Andy McNamara

Runner Profile

Andy McNamara

Age: 40

Job: Farmer, Insurance Agent

Hometown: Goodhue, MN

Running mantra: Slow Down! Just because it feels good now, doesn’t mean it will feel good at mile 20.

How running has changed me:

I got started running through a little friendly competition with my sister Brenda. My only goal starting out was to get in shape. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to participate in some pretty cool races that I never dreamed of running when I started! Meeting people and making new friends along the way has been awesome too!

Why I joined RRC:

I first found out about the RRC through the Saturday morning training runs. Those long runs sure are a lot easier with friends!

Why I run:

I really enjoy the process of steady improvement through consistent training. I don’t always enjoy the really hard runs in the moment, but those always feel the best afterward! Other times I run just to chat with friends. Those are the most fun.

When I run:

I typically run in the mornings on the weekend, and evenings during the week. Usually only once a day, but I’ve done 2x a day when the mileage ramps up leading up to a race and have seen a lot of benefit from doing that.

Where I run:

It’s tough to beat the rolling hills of the country roads for a good training run. Sometimes my wife and/or kids will bike with me on a long run on the Cannon Valley Trail. It’s really nice to have their support and company. It’s always fun to run with the group in Rochester or a small group of runners in Goodhue. A couple of days before a marathon I have a special 2-mile route that I run, but that’s a story for another time…

When I run, my must have:

I’m not real picky when it comes to gear. Just a decent pair of shoes, and clothes to match the conditions. Occasionally I’ll run in bib overalls to play up the “Farmer Andy” persona.

My running goal:

At this point I mostly run for fun, and try to enjoy the process of training.

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