WEEKEND WARRIOR
Interview by Hailey Thomas Photo by Tindall Stephens
Justin Sellers, Runner & Cyclist 42, Firefighter with Arlington Fire Department
MULTI-SPORT: I have been running competitively all my life. Since I was in elementary school, up to my college days until now. Football, basketball, and baseball are all the sports I’ve played, but my favorite is track and field.
TEAM PLAYER: Placing was not my goal in the 2019 St. Jude Marathon; I have placed in the top 10% in the past. I ran in support of some good friends of mine that needed a cheering partner.
MOST MEMORABLE RACE: Running the St. Jude Half Marathon in 2017 with full turnout gear and an air pack. (Turnout gear is what firefighters refer to as their personal protective equipment.)
“I find training and racing to be therapeutic.” DELAYED GRATIFICATION: I was registered for the Mississippi Blues Half Marathon, Selma to Montgomery Bike Ride, Selma to Montgomery 51-Miler Run, and the Little Rock Half Marathon before everything was cancelled due the COVID-19 madness.
THE JOY OF RUNNING: I find training and racing to be therapeutic. You have some sort of peace from within when it is just you and the pavement.
FITNESS MOTIVATION: Motivation for me is to stay fit for my family, especially for my daughter Laila, 9, and my son Ethan, 3, who keep me on my toes.
OBSTACLE COURSE: In 2005, I was involved in a motorcycle accident. I had to learn how to walk again. It was a tough road to fight, which is the reason why I’m still so motivated and competitive.
SIDE HUSTLE: I am good with my hands. I do home improvements, contract work, and low-voltage wiring for homes and commercial properties.
GO-TO CURBSIDE: Firebirds pasta with a salad.
GET AWAY: My family and I took a trip to London and Paris in 2019. I really didn’t get a chance to do any running, but we definitely did a lot of walking and trying a lot of different foods.
SPIRIT ANIMAL: A lion because of all the things that have challenged me. You have to have courage and the heart of a lion to push through those obstacles.
QUOTE: “No man or woman is left behind.” and “You are what you eat.”
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TO NOMINATE A WEEKEND WARRIOR, EMAIL HAILEY@MEMPHISHEALTHANDFITNESS.COM
