We are (perhaps literally) kicking off the 2015 year of Colorado Runner Exclusive Athlete Interviews with Boulder’s Andy Wacker.
Seen kicking through the finish line tape at such high profile races as the 2014 Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver and Chicago Half Marathons, Wacker’s exciting finisher antics shouldn’t distract you from his talent and drive to be the best he can be.
What may surprise you is his easygoing personality and honesty about running and life in general. Read on to find out how Wacker manages his busy schedule while continuing to be a top Colorado runner.
Quick Stats
Name: Andy Wacker
Age: 26
Hometown & Current: From Pinehurst, NC, Living in Boulder, Colorado (since 2007)
Professional & Educational background: MS Integrative Physiology (CU 2013), BA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (CU 2011)
Sports participated in: XC, road racing, track, mountain running, trail racing
Years in current sport: 13
Racing Team: Boulder running Company/Adidas
Sponsors/Affiliations: Adidas, Feetures!
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career?
Breaking 14:00 in the 5k on the track was a big deal for me. I went from 14:01 to 13:41 in one year. This happened at Stanford University during finals week in 2011, where I literally took a final exam the day of the race. It was a big step forward at a crucial time, and it happened despite other things interfering with a “perfect race’. Also, this year’s 3rd place at Pike’s Peak Ascent was important, as it was my first time representing the USA, and I came through for my teammates and country!
What are your long-term goals? What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
I want to make as many US teams as I can, be good enough to compete for a medal (podium finish), and continue to count everyday as a blessing.
Why Colorado? What makes Colorado so special for endurance athletes? What makes Colorado special to YOU?
Colorado is so important because it is not only beautiful, and has great sunshine and weather, but because of its many challenges. It has wind, and snow storms, Olympians, and mountains. Everyday, I feel both excited to run with someone, up to new heights on a trail or am pushed to my limits.
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
I wake up at 8:30am, eat breakfast, go to run (usually around 10-15 miles), eat a second breakfast, shower, head to Roll Recovery to work, snack, travel to University of Colorado to work (tutor), perhaps sneak in a second run, ice bath, core session near CU, tutor some more. Eat a late dinner (9-10pm), sleep.
I do very little stretching, I don’t do many strides or any weights, I don’t cross train. Just lots of easy miles, with 2-3 hard endurance workouts a week.
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
I listen to my body and take a day off or just run 2 miles if I feel bad. This has helped me stay healthy and fit through 10 half marathons in 6 months.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans? What are you favorite recovery meals, drinks, etc.?
Nothing crazy. I am a big believer in eating a balanced diet of real, unpacked, unprocessed food. I hate the paleo, high protein fad, and tend to eat lots of healthy carbs (but again all things in balance) about 60% of my diet is carbs, <20%fat, <20%protein. Lots of fruit, vegetables, cheese, and bread!
Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites, coaches)?
I recently read Jack Daniel’s and think that is the best resource for any level of runner.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
A huge challenge is facing the question of why I am a professional runner instead of perusing a so-called “real job”. I am a believer in being extremely hard working, using your talents and following things you love instead of the thing that pays the most. I am self motivated and follow those ideals, but I couldn’t do what I do without the help and support of my roommates, friends, and employers.
What are your favorite races in Colorado?
Bolder Boulder, Avery 4 on the 4th, and Mt Evan’s Ascent. Bolder Boulder is so cool, having so many fans watch a professional race and the paratroopers are excellent. Avery throws one great birthday party for the US of A, and who doesn’t want a chance at winning their weight in wonderful Microbrew? Finally, Mt Evan’s is the quintessential insane Colorado road race, going up a 14er! Watch out for mountain goats!
Where do you like to train in Colorado?
Above 10,000ft elevation in the late summer! It is a big kids playground, with snow, spring flowers, the smell of fresh pine, and mountain vitas. I love running up Aspen Mountain, or running near Grand Lake in RMNP!
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: Adidas Energy Boost (or anything boost!)
Favorite post-run/race beverage: Iced Chai Tea from Walnut Cafe
Favorite post-run/race meal: hot pretzel from Whole Foods
Role models: 2:08 marathoner Bat-Ochiryn Ser-Od. This Mongolian runner hunts wolverine in his off time.
Day job: Academic Tutor at CU, expo worker and quality control at Roll Recovery
Solo runner, running partner or team/group? Solo running 50%, Jeff Eggelston 50%
Favorite Restaurant: Pizzoria Locale, West End…Anything on Pearl street in Boulder!
Favorite Coffee Shop: Laughing goat on Campus at CU
Favorite Bar: Southern Sun
Favorite Running Store: Boulder Running Co, Boulder
Favorite non-running activity: Cycling (I was a bike racer for 3 months this spring!)
Favorite TV Show: Dexter
Favorite book: The Witches by Roald Dahl
Favorite movie: Kill Bill
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
I am still hoping there is a big one around the bend. I’ll tell you what I did when it happens.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
“Be autonomous” –Mark Wetmore
You are going to have to do it yourself, so start practicing.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? That you train by?
Wu Wei. It is the essence of Taoism. It means, to me, let it happen. You have to relax and let the training work, let the race unfold. You can’t always force results. I don’t mean that there isn’t a time for action, leading a race, making a move, but in general, you just have to relax.
What keeps you motivated? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Living an active lifestyle, making small changes in the world, running when others can’t walk. Using my talents and all I was given, that’s what drives me onward. I don’t want to look back and say I gave it 90%.