10 Laps with Jonathon McBride

presented by The PreRacePodcast

Age: 29

Hometown: Indianapolis

Day Job: Anesthesiology Intern

1. What's your favorite place to run locally?

Barton North Drive

2. Craziest thing to happen to you while running?

I happened upon a downed runner at the Argo Cascades once. Thankfully, he came around shortly after I found him, but I vividly remember being ready to go the full CPR route. 

3. What do you think about when you're running? Is it different when you race?

I’m honestly not sure how to answer this. Which I suspect means it’s mostly just a stream of consciousness. Sometimes I mull over problems in my life, make decisions, or just listen to podcasts. 

When I’m racing, I try very hard to think about nothing at all. Just focus on breathing and moving. I may do a bit of math to figure out how my splits are looking. Near the end when things get tough, I try to think about why I run and what I get out of it. 

4. Favorite workout?

5x1M. Miles are the Goldilocks interval. Not too long and not too short.  This workout is a great indicator a few weeks out from a race and helps to build more aerobic strength.

5. How has your approach to running changed over the years?

It’s gotten so much more relaxed. I used to stress about hitting the right times, workouts, and long runs. Now, I just try to consistently squeeze in the work where I can, not overcomplicate it, and make sure to have fun (preferably with friends). 

6. Conspiracy theory you subscribe to?

I try to make evidence based decisions. 

7. Do you have any race day rituals?

Oatmeal w/ blueberries, peanut butter, flax seeds, and chia seeds a couple of hours before the race.

8. Biggest running pet peeve?

Holes in my socks.

9. Most Memorable Race Experience?

Collapsing into my wife Laura’s arms after CIM 2021. I’d worked so hard for that race and having her there to see it was everything.

10. One thing that most Bandits don't know about you?

I once wrote, directed, and produced a one act play  called “Barbie’s World.”