Not longago, we were contacted by 鶹ֱapp employee Anthony Hug who is working atour Defiance, OH site. When he heard about #JMextraMile and the JM Athletes hecouldn't help but tell us about his own passion for running. We were reallyinspired by his story of pushing boundaries and setting new goals, so we didn'twant to deprive you of it.
Through this interview with him, you'll learn more about his love for running and what motivates him to always go the extra mile. You'll also get some valuable tips on how to become a runner yourself. Read on to get inspired by Anthony's incredible journey!
#JMextraMile:Tell us about yourself and your journey with 鶹ֱapp.
Anthony: Myname is Anthony Hug and together with my wife and three kids I live inbeautiful Ohio. I've been with JM since 2015, first working in the pipedepartment as well as a floor operator and machine chief. For the past 1.5years, I have been a batch mixer at the Defiance, OH plant, responsible forproducing glass marbles. My daily tasks include unloading raw materials, makingbatch cans, and ensuring correct material weighting and transfer.
#JMextraMile:When and why did you start running?
Anthony: Ihad sporadically worked out and went for runs over the past years but stoppedduring COVID. After restarting in May 2022, I trained for my firsthalf-marathon – the in August 2022, in Akron, OH. Aftercompleting it with a 10 min per mile pace, I signed up for another halfmarathon, the in Perrysburg in November 2022 which I finishedwith a 9 min pace. I pushed my training further and ran the inWaynesville, OH in January 2023. My next goal is to run the in Toledo, OH on April 23, 2023.

#JMextraMile:How do you fit running into your daily routine?
Anthony:Working night shifts and having three kids can make it difficult to fit runninginto my daily routine. To work around this challenge, I run to work and backhome (7.5 miles one way). I also try to make time to run anytime I have achance, whether it's hot or cold outside (the only thing that stops me is acombination of cold and rain!). I always stick to my night shift routines evenwhen I don't have to work. This means that when others are sleeping, I’mcleaning the house, washing dishes, or going for runs. To remain safe whilerunning at night, I wear reflective vests and a headlight. My wife also supportsme a lot by taking care of the kids while I'm out running. It’s also about thesimple things. For example, I make sure to take regular walks during my shiftsto keep my body moving throughout the day (or night).
#JMextraMile:How does running help your body and mind to feel better?
Anthony:The human body is not made for sitting all day long, so it is important toincorporate physical activities into our lives. I find that when I don't runfor three days, my legs start shaking. Running has helped me become strongerboth physically and emotionally. It has also been a great mental outlet for me.
#JMextraMile:What are your future running goals?
Anthony: Myfuture running goals include running my first full marathon, possibly the GlassCity Marathon. To prepare for this race, I'm reading a book from anultra-runner and following its training program. My ultimate goal is to run anultra-marathon and naturally, I plan to fit in as many other races along the wayas possible.

#JMextraMile:Please share your best 5 tips on how to become a runner.
Anthony: Itwasn't too long ago that I started running. So, I can still understand theinitial obstacles quite well. If you are looking to become a runner, here aremy best tips for you:
- Take it easy and build up yourmileage gradually to avoid injuries.
- Invest in a good pair of running shoes from a running shop - they will fit them to you correctly.
- Sign up for a race like a 5k – itgives you the motivation to train for it.
- Eat properly - running consumes alot of calories.
- Constantly work on your running form– this will help prevent injuries and improve your overall running ability.
And here’s a bonus tip for you onwhat helps me with my runs: I always have a lot of fun running with my dog orwhen one of the kids ride their bikes with me. And when I’m running alone, Ialmost always listen to music. Open ear headphones are the best for hearingwhat's going on around you while listening to your favorite tunes. In my caseit could be anything from just the violin, to Beethoven,country, and evenChristmas music for a little while. Unless I'm pushing it then it's usuallysome heavy metal or rap.

Anthony, thankyou for sharing your story with us. We wish you good health in all your runs andall the best for the upcoming races. We look forward to hearing from you againsoon. Keep it up!
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