Welcome to UTA Staff Diaries, a space to celebrate the personal running journeys of our team and where you can get a peek into the world of Up There Athletics through their eyes—the products they’re loving, the shoes in their rotation, the races in their calendar and so on.
After running Sydney Marathon last year and clocking an insane 2:57 on his debut by the way—our Buying Assistant Max is back for more. Training and running has been less intense and more social this year, but always in great style—if you know Max, you know there’s few things he loves more than a new piece from Satisfy or a sandwich from Hugo’s—and both go together quite nicely if you ask us.
Hi Max, tell us a bit about your next race. The distance, why you chose it, the goal you have in mind.
This year I’m doing a Half Marathon after dealing on and off with some injuries most of this year. It has been a relief getting back into doing more sessions and K’s as-well as getting to train properly.
At this stage I am looking to just get to the finish line without another injury popping up!
What have been your favourite products recently—the shoes you always reach for, the brands that you feel good in, your running staples?
My favourite product right now is the 5in Space-O shorts from Satisfy, or the 2.5in if I am feeling adventurous.
You’ve completed your run, what are you doing immediately after?
Stopping my watch and getting a coffee from Hugo’s immediately. My go-to is a Magic and a You’ve got muffin to lose—English muffin, pork and fennel sausage, fried egg, American cheese, 'nduja butter, sausage sauce, and shichimi seasoning for those wondering!
Are there any products you have your eye on for Race Day?
I haven’t decided on my race day shoe yet, but after doing a bit of running in the adidas Pro 4 I might treat myself and get a pair of the Pro 5’s.
Anything you’ve been listening to on your runs recently?
If I am running solo, then I always have headphones in and a podcast on. For me having something to listen to as I warm up is great, but then it just becomes background noise after I get more into the run.
Any final special mentions? Brands you are loving, things you can’t live without?
Given how cold it is running first thing in the morning in Melbourne I would like to shout out running gloves and long sleeves. Also have been really enjoying the new Literary Sport range this season as well as the new range from Optimistic Runners that we have just gotten in.
