Run with Passion and Ambition: Anthony Hug’s Running Story

Not longÌýago, we were contacted by Âé¶¹Ö±²¥app employee Anthony Hug who is working atÌýour Defiance, OH site. When he heard about #JMextraMile and the JM Athletes heÌýcouldn't help but tell us about his own passion for running. We were reallyÌýinspired by his story of pushing boundaries and setting new goals, so we didn'tÌýwant 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!

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#JMextraMile:ÌýTell us about yourself and your journey with Âé¶¹Ö±²¥app.

Anthony: MyÌýname is Anthony Hug and together with my wife and three kids I live inÌýbeautiful Ohio. I've been with JM since 2015, first working in the pipeÌýdepartment as well as a floor operator and machine chief. For the past 1.5Ìýyears, I have been a batch mixer at the Defiance, OH plant, responsible forÌýproducing glass marbles. My daily tasks include unloading raw materials, makingÌýbatch cans, and ensuring correct material weighting and transfer.Ìý

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#JMextraMile:ÌýWhen and why did you start running?

Anthony: IÌýhad sporadically worked out and went for runs over the past years but stoppedÌýduring COVID. After restarting in May 2022, I trained for my firstÌýhalf-marathon – the in August 2022, in Akron, OH. AfterÌýcompleting it with a 10 min per mile pace, I signed up for another halfÌýmarathon, the in Perrysburg in November 2022 which I finishedÌýwith a 9 min pace. I pushed my training further and ran the inÌýWaynesville, OH in January 2023. My next goal is to run the Ìýin Toledo, OH on April 23, 2023. Ìý

Anthony preparing for his next big race - the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, OH
Anthony preparing for his next big race - the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, OH

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#JMextraMile:ÌýHow do you fit running into your daily routine?

Anthony:ÌýWorking night shifts and having three kids can make it difficult to fit runningÌýinto my daily routine. To work around this challenge, I run to work and backÌýhome (7.5 miles one way). I also try to make time to run anytime I have aÌýchance, whether it's hot or cold outside (the only thing that stops me is aÌýcombination of cold and rain!). I always stick to my night shift routines evenÌýwhen I don't have to work. This means that when others are sleeping, I’mÌýcleaning the house, washing dishes, or going for runs. To remain safe whileÌýrunning at night, I wear reflective vests and a headlight. My wife also supportsÌýme a lot by taking care of the kids while I'm out running. It’s also about theÌýsimple things. For example, I make sure to take regular walks during my shiftsÌýto keep my body moving throughout the day (or night).

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#JMextraMile:ÌýHow does running help your body and mind to feel better?

Anthony:ÌýThe human body is not made for sitting all day long, so it is important toÌýincorporate physical activities into our lives. I find that when I don't runÌýfor three days, my legs start shaking. Running has helped me become strongerÌýboth physically and emotionally. It has also been a great mental outlet for me.

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#JMextraMile:ÌýWhat are your future running goals?

Anthony: MyÌýfuture running goals include running my first full marathon, possibly the GlassÌýCity Marathon. To prepare for this race, I'm reading a book from anÌýultra-runner and following its training program. My ultimate goal is to run anÌýultra-marathon and naturally, I plan to fit in as many other races along the wayÌýas possible.

Crossing the finish line at the Churchill Half Marathon
Crossing the finish line at the Churchill Half Marathon

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#JMextraMile:ÌýPlease share your best 5 tips on how to become a runner.

Anthony: ItÌýwasn't too long ago that I started running. So, I can still understand theÌýinitial obstacles quite well. If you are looking to become a runner, here areÌýmy best tips for you:

  1. Take it easy and build up yourÌýmileage gradually to avoid injuries.
  2. Invest in a good pair of running shoes from a running shop - they will fit them to you correctly.
  3. Sign up for a race like a 5k – itÌýgives you the motivation to train for it.
  4. Eat properly - running consumes aÌýlot of calories.
  5. Constantly work on your running formÌý– this will help prevent injuries and improve your overall running ability.

And here’s a bonus tip for you onÌýwhat helps me with my runs: I always have a lot of fun running with my dog orÌýwhen one of the kids ride their bikes with me. And when I’m running alone, IÌýalmost always listen to music. Open ear headphones are the best for hearingÌýwhat's going on around you while listening to your favorite tunes. In my caseÌýit could be anything from just the violin, to Beethoven,Ìýcountry, and evenÌýChristmas music for a little while. Unless I'm pushing it then it's usuallyÌýsome heavy metal or rap.

Proud finisher of the Goodyear Half Marathon in August 2022
Proud finisher of the Goodyear Half Marathon in August 2022

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

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