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Justin's Running Story Posted on October 09, 2014

Every month we feature a different runner and their story! This month we had the good fortune of interviewing Justin Irving! Justin is a member of the St. Louis Track Club and has a very strong presence in the St. Louis running community. Read his story below! 

MS: How many years have you been running for?

JI: I have been running for 30 years!

MS: Why did you start running?

JI: My moms boy friend at the time was a track coach and got me into it. I was really good and liked the medals and trophies, so it was easy to stick with it.

MS: What advice do you have for people interested in starting the sport?

JI: Take it easy, enjoy the run. Try and go unplugged as often as possible, it’s nice to hear the sounds of the city or trail, and it helps to be more in tune with your body.

MS: Where does a lot of your motivation for the sport stem from?

JI: Watching people compete at all levels. But also seeing people that I would not expect to be running, not making excuses and putting in the work.

MS: What is the Wolf Pack?

JI: The Wolf Pack is a great group of people that love the sport. We have all ages and abilities, all distances. But running is what brings us together. Nothing better than having a group of friends support you in whatever crazy endeavor you want to take on…. I don’t think any of my other friends would want to join me on 20 or 30+ mile run, but the Wolf Pack would.

MS: If you could run anywhere in the world, where would it be?

JI: The beaches of Rio, I hear there is some great site seeing.

MS: What are you currently training for?

JI: Training for life, and all the things that it brings… I am running in my first Bourbon Chase, which is either going to bring me closer to my van mates. Or make them want to kill me by the end of the weekend.

MS: What's a typical mileage week for you in training?

JI: 30-35 miles, my race distance is 5k

MS: Can you explain your relationship with the Wolf Pack and why they are the most dangerous running group in St. Louis?

JI: I think I am one of the more recent additions to the group. We are the most dangerous group because we have members that compete at everything from the 5k to Ultras.. And I mean compete, they are always in the thick of the medals… I am just there for the age group awards ;)

MS: What distance do you consider to be your sweet spot?

JI: If there were 3ks, that would be my spot. I was a 400m/800m in my younger days. But now, I stick with 5ks until I get my times to drop.

Rapid Fire:

Favorite alcoholic drink? Vodka tonic or craft beer

Favorite night time snack? Peanut butter cookies

You sleep _____ a night! 6-7 hours

Favorite sport besides running? Basketball or soccer

Running man crush? Nick Symmonds