Sidebar]  Just curious, what do you like to drink?

I guess that depends on my mood.  Beer works, but I am kinda’ picky about what type with different seasons.

Best piece of running advice?

The major thing I can say is this--don't sell yourself short on what you can and can't do. The mind is as awesome and strong-willed as the body, and can be a determining factor as much - if not more so - than anything else when it comes to any running experience.

Tell me about your *ahem* unique running apparel?

Well, I guess I can say lots of things.  From a safety standpoint, it stands me out from the backdrop to keep from getting run over.  From a personal standpoint, it stands me out from the crowd as the extrovert I tend to be.  From a philosophical standpoint, running isn't uniform, so why should my outfit/ensemble be?  From a point of self, that is just what makes me feel comfortable and makes me happy, and in the end, a happy runner is a continuous runner.

How has running changed your life?

I have said it before and I will repeat it as it applies as the strongest answer--I like the people I have met and the relationships I have forged through these programs.  These are people and friendships that I can honestly say I would not have made otherwise. While running is an individual solo thing, the experience is a very shared thing.

Good on you Brian!  

Cheers, Joel