Global Running Project: Frank Martinez, Oahu, Hawaii

All photos by Frank Martinez, IG: XPLR_EST82. Mural by Hebru Brantley.

What's a running goal you are working on right now?

Since the military mandates we run 2 miles for time for our Physical Test, I usually pride myself in getting faster every time we take the test. So far I've done a decent job in doing so. 

What keeps you motivated?

There are a few things that motivate me to run. If I'm running with soldiers, calling cadence is a huge motivator. When running alone, it's the feeling of the accomplishment that I look forward to in the end. The biggest motivator has been other runners. When I see them running, no matter where I am, or what age they may be, they are out there. Giving it their all and nothing is stopping them in that moment. 

How long have you been running?

“I hated running so much I learned to love it. It is because of him that I run the way I do today. ”

I began running in 2010, when I made the decision to join the military. I needed to lose a few pounds and had heard that they run a lot in the Army. I wanted to be able to keep up with them, so I ran my butt off to accomplish both goals. 

What got you into running?

What got me into running was my Platoon Sergeant. That man was a legit runner. I remember I hated running with him because he could always go the distance and always pushed us. We would always measure whether it would be a short run or a long run by his shoes. If he wore a certain color, we knew we would have it easy. If he wore the other color, we already knew we had to start stretching early and be ready for a long one. I hated running so much I learned to love it. It is because of him that I run the way I do today. 

What's one of your proudest running accomplishments?

One of the proudest accomplishments was when I was running for the Charity Miles app. My goal was to run 100 miles for the month of July in 2014. It may not seem like much but those miles didn't include the mileage I was putting in for the Army. Though I didnt reach my goal, I still managed to log 82.5 miles for the Wounded Warrior Project that month. It was fun. Hot, but fun. 

Preferred running shoes?

I'm not too picky about shoes. If they look decent and feel comfortable, I buy them. They've always been Nike. My favorite pair have been my red Nike Dual Fusion Run 2, which I still use but for hiking. They're pretty raggedy now but hard to let go of them since they've logged a fair share of mileage running and trekking the island of Oahu, HI. 

Favorite song to run with right now?

I'm from SoCal so I gotta show the West Coast love. Kendrick Lamar has been a favorite for a while now. "King Kunta" has got to be one of my "go to" songs. 

Favorite running song of all time?

This one is easy. "I'm Going In" by Lil' Wayne, Drake and Young Jeezy. As soon as that comes on, the speed picks up and I'm gone.

What snack do you reach for before a run?

My go to snack before a run is a banana. 

After a long run, what do you like to eat?

Most of my runs are early in the morning so I usually opt for a hearty breakfast. Since attempting to begin my vegetarian venture, I've had to adjust my usual meals but you can never go wrong with French toast! 

How do you balance running and the rest of your life?

I don't think of it too much. I go by feel because I'm a thinker and if I allow it to consume me too much, it won't be as fun. Running just helps with life.

How has running made an impact on your life?

I believe it has kept me young and competitive. Has taught me how hard I can push and how much I can endure. Certainly a healthy habit to help cope with anything in life. Much like a metaphor.

Favorite quote?

"History is told by those who hang heroes." Or something along those lines. 

If you were an animated character, who/what would you be?

If I couldn't be wolverine, I'd definitely be an X-Men of some sort. 

What advice would you give new runners?

Be patient. Even the greatest had to start somewhere. Oh and listen to your body.

Where can we cheer you on?

IG: XPLR_EST82 I follow a lot of runners and artist as well. I'm into photography so that's what my IG is mostly filled with but still hoping to fill it with more runs soon.