Running Inspiration: Wolf Pack Member Spotlight
Get Motivated with Ron Dickson’s Scenic Runs and Monday Discipline
Ron after running the NYC Half Marathon in 2022.
By Marnie Kunz
For this month’s Wolf Pack Member Spotlight, we sit down with New Jersey runner, optimist, art lover, and inspiring human Ron Dickson. Ron offers us a boost of Monday motivation to start the week on a good note. Ron’s scenic runs offer the running motivation we all need to power through, even on Mondays.
I met Ron when he came to one of our Runstreet Art Run events on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Later Ron joined the Wolf Pack fitness challenges, where he excelled. Now we are happy to have Ron as a Wolf Pack member.
Ron is one of those positive and rare people who is genuinely a really nice person and has a kind word for everyone. He’s also very creative and has an inspiring running YouTube channel that captures his scenic runs, You can follow Ron’s running journey and see some of his amazing running views on his YouTube channel at Vibes X Sports on YouTube.
Related Post: Where to Run in Asbury Park: Tips from Ron
Here is our interview:
On a typical Monday…
RS: What do you eat for breakfast?
Ron: Water, banana, grapes, and a biotin pill.
RS: What is your morning routine?
Ron: I’m up at 4:15 am and out the door around 4:45 to head to the gym or the boardwalk before work. Once there, I will run or spin for 15 minutes then do full body exercises, 15 minutes of core work then off to work. I work out usually for an hour. If I skip the gym, I’m running a fast 5 (miles). I get to watch the sunrise afterward, then my work day begins.
RS: Where do you run?
Ron: My favorite places to run are along the boardwalk in Asbury Park and Ocean Groove (New Jersey). Occasionally you’ll see an incredible sunrise or foxes looking for washed-up fish to eat. Very peaceful to see.
RS: How far do you run?
Ron: Typically 3-5 miles and it is contingent on how I feel.
RS: Do you listen to any music or podcasts when you run? If so, what?
When he’s not running, Ron enjoys cycling and weightlifting.
Ron: I listen to a wide variety of music while running. From Elis Regina to Nas to the Chi-Lites to the Strokes. If it sounds dope, I’m open to it.
Running Motivation
RS: What keeps you moving?
Ron: Both my parents died young. Living a long healthy life is my main motivation.
Running Routine
RS: What does your lunch look like?
Ron: Water, fruit, and a protein shake. Occasionally I will have a bowl of rice or couscous with garbanzo beans, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and Tzatziki sauce.
RS: Do you train with anyone?
Ron: During the weekday mornings, I’m solo. I get my workouts from Runstreet and get busy. On weekends, I’m either with my friends Sophia getting in miles or with True doing pushups, pull-ups, and squats till we drop.
RS: What’s for dinner (on Mondays)?
Ron: As much water as I can drink, grilled corn on the cob, fish, roasted Brussels sprouts, then a bowl of grapes for dessert.
RS: How often do you think about running?
Ron: Often. It’s a lifestyle for me. A runner is who I am.
RS: What do you do to unwind?
Ron: I’m a beach bum. I’ll head to the beach with a chair and my drone looking for dolphins and whales. Just being near water relaxes me.
Running Goals
RS: What running goal are you working on right now?
Ron: I’m turning 43 soon. My body needs more time for recovery. I’m simply trying to preserve my body for many more years of running.
Monday Motivation
Ron is an art lover.
RS: What is your favorite part about starting a new week?
Ron: What’s to come. You never know what you will see or who you will meet.
RS: What’s the most challenging thing about Mondays?
Ron: Waking up Monday morning for work. That ish sux yo!
Running Film
RS: If your Monday runs were a movie, what kind of movie would they be?
Ron: It would be more of a documentary. I like to explore and get to know the area I’m running in. From the type of trees that grow there to the animals that inhabit it to the history of the town or city. Running allows for a more intimate interaction with our surroundings.
RS: If you had a name for Monday runs, what would it be?
Ron: The “ I wish it was Friday” run.
Follow Ron’s Runs on YouTube
RS: Where can we follow your running journey?
Vibes X Sports on YouTube. There you can see some of the places I like to run and the music I listen to.
RS: Anything else you’d like to share?
Ron: Drink water. Always treat people the way you want to be treated and don’t sweat the small stuff. It always works out in the end.
Thank you Ron, for the running motivation and words of wisdom. Happy running to you, Wolf Pack, and don’t let the Mondays get you down!😊
Related Posts: How Habit Bundling Can Improve Your Fitness, 51 Self-Care Sunday Ideas to Recharge, How to Beat a Running Slump
Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, a dog lover, an Akita mom, and the founder of Runstreet. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.
