Sam Kamely

Hometown:

Bourbonnais, IL

Occupation:

Program Director - James A. Henry YMCA

What is your running "origin story?"

I was NEVER a runner. I was the kid who stopped playing sports by age 10 cause coaches would tell me I ran "weird." I was the last kid doing the mile in P.E. with gym teachers yelling at me to run faster or they'd make me do it again. (Empty threats 😆)

So any time I began a workout regimen, it was always HIIT or some light weight lifting. Cause I couldn't run. But I really WANTED to run. Every now and then I'd hop on a treadmill and try to understand how people ran for more than a mile. I wanted to enjoy it, but I wasn't built for it. (Or so I thought.)

Then, about a year and some change ago, I found myself really struggling with my mental health. I had been doing HIIT workouts for about a year at that point and I was so burnt out on exercising in my basement. I needed to get outside. I wanted to do something that would push me out of my comfort zone, and hopefully get me out of my head. So I grabbed my shoes and went to Red Clay State Park.

That first day was hard. I couldn't run .10 miles without stopping, catching my breath, walking, then running again. I ran a mile and felt angry that I'd stopped so much. Which was a nice break from feeling sad.

The next day I went back and did it again. And again and again. I went every day after work, and by the end of the week I could run a mile without stopping. Then 1.5 miles. When I reached a full 2 miles, I send my friend a video on my cool down. While I was telling her I'd done something I never thought I could do, I got choked up and started crying. I was so immensely proud of myself for pushing through all the "you can'ts" I'd told myself for years.

From that point forward, I knew I could do any distance I set my mind to. There have been ups and downs along the way (those "you can't" thoughts have a way of creeping back every now and then), but running always reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I think I am - on the road/trail and off!

Best/worst/funniest memory from a race?

All of my favorite race memories revolve around being a part of the Terra community. I've met so many people that cheer me on, support me, and push me to do my best.

Why do you choose to represent Terra Running Company as an Ambassador?

I wanted to represent Terra as an ambassador because Terra has done so much for me. Without the events they host (especially Terra Trot!) I don't know if I would have stuck with running the way that I have. Running is a team sport!

What are your favorite 3 items in Terra? 

1. Shoes - I always try to buy my shoes from Terra, even if I need to order them. 2. All of the run "accessories." I don't have a huge run wardrobe, but I like picking up things like headbands, stickers, and socks. 3. Do people count as a thing at Terra?? Cause the people are the best.

Favorite place to run/walk/hike in the area? 

The Greenway! We are so lucky to have one here in Cleveland.

What shoe(s) are you currently running/walking in? 

Altra everything! Paradigm 6's (RIP) are the best shoe I've ever ran in.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about running or becoming more active? 

Everyone has the time and ability to be active. Find your time and find your activity - then find a person or group to keep you accountable. Starting small is better than not starting at all.

People can find you on social media at:

Instagram: @skamely_