Meet the Athlete: Chad Berens

Name: Chad Berens

Age: 23

Hometown: Lincoln, NE

Current residence: Wichita, KS

Occupation/Degree you are working towards: Masters in Sport Management, currently helping out with the Wichita State Track and Field team as the Intern for the Director of Operations

High School: THE Lincoln Pius X

College (major/minor): Nebraska Wesleyan University. Major-Sport Management, Minor-Business Administration

What is your running background? Started running road races in Lincoln at a young age, discovered I was pretty decent at it, kept it up throughout middle school. When I got to high school it was kind of a last minute decision to run cross country found some success in it but still decided to play soccer in the spring but finally after my sophomore year cross country season my coach was able to talk me into doing track in the spring and the rest as they say is history.

Favorite distance to run? 3k is the perfect distance, but looking forward to testing out the half

What are your future running goals? My running goals right now are to use my speed while I am still young have it by continuing to focus on Track and Cross country race and still go after some PR’s, while also getting some races in on the roads of course and supplementing in a few half marathons here and there. And then as I get older and lose some of my speed transition into the Full marathon. So short term goals include, sub 4:20 in the mile, sub 9:20 in the Steeple, and sub 15 in the 5k. Then eventually sub 70 in the half would be awesome.  

I can’t run without…? The Saucony Guide 10

Do you do anything to stay injury free? Strength and core training 4-5 times a week. Although, ironically I am in the process of coming back from an injury right now.

Do you have a favorite running book/podcast/movie/athlete? Book: Dual in the Sun Podcast: Citius Mag Athlete: Evan Jager

What is your favorite race you have competed in the past? 2017 NCAA Division National Championships

What is your number one bucket list race you would like to do in the future? NYC 5^th Mile, to get a blazin mile PR

Do you have any advice to other runners? Running isn’t everything, but learn to appreciate your health and ability because it’s not fun when that is taken away from you.

What are your PRs?

1500-4:06

Mile-4:20

1500: 3:53

3k-8:38

3kSC-9:25

5k-15:35

8k-25:58

How long have you been an LRC-Nebraska member? 6 months, although I am eagerly awaiting my first race as a member.

What excites you the most about being an LRC-Nebraska athlete? Being able to continue competing competitively as a part of a team.

What does a typical training week look like for you?  Walk us through your daily routine (training related and otherwise): Monday, Wednesday, Friday typically easy days to get the mileage in. Tuesday and Thursday are workout days Vo2 Max one day and LT the other. But it can vary. Once I start racing more, if Saturday is race day Sunday will be a long run. Right now training is pretty tough on top of everything else. I work the breakfast at a hotel from 5am-11, then 11-4 I go into the track office and work, Monday-Wednesday I have class form 4-7, and then Wednesday I have class from 7-10. So I really have to plan out my week of when I am going to run before hand and try to fit it in during open gaps.

We all approach training and racing differently, so tell us what your short-term and long-term goals are with running: Short-term: I am currently working on getting my fitness level back and getting myself back in shape, because like I had mentioned earlier I am coming back from an injury (a second stress fracture in my femur that kept me out for about 15 weeks). So I would like to get a few races in before the Lincoln Half. Long-term: Would be those specific time goals, break 4:20 in the mile, 9:20 in the Steeple and 15:00 in the 5k.

Where are your 3 favorite places to do long runs at the moment? The country roads in Northeast Lincoln and Mopac trailhead are my go-to’s for long runs.

After a solid race or long run, what is your favorite meal to demolish and replenish those calories?  Please use details and give recommendations! After a long run either the Engine House Café, or making a nice brunch consisting of some type of egg and veggie scramble with some pancakes/waffles. After a race a burger is my go-to preferably from Honest Abe’s but Five Guys works too.

Share a crazy training or racing story, or simply an interesting moment in time: Well this isn’t one specific moment or instance but a collection of them rather. But I will always be known as the guy with the loose sphincter due to the fact that I have not been able to make it to the bathroom while on a run, on more than one occasion.

What book are you currently reading or TV show are you binge watching?I am constantly reading my Jack Daniels Running Formula book to figure out how I can make myself faster.

You’re the star of a running movie, and the opening scene is you running on a winding dirt road, with a beautiful sunrise.  What song is playing in the background? All We Know by: The Chainsmokers