Runner Spotlight: Matt

Name: Matthew Loewen
Age: 27

City: Red Deer

Profession: Teacher

Twitter: @mloewen6

Runner since: 2011

1. Why did you start running?

I read the book “Spark” by Dr. John Ratey and got into the neuroscience behind running! There are so many benefits: decrease in stress, decrease in anxiety, increase in stress threshold (how much stress one can take before “breaking”, quicker decision making process in your brain, etc

2. What motivates you to run?

All the stuff above, physical health, and being a positive role model for my students.

3. Best running moment:

Crossing the finish line at my first half marathon. It was such a great sense of accomplishment – mentally and physically

4. Advice for new runners?

Running is hard at the beginning, but start small and build up. Have a end goal race to push you when you feel like sitting on the couch, instead of going running. Also, find somebody, or a group, to run with. 

5. What has running taught you?

That I can be my worst enemy, or my best friend! I choose best friend, because I’m the person I spend the most time with! 

Thanks Matt! I look forward to bumping into you on the trails.