August R.o.m.- Matthew menke

Congrats to our August Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month, Matthew Menke!   Here is more about Matthew:
"I’m 24 years old and I’ve recently became engaged to my fiancée Haley. I have a 3-year-old beagle puppy as my “child”. I was born and raised here in Evansville where I currently live. I graduated from Murray State University in 2018 and I am a Design Engineer with Berry Global."

What motivates you to run/walk?
While at Murray in early 2018 I was selected for a 1/2 marathon training program (Going the Distance) by WPSD local 6, a News station in Paducah and Atlas Physical therapy. They followed along through my journey, training for my first half-marathon and how I changed my life. From being 310lbs when I graduated from Central HS to being a collegiate Mascot and living my best life. Also wanting to improve my running and getting better is always my biggest motivator.

How many races have you participated in? 
Since I started running I’ve done, (3) ½ marathons, (3) 10-milers, (1) 15k, (4) 10k’s, then probably (15) 5k’s along as a Spartan Race and a Tough Mudder

What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively?
My first race was the 2017 Run with the Yeti trail race when I was 22 and I have never looked back!

Favorite place to run/walk?
Here in Evansville, I would say Downtown or along the greenway but running along the boardwalks before sunrise in California is necessary for any runner.

Favorite local race?
It would have to be a tie between the Blazin’ Glazin’ Race and the Run with the Yeti race

Favorite race outside of the Tri-State?
The Tunnel Hill 10 Miler!

Farthest you have traveled to do a race?
I would have to guess it would be Indianapolis for the Mini-Indy Marathon if you don’t count the Spartan Race in Charlotte, NC

Favorite race distance?
10k’s and 10 Miler’s

Favorite race memory?
My favorite memory is after my would-be first half-marathon in Murray being rained out. I was able to sign up for the Peace, Run, & Harmony Half marathon and I was able to complete my first half marathon!

Funniest race memory?
During one of my half marathons seeing a bunch of signs in a guy’s yard that had “worst Netflix (1/2) marathon” and “Slowest Parade ever”

Craziest thing you saw at or during a race?
I would say the first time I saw Elvis at race!

Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink?
Night before I always enjoy spaghetti and Chicken. After any race my go to is Cheerio’s with Chocolate muscle milk

What is your favorite brand of running shoe?
I’ve always used Brooks and they’ve yet to let me down!

How many miles do you run/walk a week?
Not as many as I want to but here soon I’ll hopefully will be back up to 10 miles a week again

What are your future goals for running/walking?
I would love to get the right training routine and being able to run a full marathon!

Favorite time of day to run?
My favorite is early in the morning normally around 5 or so depending on the distance

Favorite weather to run in?
Partly Sunny and a brisk 55 degrees

Music or no music?
I usually always have music with just to help set the tempo for the runs.
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