We have selected 10 enthusiastic runners to be the friendly faces of the 2018 Servus Edmonton Marathon! They’ll be sharing race updates and training tips to support and inspire our running community along the way. Learn more about them- meet Matt!
How many years have you been running?
About 10 years
Why do you run?
I run because I enjoy it and I like the way it makes me feel. I like that it gives me an opportunity to challenge myself. I like that it’s something that my wife, Emily and I can do together. I run because I see a lot more while running than while walking. I run because it is good for my health, it allows me to sleep better and it improves the overall quality of my life. Running is a way for me to stay physically fit, which is a requirement for my career in the Canadian Armed Forces.
What advice would you give someone who is training for a race for the first time?
Sign up for the race and make a goal for yourself (such as simply finishing the race of running the race in a certain time). Write your goal down and hang it in a place where you will see it everyday. Get into the routine of training on a regular basis; consistency is very important. If this is an option for you, running with other people can be motivating. Make sure you run in all of your kit well in advance of the race. Consider getting a running coach or getting training advice from an experienced running friend.
How would you describe your running playlist?
Electronic dance music and Top 40.
What other forms of fitness do you enjoy?
Rock climbing, weight lifting, soccer
Why should people run the Servus Edmonton Marathon?
It’s a great race with amazing crowd support. I have run the Edmonton 10km and Edmonton half marathon races and both courses are very flat and fast.
What is your favourite route to run in Edmonton?
I LOVE to run in the Edmonton river valley. Usually, I start at the Kinsmen Centre and run along the south side of the river. Snow Valley is also really nice.
What is your favourite distance to run and why?
Right now, I like the 10km because the distance allows me to recover fairly quickly. In general, I prefer to race longer distances such as the 21.1km.
Where is the coolest place you have ever run?
I ran in Cold Lake, Alberta when it was -43C once. That was definitely the coldest run I have done. My wife, Emily and I have run the Stubai Hohenweg (high path) in Austria a couple of times and really enjoy it (http://www.teamsetlack.com/epic-runs-1/2017/7/5/running-the-stubaier-hohenweg). It took several days and we stayed in mountain huts each night. Emily and I also enjoyed running (almost) across Cold Lake in the winter (http://www.teamsetlack.com/epic-runs-1/2017/1/15/trans-cold-lake-run). Cold Lake is about 25km across and almost 100m deep at the deepest point.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Skittles (Tropical Flavour)
Follow Matt on instagram @MattSetlack and facebook @MattSetlack!
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