Jordan Runs Forward
Our 2021 Naked ambassador Jordan began his running journey in June 2018 after finding out the devastating news of his father having terminal lung cancer. At first he needed something to take his mind off the pain this brought on. He initially chose to try counseling but it didn't feel like the end all solution. His father was his best friend and the potential of losing him so soon was extremely painful to move thru. Losing a father, losing a best friend by your side, is no easy thing to overcome. When he first started running he could barely run a mile without stopping. He remained persistent and slowly began to find his strength and find a way forward thru grief. After visiting his father thru his cancer treatments he would go for a run. Jordan credits running and especially the running community as the main support system thru his journey of healing. Being able to connect with others in the running community who have experienced the grief of losing a loved one proved to be equally as important as the routine of running itself. Jordan continues to honor his fathers life each time he laces up his shoes and hits the trail.
Scroll down to read Jordan's most recent interview...
If you can go back and tell yourself one thing when you began running, what would it be?
Run EASY more often!!!! I can’t stress this enough!
What inspires you?
I run to honor my dads life and to try to show my children what’s possible if you work hard! I want to be a role model to my daughters and hopefully inspire them to take up running one day!
Do you subscribe to a mantra or words of wisdom?
This is my favourite and one I live by!
"Some days it just flows and I feel like I’m born to do this, other days it feels like I’m trudging through hell. Every day I make the choice to show up and see what I’ve got, and to try and be better. Keep showing up!" - Des Linden
Where do you think running will take you?
Who knows…I am incredibly grateful for everything I have achieved so far with running and I feel as though I have only just rolled up my sleeves and found my feet, 2.5 years in!
Do you have a current goal you're working towards?
I have a long term goal of a sub 3 marathon but for now my coach is getting me ready for 10k/10 mile time trials in March.
Favorite running companion?
It depends on the run. If it's a race/time trial/interval session, it's normally liquid drum and bass/trance music. If it's a easy run its normally a podcast or jazz/hip hop music.
Any final words you'd like to share?
Train hard and be consistent and you will see results! My first year of running I almost tried to wing it and thought I could just rock up and run a marathon…well that didn’t end well and my body feel apart from mile 18. The marathon will eat you apart if you don’t show it respect! I can’t wait to get stuck in with Naked Sports!!