Running & Training
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Interview with PUMA athlete Molly Seidel about her career, her favourite running shoe and on how to stay injury-free
March 4, 2021Interview with PUMA athlete Molly Seidel about her career, her favourite running shoe and on how to stay injury-free
March 4, 2021Folks, PUMA Running is back in a very big way. Today is the official launch date of our new NITRO running line. To mark the occasion, CATch Up interviewed a rising star in long-distance running, Molly Seidel. Learn about her personal goals, her favourite running shoe and get some tips and insights on how to stay injury-free.
We are so happy you are part of the PUMA family, Molly. Why did you decide for PUMA?
Molly: I joined PUMA because I wanted to be with a company that would fully support my goals in running both on and off the race course. I’m really just at the start of my marathoning career, and I knew that PUMA was going to be able to provide me with excellent products so when I step to the line at the Olympics or a major marathon I’ll be ready.
Likewise, PUMA has been really supportive of the work I do outside of professional marathoning, specifically with community running and the foundation Girls Gotta Run based in Ethiopia. It’s really special to find a company that gets behind me both when it comes to racing at an elite level and the working with the causes I’m passionate about.
At your first race in PUMA shoes (at the Vegas Elite Half Marathon) you set a personal best. Then another personal best last weekend. What’s planned next?
Molly: Up next for me is the US 15k Road championships in Jacksonville, Florida later in March. I’m very excited that we get the opportunity to have a US championships this year, and it looks to be a pretty stacked race!
What is your ultimate goal you would like to achieve as an athlete?
Molly: I obviously have very ambitious goals when it comes to my own racing at the national and world level, but more than anything my ultimate goal is to have an impact on the sport beyond just the times I run or personal accomplishments I might have. Running is such a global sport, and I truly feel like it has the potential to impact a lot of people. Whether it’s advocating for athlete rights, getting people active and living healthier lifestyles, or speaking out for mental health in sport ultimately I want to make sure that I leave a positive mark on the sport of running and help create change for the better.
How can PUMA help you to achieve this goal? What is your favourite running shoe out of the NITRO line?
Molly: And I definitely couldn’t choose just one of the NITRO line! I actually use every shoe in the series for a different aspect of my training. The Deviate Elites are my go-to racing shoe as well as for my key workouts. The Deviate NITROs I use for long runs and hard, steady efforts at marathon pace. Velocity is the everyday trainer and probably what I do the bulk of my mileage in. I probably put over 600 miles already on the pair I’m currently in! Finally. I love the Levitate for shorter runs because of how light and flexible it is; it really gives me a chance to strengthen my feet and work on my form.
Running is such a global sport, and I truly feel like it has the potential to impact a lot of people. Whether it’s advocating for athlete rights, getting people active and living healthier lifestyles, or speaking out for mental health in sport ultimately I want to make sure that I leave a positive mark on the sport of running and help create change for the better.
Molly's
go-to racing shoe,
the Deviate Elite
In what way are you involved in the development and review process of new products?
Molly: I’m a huge shoe nerd, and I’ve been really lucky to be involved with some of the PUMA shoe team. It’s been fun to try out new products and talk with the PUMA crew on the development side of things. I love getting to be involved and really appreciate them listening to my feedback.
Finally, can you give our PUMAs a few training tips? For example, on how to stay injury-free.
Molly: The three most important things I’ve found when it comes to training your best are sleep, good nutrition, and a strong support network. Sleep is absolutely vital; without it your body can’t recover and perform to its best level.
Good nutrition goes hand in hand, because you want to make sure you’re giving your body the building blocks it needs after you break it down in training. Make sure you’re getting in enough calories to support the level of training you’re doing, and quality nutrient-dense foods that’ll fuel you properly. Finally, a strong support network of training partners and/or a coach is so important for achieving your goals. Not only does having others around hold you more accountable but it makes it easier to get through hard workout, plus it’s always more fun to train with friends around.
Thank you very much, Molly. Let’s run!
