Matt hittin' the road, barefoot of course.
Name - Matt Jenkins
Age - 29
Years Running - 2003, 2006-Present
What Type of Running Do You Do? - Shoeless Marathons and Ultras (mostly Marathons); Shoeless = socks, duct tape, huaraches, barefoot, etc.
Why Did You Start Running? - To quit smoking, and to get in shape for my fitness test to get promoted in the military.
Weekly Mileage? - It depends on how I feel; zero to 150 Miles.
Accomplishments - “Survival” is the only one I claim.
What is Your Most Memorable Run Moment? - The first time I took off my shoes during a race, and I realized that I liked it better. It was absolutely surreal.
What’s the Hardest Thing You’ve Ever Run? - San Juan Solstice 50 Mile Run in which I only completed 31 miles. (I’ll make 50 next year).
What’s Your Favorite Race? - Richmond Marathon (My wife’s first Marathon, and we’ve made a tradition out of it)
What is the Race You Crave to Run the Most? - The next one. I don’t care where it is. I just always want to run the next one.
Your Favorite Running Spot? - Boone, NC – My BMS Marathon Course
Your Favorite Post-Run Meal/Drink? - Chocolate or Strawberry Milk and Hot Dogs
Heros - My Wife (Shannon Haney – Marathoner and Cancer Survivor), My Parents, Cpt. Ivan Castro, Cpl. Jason Dunham, Marshall Ulrich, Charlie Engle, Jonathan Savage, Bobby Cordell, Andrew Strickland. So many people inspire me that it’s hard to name all of them. It’s rare that a month goes by without me discovering a new hero.
Goals for 2010 - Finish my barefoot run across North Carolina and run my 100th Marathon before my 30th birthday, and continue to just survive and stay happy.
Advice to Other Run Bums - Enjoy yourself, but uplift others. Give advise kindly, and accept advice from others (even if it’s with a grain of salt). Chase PRs and push yourself, but never sacrifice your health for them. Be grateful, but don’t let anyone (race directors, race organizers, volunteers) disrespect you. Soak in as much as you can (the good and the bad) because life is short and these runs are long. Love as much and as fully as you can, and when possible, take off your shoes.
Personal comments from Run Bum Sean
I met Matt durning my first 50 mile race ever last year. He was running barefoot and I was impressed. As a fellow tattooed runner I decided to chat with him. Matt is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He’s served our country in the armed forces. Thank you for that Matt!
A couple of months back I hosted “Sean’s Run Like Hellathon 2″ a 12 hr fun run consisting of 1.13 mile loops around my neighborhood. Matt showed up barefoot as always and had a huge ruck sack on his back. He ran pretty much self-supported with duct tape on the balls of his feet for all 12 hrs. He’s a champ. He is running across North Carolina for an upcoming charity. He is an awesome guy and runs for a great cause. Please support him. Thanks Matt you’re our Hero!
