Jay Gibson – Featured Runner of the Week

Jay Gibson – Featured Runner of the Week

This week is our 12th edition of our favorite weekly post. Jay Gibson – Featured Runner of the Week is another amazing spotlight and we are honored to feature him here. The aim of having a Featured Runner of the Week is not to necessarily single out any individuals but we want to feature runners who through their uniqueness may one day inspire you to run or reach for new running highs. Every runner has broken their own barriers, whether it was the first big obstacle to take the first running step or entering a race. Each runner will have their own story and to most these stories to others are very inspiring.

We welcome your feedback and nominations of runners who you feel deserve to be featured here. Our Featured Runner of the Week is selected at random. Every runner deserves to be mentioned and we will do our best to select a wide field of runners to bring their stories for you to enjoy.

This week we feature another amazing local runner that can be found running and racing around town. Let’s take a few minutes and get to know Jay Gibson.

Jay Gibson – Featured Runner of the Week
Name: Jay Gibson

Age: 37

Where are you originally from? Moscow, TN

What is your favorite distance to race? Why? The marathon, it’s always a challenge no matter how many times you run it and no two course are the same.

What originally got you into running? A friend in grad school was training for a half marathon I asked how long it was and she told me 13.1 miles.  So I asked if I could train some with her and I did then we did the half marathon together.  Then another friend wanted to do a half so I helped him train.  Plus its something I can do anywhere I am at and don’t need a team to be able to go out and run.

What is your main motivation to keep going?  I want to run a marathon in all 50 states. I’m currently 30 states in and counting.  It’s a life time goal to help keep me active for a very long time.

When you’re not running, what do you do?  I also do triathlons and duathlons.  But when not training in enjoy spending time with my wife and son, and traveling

What is your next race? Taste of Beaufort 5k I want to push my son in the stroller like I did last year.  Other than that I’m looking into the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, OK or the Atlantic City Marathon this fall.

Describe your perfect run: 60’s and sunny out with a lite breeze.  But a nice steady run were everything is just smooth and you feel like you can keep running longer. The hydration and fueling is all dialed in perfectly.

What piece of advice do you have for someone who is just starting out? Just run but enjoy it.  Get a proper per of running shoes, and go out and run.  Only way to find out how far you can go is to just go. No shame in taking a walk break we have all done it before.

What has been the single greatest thing you have gotten back from running?  Having people tell me that I have motivated them to run and to get outside and be active.

Goals for this year?  To complete a 2nd marathon this year then start getting the legs strong to attempt 4 in 4 days in 4 different states next spring.  Number 1 goal is to stay healthy and remind myself that I do this for fun because I can, not everyone can say that.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us your story this week Jay! You continue to inspire those around you through your support of the local running community! Keep up the great work and we wish you the best of luck this year! #staygrounded #runbeaufort

Grounded Running Beaufort

Grounded Running Beaufort

Grounded Running Beaufort

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