In a running world full of myriad strategies, tips and methods of training, Adam Rich’s motto is simple: pedal to the metal. He doesn’t advise that everyone follow it, but he contributes much of his running success to his no-holds-barred, “cringe worthy” style of continuously pushing the limits.
Born, raised, and still hailing from Colorado Springs, many of you have probably seen Rich and his name at the top of the results list at races across the state. Running strong for 14+ years now, 35-year old Rich has won countless races, set course records, and isn’t slowing down any time soon, still running times he did in his 20’s.
Read on to find out more about Rich’s simple – but clearly effective – training style, and his advice to all runners to enjoy the journey.
Quick Stats
Name: Adam Rich
Age: 35
Hometown & Current: Colorado Springs, CO; Native of Colorado Springs
Professional & Educational background: CSU Pueblo 2010 – Physical Education Teacher at Taylor Elementary
Sports participated in: Basketball, Baseball, Mountain Biking, Track/XC
Years in current sport: 14
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career?
I was lucky enough to be on the 2005 D2 National Championship XC Team (Western State) as well as being an All American in XC. In track that year I qualified to run Nationals in the 10K. For one college season I achieved more than I would have expected (All Rmac Team, Rmac Freshman of the year, and North Central All Region Team).
On the road scene I have won many races over the last 14 years including the USATF Colorado 5K Championship, running USATF Club Cross Country when I ran for Boulder Running Company, and winning the Boulder Race Series for a few years in a row.
I have been lucky enough to stay at or near the top in races for going on 15 years and hope to continue doing so for years to come.
What are your long-term goals? What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
I have always been a bit different when I look at goals. I never plan my year out and usually look at what races are out there and just go for it. My yearly goal is to be in 15 minute 5K shape from January to December.
As an athlete I want to continue to race at a high level and strive to get better as I go. I started out my running journey never thinking I would accomplish what I have but at the end of the day I also know that a time will come where I will be unable to train like I want or race like I want. I have no regrets looking back on my 14 years of racing and would not change a thing.
Why Colorado?
I guess Colorado because I am a native and have never trained or lived anywhere else.
I think the state in general is an endless place of thousands and thousands of miles of trails, parks and fantastic places to just go explore. Factor in the altitude/drier air and lack of humidity and you really can’t ask for more. You also have to look at how many people are active here and realize that compared to most states we are very lucky.
For me being a native is what makes the state special and knowing/remembering all of the great experiences I have had so far in my life.
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
So I tend to keep things simple in training. I usually run 12 miles outside or on the treadmill at home. I always end up running faster than expected and most training runs get down under 5:40 pace for quite a bit of time during the run. If I’m on the treadmill I always change the speed the whole run and I just run various segments depending on what I feel like doing.
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
I think that my style of training (running hard almost all of the time) works well for me even though many who know how I train most likely cringe at it. I don’t work out on the track and train by how I feel. Additionally being lucky enough to never get injured has been my other key to having a long 14 year span of success.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans?
I have never been great in the nutrition area. I just try to eat a balanced diet. No specific recovery meals or drinks.
Do you have any recommended resources to share?
My recommended running books: Running Tough by Michael Sandrock and The Lore of Running by Tim Nokes
If you ever get the chance to listen to Dr. Joe Vigil you will look at running differently and understand how to really train to race fast.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
I have never really considered anything I do challenging as I find ways to train and race when it is not impactful on life. I train later in the day and sometimes run very early in the morning typically when I am coaching a high school team. I also use my treadmill whenever necessary.
To me running doesn’t make life challenging as it has become an important part of my life, but I also don’t go beyond a certain point with running in general as I always believe that you have to enjoy what you are doing. When the day comes that I don’t want to train or I look at it as a chore is when I will find something else to do.
What are your favorite races in Colorado?
Monument Downhill 5K, Pearl Street Mile, Strawberry Shortcut races, Sailin’ Shoes (I think I have too many others that I have liked over the years!). Monument Downhill was something I did on a whim back in the summer of 2005 and I set the course record there on my first attempt (14:55) I didn’t go back for many years until 2012 or 2013 when I ran 14:15 to break the record again. I have won 4 straight times, 5 overall. Pearl Street is something I did for many years, and I always enjoyed it. I stopped racing it a few years back, but the memories I have there were great. Finally Strawberry Shortcut/Sailin’ Shoes; I had never raced the shortcut races, so back in 2014 I decided to go there, and I won both the 10/5K races. I again came back in 2015 and repeated the wins again, and did the same in 2016. Just a neat race and I like Glenwood Springs. Sailin’ Shoes was the premier race in Colorado Springs for many years. I went from running in the 17’s for 5K there to the 15’s, always had great competition and ended up winning the 10K 5 times and finishing in the top 2-5 in the 5K many times. The race is gone now, but it was great for so many years.
Where do you like to train in Colorado?
Mainly Colorado Springs as I really do not train anywhere else. Here in town I enjoy running at Palmer Park, Ute Valley Park and run mainly on the Pikes Peak Greenway. You have almost 40 miles of trail just on the Greenway alone! I have trained in Gunnison and Crested Butte and both places had some amazing training runs as well.
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: Original Nike Zoom Elites from around 2003
Favorite post-run/race beverage: Mountain Dew
Role models: Nolan Ryan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan
Day job: Teacher
Solo runner, running partner or team/group? I like to run with others, but train alone almost all the time.
Favorite Restaurant: Panino’s
Favorite Bar: Tilted Kilt
Favorite TV Show: Fast and Loud
Favorite book: Brad Meltzer Culper Series
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough?
I believe that back in 2004 I started to understand how to train, and that was when I first ran in the 15’s for 5K. You only get better by training more and learning how to run fast. For me it was increasing my weekly mileage back then. Now I have trained at a high level for many years which helps keep me where I am.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Too many times over the years I have been given great advice by many wonderful people. They always have tried to tell me to train differently, change how many days a week I train hard, or believe more in my ability. They see more in me then I do and I have always appreciated that.
I can personally say that my advice is to train in a way that makes you feel good and never make it feel like a job or something you are only doing because you have to. Enjoy the journey because you will have everlasting experiences and meet people in running that will change your life and inspire you to become the best you can.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
I don’t have a saying or motto that I live by, but I would say training wise it’s pedal to the metal all the time which I do not advise! I would never want anybody to train like I do because it’s not the way to do it and you will find yourself tired going into races. Then you train harder and it becomes a vicious cycle.
What keeps you motivated?
I think my motivation is that I still run the times I was running in my 20’s now and I have done so for years now. I feel like I don’t draw inspiration rather I have a desire to push myself hard and see what happens. I also believe in being self-driven.