Who needs inspirational quotes when you could read all that Drew Dancey has accomplished in his running and triathlon career. From a sub 20 minute 5k to completing the entire 46.8 mile Pinellas Trail Challenge, Dancey embraces the suck and finds it satisfying being utterly miserable, dripping in sweat and pushing through to finish a long race. Even when rupturing his eardrum during the beginning of an Ironman swim, he still persevered to complete the entire race.
Drew is diligent and his training proves that he is nothing less than a workhorse. Advice he wishes he had when he first started his running and triathlon career is to focus on your recovery as much as you focus on your workouts. His favorite meal before a race is a burrito from Moe’s and enjoys taking a nap after a long race and his favorite mantra is “Someday I won’t be able to do this. Today is not that day.”
Social media: Instagram & Facebook
Current running shoes: Nike Pegasus Air
Current watch you are wearing: Garmin Forerunner 35
Most memorable race: My full Ironman – IMFL 2018
Years doing running/triathlon races: Running since 2013, triathlon since 2017
Favorite meal the night before a race: Moe’s burrito!
Advice you wish you had when you first started: Focus on your recovery as much as you focus on your workouts.
Favorite running mantra: Someday I won’t be able to do this. Today is not that day.
What is your favorite PR?: My best PR was19:42* 5k. It’s the only time I’ve broken 20 min., but I was on a hefty course of Prednisone at the time, so it’s not really a “legitimate” PR.
Are you more of a winter runner or summer runner?: Summer, no doubt. There is something weirdly satisfying about being utterly miserable, dripping in sweat, and trying to push through to the end of a long run.
Have you ever been injured from running/triathlon?: I was hit in the head 200m into my IM swim which ruptured my eardrum. I completed the rest of the race with pounding pain in my face. Ironically, I think it helped me by distracting from the pain in my legs.
Do you have a pre-race routine?: Eat an untoasted bagel with peanut butter and energy drink (gotta get some caffeine without drinking coffee). I like to get to races early to get everything set and enjoy the fun atmosphere.
What is the farthest you have ever run at one time?: 46.8 miles. Pinellas Trail Challenge!
How do you spend your day after finishing a long race?: I’ll usually take a short nap, and then get back to real life with whatever chores need to be done.