Welcome to this post: Interview with UltraRunner Emz Eliason Run Emz.

So excited to share the wisdom and thoughts of a woman that I truly admire, look up to, and see as a running sister!

Here are my questions to Emz:

1. You run, a whole bunch. What gets you up in the morning with such tenacity?

I’d say for the most part it is my goals. Even if I don’t have a scheduled race in the near future, I know running for charities is my passion. I always want to know that if I received an opportunity to do a run….that I will be ready [training wise]. The early morning hours are MY time for ME. This may mean I get out of bed at 4:30 but it is always worth it.

2. How is each run different for you?

Although I do all my runs on a treadmill, I do try to make sure that I change it up. Some days I go a little faster, some days I take the incline higher. At least three days a week I try to do my runs without any music or TV. Other days I take it easy & just let the legs go.

3. If you could sum up your approach to running, what would it be?

Just. Freaking. Run.
Who cares about the speed. Get out there.

4. If you could only run in one pair of shoes for the rest of your life…what brand & model?

Love this question. Without a doubt Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3’s.

5. Dream place to run:

New Zealand. Every year we go back to visit family – it reminds me that I do like running outside every now & then. 😜

6. Dream running buddy:

My Instagram friends. Truth. Some of the coolest people ever. I have made some of my closest/dearest friends through social media. I have been fortunate enough to run alongside many of them during one of my 24-hour treadmill runs. As well as having some of them pace me during my trail 100’s. Incredible, inspiring, thoughtful, selfless individuals.

7. Favorite run of your life so far:

Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim run. It was a completely different experience than any ultra I have ever done. No crowds. No cheering. No crew. No run partners. Just me with myself, outside in one of God’s most incredible creations.

8. If you could give nutritional advice to other runners, what would it be?

That quote, “you can’t out train a bad diet”…… It’s the truth. It took me way too long to get this through my thick skull. Running 70-100 miles a week does not give you the right to eat superfluous amounts of crap. I found when I eat bad – I feel like bad. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy carrot cake & pizza with the best of them. And I do ENJOY my treats occasionally. But not daily.

9. Favorite food/meal:

Mexican food. All of it. [sans meat & dairy]. My go to after a long run….Cafe Rio vegetarian salad [tortilla, black beans, all veggies, guacamole, jalapeños, salsa] = my heaven.
My daily staple = vega one vanilla chai protein shake. Holy. Yum.

10. Favorite Athlete:

All the mom’s out there. I know you may call this generic…. But it’s the honest truth. I am so inspired by moms who get up and put in hard amounts of training every day – then rather seamlessly put on their mom, wife and employee hats. It’s incredible to me. I am far more inspired by “average women” than professional female athletes.

11. Your best marital & parenting advice:

Be honest. Express your needs. Communicate. Hang out together. Not a fan of girl’s night or girl’s weekend but I am a huge fan of date night with my man. I choose him every damn day over anything else.

Don’t make your child’s life easy. Teach them how to work hard. Be an example of this.

12. What impression would you hope to leave on those that look up to you?

That I’m not a talented runner. But I put in a lot of work. My parents taught me the value of working hard at a very young age. It has always stuck with me. If you want something. Put in the work. Get after it. Now.

13. Emz’s Life Motto, summed up:

You’ve. Freaking. Got. This.

Train your brain to tell your body you CAN do hard things.

I’ll be sure to keep this post on hand for days when I want an extra dosage of motivation. You ROCK, EMZ!!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me 🙂

Be sure to check out Emz’s blog!!

Thanks for stopping by this post: Interview with UltraRunner Emz Eliason Run Emz.