10 Questions

Matt Hughes

1 What would you say are your defining characteristics as a runner?

I like to think I’m pretty consistent when it comes to competing at the major championships. I’ve never been the best at time trial-type races, but when it comes to competing in a world final, I seem to be able to get the job done.

2 What do you admire most in another runner?

When I was first began my professional career, I really admired Nate Brannen for his professionalism in the sport. He lived the example of what it would take for me to be an Olympic finalist and I learned a lot from him. Now though, I try not to focus on what other athletes are doing and instead target that energy on what I can be doing to make myself better. I think athletes can get carried away worrying about what other people are or are not doing.

3 What is your idea of happiness?

Happiness to me is sitting on a dock at the cottage on a hot day, enjoying a beer and relaxing with family and friends.

4 Who are your athletic heroes?

I’ve only ever asked one athlete for their autograph and that was Craig Mottram when I was a junior competing at the World XC championships in Edinburgh, so maybe he’s my athletic hero.

5 Where would you like to live (other than where you live now)?

In a van. I’d like to travel around the country camping in the amazing national parks I haven’t had a chance to visit yet.

6 What is your greatest running related regret?

I think living with regret can be pretty dangerous. As an athlete, you need to have a short memory. I’ve always approached athletics focused on remembering the good workouts and races and forgetting the bad ones. That being said, if I had one regret it would be the way I approached the 2012 season; I took for granted that I was going to make that Olympic team. I didn’t train as hard as I needed to and ultimately came up short on making the team. That one was tough to get over.

7 What is your greatest fear?

The night before a workout, when [my coach] Jerry [Schumacher] texts us, “Bring all appropriate footwear.” That usually means it’s going to be a very tough session.

8 If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I tend to get pessimistic, so I would like to be naturally more of a optimist. That and chewing my food more…

9 What’s one thing you can’t live without?

Spellcheck…

10 What is your motto?

There is no substitute for hard work.