Coach Spotlight

James Constantine

DAY JOB: Competitions Coordinator at Athletics NSW. The role involves delivering all events that the organisation offers including track and field, road running and cross-country events. AGE: 25 FAVOURITE BOOK: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. An inspirational story of how important running is to human history, and why we should all embrace it. RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTARY: The Barkley Marathons - The Race That Eats Its Young. I was blown away by the sheer determination of everyone who started, regardless if they finished. WHAT I EAT PRE-RACE: the ‘standard’ PB&H (peanut butter and honey) on toast and green tea and POST-RACE: whatever I want! Usually it starts with pancakes and ends with a beer. PERFECT WEEKEND: taking a road trip to finish a half marathon race with my friends and a swim at the beach. Running has brought me happiness with a healthier lifestyle, and it allows me to challenge myself from day to day, year to year and run to run. I’ve met so many amazing people through run groups and events. It’s changed my life for the better. “100 per cent of myself is nothing compared to 1 per cent of the whole team,” from world record holder Eluid Kipchoge, is my favourite quote about distance running. At face-value it’s an individual sport but it’s the team of people around you – coaches, running partners, friends and family that are the defining factor for achievement. I ran a personal best (PB) of 76:32 at the 2018 Australian Half Marathon Championships, Sunshine Coast. It was an honour to represent my state in doing what I love the most. I broke down physically and emotionally after crossing the line. An amazing moment to share with other NSW athletes. I’ve been lucky to go on many running adventures, from the Gold Coast to Canberra, Melbourne to Tasmania, with my running club. I’ve tackled 10km races and half marathons whilst cheering on my best mates. I always get more enjoyment from seeing other people achieve their goals than I do from my own. Coaching allows me to experience that regularly. You’re responsible for creating the pathway to runners of all abilities to chase their goals. I relish that challenge and to be on that rollercoaster journey. Coaching is truly rewarding, I can’t wait to do more of it for Can Too.