Issue 13

Interview with Sam Parsons

Some things to know about Sam — he’s a professional runner competing for Tinman Elite/Adidas and Germany. Prior to his pro career, Sam ran collegiately at NC State, where he was a standout performer in cross country and track. After graduating, Sam took a brief leave from running, before deciding to return to the sport and help create a new team in Boulder, CO- Tinman Elite. As a member of Tinman Elite, Sam has progressed immensely since college, setting personal bests of 3:36 for 1500, 3:54 for the mile, 7:41 for 3k, and 13:11 for 5k.

Hey Sam, welcome to The Hammer. How are we doing today?

Ayo! Im doing Pretttttty ok.

It's the fall, for pros, it's the base-building block for the summer season. What do you like about this time of year?

Threshold. I love running threshold with the boys just getting stronger day after day. No stress just getting stronger. Unfortunately, I recently had PRP injections in both Achilles tendons that have been causing me pain for quite some time so I haven’t done any yet but hopefully soon!

You're coming off a very strong indoor and outdoor campaign with PRs for the 5k, mile, and 3k. Did the 2022/2023 season feel any different than previous years? Do you feel like you took a step forward?

The indoor season was definitely a big step forward for me. I was firing on all cylinders and I was able to put myself in a different tax bracket (metaphorically speaking) with a fresh set of personal bests.

I never expected that the following 8 months would’ve been pretty miserable.

After a bad Achilles flare-up in April, I was just stuck playing catch-up for months on end. When you play catch-up at this level, it means you are pushing yourself in an unhealthy way both mentally and physically. I hate to admit it, but that’s exactly what I did. I ran workouts before I was ready, raced before I was ready, and kept my foot on the gas when the only thing I should’ve been doing was to take it off.

During that time battling my Achilles every day I also broke my hand at nationals, got stung by a bee, and had to be rushed to the hospital, and then I quite literally fell on my face at Worlds. So yeah, toughest season/year yet professionally. Hopefully, that means that I paid all my dues in 2023 for a good 2024.

Competing for your national team is typically one of those bucket-list type of goals for most professional runners. Now that you've done it a few times, do you still get that same feeling of pride and gratitude, or is there more pressure to perform?

The first time I made a team in 2019, I 100% was just happy to be there. Every time since then it’s been pressure - mainly from myself, to perform and prove that I belong racing against the world’s best. The pride and expectation part only grows the more you put on the national kit. I want to medal at a European championships. That’s the biggest bucket list dream I have in these last few years of my running career.

What are some tricks of the trade you've learned over the years for performance, recovery, mental health, etc? You've clearly stepped up every single year, so what are you doing behind the scenes to make that happen?

Never settle. Never stop thinking about what else you could be doing to evolve or settle on what you did the year before just because you improved. I think that I’ve consistently challenged myself to adapt and do harder workouts / different types of workouts in order to continue to grow as a runner. Consistency is key for sure - but I think never stagnating in your routine is just as important for long-term success.

What things do you have to work on this upcoming year?

• Getting my Achilles iron clad.

• Starting to work with a therapist to help me tackle the mental battles

• Run more threshold

Any words of advice/wisdom for the young kids out there trying to be like Sam Parsons one day?

Surround yourself with friends who are dreamers, friends who match your passion, and friends who challenge you to be your best. I think that is the reason I’ve made it to this point in my career because I’ve surrounded myself with the right people. Don’t be afraid to distance yourself from people who talk negatively and belittle you.

Let's do some quick hits to finish it off...

Favorite city you've traveled to?

Oh man… loved Prague. I think Bled in Slovenia was even better Slovenia in general should be on everyones bucket list of countries to visit. Switzerland gets the hype for the mountains/lakes/ food for good reason but so should Slovenia.

If you had to pick one workout to do for the rest of your career, what would it be?

7 x 1k (threshold)

4 x 300m/200m (fast)

Biggest competitor in the sport?

Myself, but for the sake of having fun, I’d say Mike Foppen from the Netherlands.

Favorite follow on Strava?

Connor Mantz - love his training and how aggressive he is with his marathon training. The dude will rip track workouts when everyone else is just doing the same boring tempo runs. Fitness is fitness.

Favorite post-race meal?

Shake Shack burger/cheese fries. Best fast food burger hands down, idk how this is a debated topic tbh

Any sneak peeks on the TME winter collection?

Here’s a little sneak peak →

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