1) Please share your name, age, and where you are from.
My name is John Dallas, I'm 40, and from Northern Ireland, originally. I grew up there and now I am a US citizen living in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
2) What has your journey with running looked like through out your life? Feel free to elaborate and share your fitness journey!
I was into running as a young boy and would often go outside, stay active and run around everywhere. As a young adult this kind of tapered off somewhat into my 20’s and I settled into a daily routine where running was not a part of my lifestyle. That changed when I served active duty in the Army and I knew I had to get in shape, and stay in shape. I re-found my love of running and it just developed from there. Now I have been consistently running most days, and if not running then walking.
3) What keeps you running? What is your why?
I love the energy of running and the effects that it has. I think it's fun and also a form of self-love, mediation and promotes being young. I think there is a lot of science backing the long-term positive effects that running, as well as walking, have on the body.
4) Have you run the Boston marathon before? If so, what was your experience like? If not, what are you most looking forward to?
I have not run the Boston Marathon before. I am looking forward to the crowds as well as the energy! It’s going to be an experience where many types of runners are out there. To feel the crowd, the energy and the excitement overall… it’s going to be special.
5) What has your training looked like for the Boston Marathon this year? Has your training differed over time?
Slow runs, many runs, lots of walking, as well as some more fine-tuned training has been incorporated in my training. It has been very organized in general, but it has been consistent. I try to run every day, and this has been something I’ve grown to love. Over time my running volume and walking volume have steadily and consistently increased. This slow and steady increase in volume is good so far, and I’ll continue to do that.
6) What are you most proud of in your running/ athletic career thus far?
I’m happy to achieve qualification for the Boston Marathon for the first time. I’m also happy I achieved at least 100 miles in a 24-hour endurance race.
7) What are your future athletic goals? Where do you want to go next?
I’d love to do a race in another country! I think it would be fun to do more ultramarathons and longer endurance races. The future is open for me, and I know one thing… I’ll continue to love running and walking.
8) What would you tell someone running their first marathon?
Go easy and have fun! It’s important to build the foundation first. If you put in the time and the effort in training, then you have nothing to worry about. Just have fun and see what happens. If it’s your first marathon just strive to enjoy the experience.
9) What are some things you do in your daily life that keeps you healthy as an athlete?
Exercise is the key. A little every day is better than nothing. Every day, I try to incorporate some form of exercise. Also eat quality foods. You are what you eat, so it’s nice to eat healthy! Also sleep is important, and it's a must for recovery.
10) What are you hoping to accomplish at Boston?
I’m hoping to have fun and enjoy myself. Boston for me is not the time to push hard. I think it’s a time of celebration and to just take it in and have fun.
11) What is one thing people may not know about you?
I enjoy the quiet life. I’m happy being in nature and like the simple things.
12) What do you tell people who don’t think they can run a marathon?
All it takes is practice. The more you practice, the better you get. So you have to get out there and do it… put in the practice. It’s good to build your foundation, aerobic capacity, and aerobic endurance. Building the foundation is the key. Start slow and just get out walking, and keep building from there. Your endurance increases the more you exercise, whether it's walking or slow running.