Friday Spotlight: GreatDeku
Hey r/running! It's Friiiiidaaaaaay! This week's featured athlete is one of my personal favorites. From his username to his insightful commentary, we've sure got a good one to learn about. So sit back, take a few and learn about our newest addition to the Friday Spotlight family. Ladies and gentleman... u/GreatDeku!
Let's do this...
###The Runner:
First Name?
Andrew, Drew, or Andy
Age?
26
Where are you from?
Philadelphia, PA
Occupation?
Assistant Actuary
###Running Q&A's:
What are your PR’s?
5K: 22:28
4-Mile: 28:58
10K: 47:53
Half: 1:44:24 (not an official race – I can totally beat this)
What is your distance PR?
14.5 Miles
What’s your highest recorded weekly mileage?
A nice even 40 miles, last week
What’s your comfy pace?
Somewhere around 8:10-8:20 per mile. I define comfy as the pace where I don’t have to constantly worry about where to dispose of snot rockets (yumm).
How long have you been running?
A hair over two years really. I only became serious about it about 10 months ago.
Tell us why you began running?
Initially, it was weight loss and to see if I could. Back in my grade school days, I did track and field, but I focused solely on shot-put (I feel like Uncle Rico when I mention this, but yours truly held a PA state record for a couple years before said record got obliterated). At that time, 1 mile seemed super far to me, so when I saw people running 5Ks, I thought that was awesome, and I wanted to give it a try.
Nowadays, I run so I can hopefully provide a good example for my kids. I grew up grossly obese, but was always told that I’d grow into my body. Well guess what never happened? Instead I developed a very timid personality and self-image issues. Ultimately, my goal is to make sure that my kids grow up with healthy habits, and to not let weight issues hold them back from anything. (Rant over)
Most memorable running moment?
During a random 4 mile race, I noticed that my wife was recording the start, so I wanted to make a good show of it for the camera and start off wayyyyy above what pace I planned on running that day. Instead of dropping back when I was out of sight, I decided to just see how long I could keep the charade up. I told my wife to expect me around 34 minutes later. With less than a football field’s length left to go, I saw that the race clock was just ticking past 28 minutes. I finished at 28:58. Until that day, my usual hard pace was like an 8:30/mile. Ever since then, keeping my training pace under an 8:00 mile has become a breeze. It sounds lame, but I feel like I unlocked something in myself that day. I actually ended up winning a medal that day somehow – maybe because there was a bigger race in town that day.
Do you have a running mantra?
How do you eat a whale, Andrew? One bite at a fucking time.
I also have an ultra nerdy one that I mentally recite during the final stretches of races: “He burns pewter.” Without revealing much, it is a reference to the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson wherein certain talented individuals are able to draw on reserves to greatly enhance their strength, balance, and endurance. Visualizing a reserve of endurance helps me to create one of my own.
What time of day do you prefer to run?
Right now I run at lunch break during the week, and the early AM on the weekend. During the winter, I like running at night, for the serenity.
Any big races coming up?
Next week I have the Broad Street Run, which is an extremely popular 10 mile race that is a net downhill. After that, I really need to get an official half under my belt, so if anyone has any suggestions of any nearby ones, I’d appreciate it. In the fall, I plan to try my first full distance at the Lehigh Valley Via Marathon.
What are your short-term running goals?
Finish a marathon under 3:50 or so, and getting the ol’ 5K under 22 minutes. What are your long-term running goals?
BQ, of course. Getting over a fear of open water and doing a tri. Running with my two boys (the DekuBabas as I will eventually refer to them).
I’d also like to get my family members to run a Ragnar with me as a sort of cheesy bonding experience. What’s one piece of running advice you’d give to the younger version of yourself? Don’t be embarrassed about trying to improve yourself. Run in the dark if you have to. Also, having legs that are used to carrying a lot more weight handle hills really well.
What is something you need to work on to become a better runner?
I’ve ignored cross-training, and really any kind of formal training really. I would really benefit from some structure I’m sure, but I still feel like I’m still riding the noob-gains. I also really need to start doing some core exercises.
What is your current shoe choice?
I rotate between Hoka Vanquish 3s and Clifton 3s currently.
What is your ideal running weather?
40 degrees Fahrenheit, early AM, light mist.
Do you have any social media accounts you’d like to share?
Not at the moment
###Just For Fun:
What’s your spirit animal?
An orca whale. Those things are scary fast for their size. Also one of the reasons why I have a crippling fear of open water
What hobbies and interests do you have besides running?
I have a few hobbies: making mead, reading fantasy novels, and crushing fools in quizzo. I have interest in travel, but I just can’t find the time for it.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am a fountain of useless knowledge. I’m also very good at logic puzzles, untying knots, and spot-the-difference puzzles.
Biggest pet peeve?
Philadelphia draws a lot of tourists, and while most people are fine, some groups will walk at a glacial pace while also spanning a 9 foot wide sidewalk. There is a limit to the amount of brotherly love that I am willing to show on behalf of my city’s sake, and the line is drawn lumbering walls of people.
Dream job! What would it be?
I wish I could open up my own meadery and old-timey inn. I would wake up early each morning, bake bread and pies for later customers. After that, I’d work on batches of mead and cider that would put even the hardiest of patrons on their ass within two glasses. At night, I’d enjoy serving as a barkeep and just bs-ing with local folk.
Favorite Quote or Poem?
I thought it was a joke when I was younger, but I’ve really come to appreciate the poem, The Red Wheelbarrow, by William Carlos Williams.
What is your favorite movie?
The Count of Monte Cristo, the one with Jim Caviezel.
What is your biggest character flaw?
I’m a cranky son of a bitch when I miss out on sleep.
What songs have you been listening to recently?
Cool Head – Travis Barker ft Kid Cudi, King Kunta – Kendrick Lamar, Dare - Gorillaz
What are some of your favorite non-running subreddits?
/r/Mead , r/Philadelphia, r/Churning , r/Cosmere, r/Insurance, r/InsurancePros
###One Last Question:
What is the origin of your username?
Ocarina of Time. Frankly, I was amazed that this name was available when I made a reddit account many moons ago.
That's it folks! Have a great weekend and enjoy the miles.
####Thanks for reading everyone!
#Please tag u/GreatDeku when asking a question in this thread.
Previously Featured Spotlight Runners:
Posted Apr 28, 2017, 11:54 AM UTC