June 2009June - Jonathan MederosJonathan Mederos is a 24 year-old runner and writer from Miami. After graduating from Belen Jesuit, he pursued a degree in philosophy and is currently teaching at his old alma mater. A self-described "natural-born athlete," Jonathan began playing baseball at a very young age until adopting long distance running as his preferred passion. He enjoys spending most of his time outdoors, whether it's in training or simply enjoying the warm South Florida climate.

Jonathan Mederos is a 24 year-old runner and writer from Miami. After graduating from Belen Jesuit, he pursued a degree in philosophy and is currently teaching at his old alma mater. A self-described "natural-born athlete," Jonathan began playing baseball at a very young age until adopting long distance running as his preferred passion. He enjoys spending most of his time outdoors, whether it's in training or simply enjoying the warm South Florida climate. In his spare time, he likes to research the latest coaching methods and keep up to date with the world of elites. He dreams of authoring several books someday, becoming a coach, and writing as a columnist for Runner's World magazine. Jonathan stays active on the local road racing scene, constantly looking to improve upon personal best times. He is a long-time member of the Niketown Running Club and trains everyday, twice a day.

When did you start racing?
I got into running my senior year of high school after a falling out with baseball . Something about the sheer athleticism, individualism, and equity of the sport drew me in irretractably. My first road race was the 2003 Miami Tropical Half-Marathon where I ran 1:27:29.

What motivated you to get into it?
My underlying motivation is primarily an existential one. Although getting faster year after year is certainly an ongoing project for me, a true runner runs because he must...otherwise he risks slipping into inauthenticity.

Which has been your main event?
I've raced everything between 1500 meters (metric mile) to the marathon. Every distance requires its own set discipline, and I enjoy pursuing each in accord with the seasons. Because I'm still quite young and able to hone my speed, my main event right now is probably the 5K. However, 10 years into the future I'd like to say that I've run 2:30 for the full marathon.

Most important accomplishments as an athlete?
As far as pure performance goes, I think my wins at the Tropical 5K last January ( 16:20 PR) and the Disney Princess Half-Marathon ( 1:16:17 PR) were by far the highlights of my young career. 2009 has been a breakthrough year for me in more ways than one. Having discovered my true identity as an athlete has taken my running to new heights. I'm not only running faster than ever. I'm running happier than ever.

Which one has been your favorite race?
Well, hands-down it's got to be the ING Miami Half-Marathon. The affinities I share with that course as well as 6 years of unforgettable memories there have a lot to do with that choice. It's been the one constant in all my up-and-down experiences thus far. A close second would be the FICPA 1040 5K. Partly because I've been the victor there twice, and partly because the Grove is a regular training site.

What do you feel you have learned about yourself in the process?
I've learned that running is my saving grace. That without it, life would have shattered me into a million pieces a long time ago. I've learned that although I cannot see God ( or even always understand/be at peace with His ways), my friends in running are the closest thing to Him in my life. I've learned that life, like running, is at times absurd and ultimately a test of endurance.

What's your goal and motivation for this year?
My goal is to stay on track and steadily improve. That means continuing the lifestyle of a full-time runner and treating every run as if it were my last. I'd love to break 16:00 in the 5K and return to Disney for a slew of Fall races. The summer will have me training upwards of 100 miles/week in order to build a solid aerobic base.