\nThe races that I do range from short swims to long expeditions that are 100+ miles.<\/span><\/p>\n
How many have you done? <\/b> What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment? <\/b> Favorite race and why? <\/b> Do you travel for races? <\/b> Must-have gear on race day: <\/b> Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed: <\/b> Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?\u00a0<\/b> Favorite pre-race meal\/snack: <\/b> Weirdest\/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race: <\/b> Worst experience during a race: <\/b> Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race: <\/b> Your favorite part of participating in races: <\/b> <\/p>\n Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite<\/b> How important are awesome medals to you? <\/b> Best medal you’ve earned so far: <\/b> Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy? <\/b> Favorite song on your playlist: <\/b> Who is your race hero and why?\u00a0<\/b> What is the top race on your bucket list? <\/b> What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races? <\/b> Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:\u00a0<\/b> Thank you for your selfless service to this great country, Matthew. We appreciate you! Fitz and the entire team at Fitzness.com<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Matthew Burke, 36, Newberry, FL, Retired MSgt USAF, Founder\/President\/CEO 10 CAN, Inc., Ph.D. Scholar, Farmer What inspired you to start doing races? The USAF Wounded Warrior Program recruited me into…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":54428,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8618,5506],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-54427","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-racey-runner","8":"category-this-is-why-i-run-lift-do-yoga-pilates-and-more"},"yoast_head":"\n
\nI have competed in over 20 races throughout my athletic career. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nI feel that my greatest race accomplishment was winning a Silver medal swimming against 13 other nations in the Invictus Games held in London in 2014.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nMy favorite race is the local Survival Race for Heroes. I\u2019m able to test my ability to survive while pushing my body to its\u2019 limits. This race is a charitable endeavor for Military Families. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nI use to travel quite a bit for races. I try to keep them as local as possible now. <\/span><\/p>\n![\"Rowing](\"http:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Rowing-036-400x300.jpg\")
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen? <\/b>
\nOne of the reasons I keep my races local is because of expenses. My sponsors paid my way when I was competing Nationally and Internationally. I\u2019ve checked that box, and now compete in races to keep my edge.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe gear I need on race day is either swim goggles, or a boat. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe weirdest place I\u2019ve ever chafed was under my arms. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nI prefer to run in warm weather. The cold creates excessive pressure behind my ears. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nWhile I like to eat special dark chocolate before the race, I always rely on the spiritual bread of life to keep me motivated throughout the race. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe funniest thing I\u2019ve ever experienced in a competition is being beaten by a British man in a wheelchair that painted his fingernails. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe worst experience I\u2019ve ever had during a race is succumbing to my injuries while swimming, and having my mother in the stands thinking about jumping in to save me. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe most awesome moment I\u2019ve had during a race is finishing even though my body failed. I finished 2<\/span>nd<\/span> place, and was able to do a photo op with our 2<\/span>nd<\/span> lady.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nMy favorite part in participating in races is the camaraderie.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nI do not wear costumes during a race unless it\u2019s for a good cause. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nI collected trophies as a child, and still have them to this day. Having a medal to brag about is very important. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe best medal I\u2019ve earned is the Gold at the Invictus Games.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nWhile I prefer to run with a buddy, there are times when I just need to run alone. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nI don\u2019t have a favorite song on my playlist. Some of the music I listen to during a race is Bond, Lindsey Sterling, and Christian Hip-Hop. <\/span><\/p>\n![\"FullSizeRender](\"http:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/FullSizeRender-14-400x300.jpg\")
<\/b> Jonny Alexander from Fort White would have to be on the list of competitive people I admire the most. He is a double amputee from the Vietnam war. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe top race on my bucket list is the Survival Race for Heroes. It is an extreme adventure race through nature. You can keep the road well-traveled, I\u2019ll take the forest trails. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe best physical side-effect of participating in races is my mental health. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nMy ad<\/span>vice to others who might be intimidated by a race is to just do it. Don\u2019t worry about winning. Focus on finishing. Your body is a machine designed for much more than you could ever imagine. Surprise yourself by testing your limits.<\/span><\/p>\n