Runner’s World+ Member: Sam Foutz
Sam is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.
My phrase “Running For A Purpose” is also a part of my brand. By that I mean, it’s a part of a bigger picture in which I use it as an organization to where people can donate money to to put towards charities and organizations that I have partnered with to run for in races. For example, last year (2019) I ran for the ASPCA for the NYC Marathon.
Running has definitely put me in the best shape I have ever been in in my entire life. Actually, it’s opened new doors for me from being an ambassador for many running associated companies like Honey Stinger, ROAD iD, and the Hot Chocolate race series. It has also made me more aware about my personal health. I started running back in 2012, but these last couple of years I have taken it more seriously which caused me to switch career paths. Most recently, I became a Certified Running Coach and NASM Certified Personal Trainer.
I love being a part of communities where I can meet new people and get to know all about their lives, especially running communities. Here in Charlotte, I run with many groups around the city, and always ask others why and what got them running. I also find it’s a great way to network with people, as you never know, they may play a part in your next job opportunity or become a lifelong friend. As part of RW+ I also get to find out about new races around the world and what new products might be out there that I can try to help improve myself as a runner.
I started to run because of my dad. The joy he felt while running always motivated me to get into the sport. I ran a few races back when I was younger, but it wasn’t until a few years after college, in 2012, that I really became a true runner, after completing my first major race—the Chicago Marathon. Like most people I didn’t think I would run more than one marathon, let alone 15 after that. I definitely caught the runner’s high, as there is nothing like it, especially taking that first step across the finish line. Not going to lie, I tear up a little every time and I love it. Going out to run in a race, or even just in the open, countryside air, makes you feel free.
I haven’t been back to my hometown of Dover, OH in quite awhile, but whenever I go back I try to run my dad’s old running route. It’s a great course filled with hills, busy streets, and it goes by lots of places I visited growing up. Here in Charlotte, however, I have my favorite 10 mile course right outside my door! It can be shortened or lengthened every which way, and still include every bit of terrain from hills to trails. Not to mention, it has some amazing historical houses and tree-lined streets. In the fall the leaves are the perfect color, and in the winter, houses are decorated for Christmas. It’s something straight out of a story book!
This may sound like an ad, but honestly, I never leave home without my ROAD iD. I run at all times of the day and in all kinds of weather. Personally, I have gone through exercise-induced anaphylaxis, to chest issues, to being very close to getting hit by a car more than a few times all while running. Having a ROAD iD brings not only peace of mind to my runs, but for my family as well.
I used to play piano growing up, which led to my passion for music and working in the music business. I also love to write songs, but never finish them and don’t necessarily like to share what I have written. Who knows, maybe I should someday, then I could be featured on a runner’s playlist!
I believe I share the same running goal with everyone, and that is to qualify and run the Boston Marathon. It’s been one of those dreams ever since I started to run. I would also love to run the London Marathon and finish off running marathons in all 50 States.
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