Jodie Robertson keeps her dreams alive by surrounding herself with people who encourage and support her to chase after them with all that she has.  Jodie counts on a very special source of inspiration as she takes to the start line in January and will be dedicating her efforts to a young hero.

Runners Feed: Take us through a typical day of your life 

Jodie Robertson: Currently my typical day begins with me waking up around 6am, eating breakfast, taking care of some chores and then doing lots of soft tissue preparation for my run.  In the soft tissue work I will use a foam roller, a rope to do some Active Isolated Stretching, a stick and some trigger point balls.  After some dynamic stretching I will head out for my morning run.  Following my morning run I will do some more soft tissue work, then off to the Plaza Fitness to do strength training. I will then head back home for lunch and hopefully a nap, but many times I am off to work at our local food co-op or putting B-Tags on race bibs.  I also coach a few high school runners on an individual basis and coach the local youth running program, Delmar Track Club.  The afternoon is filled with another run or workout, soft tissue work and some core exercises.  I love to cook so dinner would be the next project.  In the evening I will update my training log and blog, normally ending up in bed by 9 or 10pm.

RF: Do you work full or part-time while training? If so, what do you do? If not, what has kept you afloat while you pursue your dream?

JR: I am fortunate enough to currently be on leave from my job as an elementary band teacher in the Herricks UFSD.  I worked full time as a teacher until June of 2011 and then after getting married in July moved up to the Albany, NY area where we currently reside.  I have lots of great support especially from my husband Aaron and the rest of my family.  Putting myself in an environment where I am surrounded by people who believe in my dreams has enabled me to continue chasing my goals and keeps me dreaming big.  I now work one day a week at our local food co-op as a cashier and one day a week for ARE Event Productions putting B-Tags on the backs of race numbers.  I also coach high school runners on an individual basis and coach our local youth running program, Delmar Track Club.  In addition, I have great support from my trainer/coach Mathew Nark and Plaza Fitness.  After running my first marathon in May of 2011, where I qualified for the Olympic Trials, I ended up with my 5th stress fracture, this time in my back.  Since working with Mathew Nark of Nark Movement Systems I returned to running in September and am grateful to be able to toe the line healthy in Houston.

RF: When the going gets tough on the 14th what will keep you gunning for the finish line?

JR: I am dedicating my journey to the Olympic Trials in memory of Thomas Reynolds, a 13 year old boy from Long Island who in October 2011 lost a battle with cancer.  An amazingly strong, kind-hearted, and optimistic young man who had a passion for sports and athletics.  I am honored to be able to share my journey with his family and friends, and know that when things get tough on the 14th I will have Thomas there as my inspiration to the finish line.  You can learn more about Thomas here.

Rapid Fire

RF: What will you eat the night before?
JR:I am not big of eating lots the night before so probably an almond butter sandwich, some of my favorite energy bars, Camille’s Bars, lots of water, some fruit and a bowl of granola.

RF: Race day shoes?

JR: Adidas adizero adios!

 

See Interviews with other Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifiers

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