Executive Recruiter Brett Stevens Runs For Life Part II - The Interview
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 03:15PM Brett Stevens, executive recruiter and president of the SearchLogix Group, will be running for life on October 7th. This is a follow up posting to “Executive Recruiter Runs for Life - Part I”. You can also read Brett’s letter by clicking on the link at the top of the page to find out how you can help him save lives.
Is Brett Stevens crazy for thinking that he can run for 26.2 miles in one day without a lion chasing after him? I don’t really know. All I know is that Brett is not your average executive recruiter. I recently asked Brett about how he plans to beat the odds that he’s up against as a 44 year old guy, whose job requires more brain power than muscle power.
Have you ever run in a marathon before?
Yes, I ran in the Marine Corps marathon in 1985, 1995, 2002, 2003, and 2004. I was a member of the Marine Corps between 1981 and 1985.
Why are you running in the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon?
I hope to raise $5000 for the Prostate Foundation. This is the first time that I will run in the Chicago marathon. Anyone who would like to help me meet my goal can donate to the Prostate Foundation by going to http://athletes.kintera.org/other/brettstevens.
How are you preparing mentally/physically for the Chicago Marathon?
Mentally is easy. Physically is the hard part. I don’t have a runner’s build. I’m 6’1 and 200 lbs. I’m also 44 years old, which makes running in a marathon more of a challenge, than it used to be. I need to be able to run 22 miles by September 15th.
Why is the mental preparation easier? Isn’t it easier just to give up when you’re tired?
Mentally it’s easy to say “yes. I have done several other marathons, but memories are always better than the reality. Doing the work is another issue. Running in the summer in Atlanta is brutal. It can be 80 degrees by 8 a.m. with 90% humidity. The heat really drains your energy.
What are you doing to physically prepare for the Chicago marathon?
I run 3 mornings a week before work. I like to start my runs around 5 a.m. to avoid the hotter temps in June and July, that happen later on in the day, here in Georgia. The traffic is also lighter at that time of the morning. I prefer running at that time of the morning, but my neighborhood doesn’t have many sidewalks and running can get dangerous at 5 a.m. I also see some “weird” things at that time of the morning.
I do a longer run on Saturdays, when I have more time.
On Tuesdays, I do light weight training. I get up at 5 a.m. and I’m in the gym by 5:30 a.m. I work out for an hour and rotate my workouts. I always try to do an “ab” work out, then rotate chest and triceps with back and shoulders. I also try to do a light leg work out.
You mentioned that you see some weird things when you run at 5 a.m. and it’s dangerous. Can you explain?
Yes, there are dogs running wild. Bicycles laying in the street. People walking their dogs. I also see people in their houses getting up for work. People don’t realize when it’s dark outside and they put a light on in their house, that people who are outside can see inside their homes. I also see some surprised looks on the people who are leaving for work at 5:30 to 6 am. They don’t expect to see someone jogging by their house at that time of the morning.
How far are you currently running?
I run 6 to 8 miles before work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, which can take between 1 and 3 hours. I will try to run 10 miles Wednesday starting in July. If I can’t make it on Thursday, I’ll run on Friday instead. When I get back to the office, I take a shower, get dressed for work, and start my work day around 7 a.m, then work until 5:30 p.m. I’ll increase my mileage in the coming months as I get closer to the date of the marathon.
What is your diet like while you’re training?
I have to change my diet significantly. No desserts, no candy or soda. I eat more salads, smaller portions, and 3 to 5 small meals per day.
Why cut out sugar from your diet? Doesn’t sugar give you energy?
There is “good sugar” and “bad sugar”. What I cut out of my diet are “bad sugars”. I try to eat foods with high protein and carbohydrates. Cutting out the “bad sugars” like dessert, candy, and soda also helps me to lose weight. Weighing less makes it easier to run.
Do you drink water or Gatorade when you’re on your training runs?
I drink a mix of both. Gatorade has also just come out with Gatorade Extreme. I fill my Camel back “Hydration System” and jog with a constant sloshing from my back pack.
What kind of footwear are you wearing to train with?
I run in Mizuno shoes. I buy one pair 6 months before the marathon and then another pair about a month before the race.
Why do you like Mizuno’s?
I have run in almost every brand and then someone suggested Mizuno and they have performed the best for me. They are comfortable (200 lbs is a lot to carry) and they’re light.
What training goals have you set for yourself to insure that you’ll be able to run over 26 miles in one day?
By September 15th, I plan to be able to run 22 miles.
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