AS TOLD BY AN ATHLETE

Chosen Path

WITH MATTHEW CENTROWITZ

Photography By Emily Maye

In running, certain elements are simply out of our control. Sure, we can pick the pace and place of our miles, dictate our distance and discipline – but reality is, parts of this pursuit will always be fettered to fate. The weather conditions, maybe a rogue muscle cramp, even our cortisol levels come race day. There is a lot that’s left to circumstance in our sport, so when given the chance to make a choice, we choose wisely.

For Matthew Centrowitz, strategy is his strong suit. His gold-medal run at Rio 2016 was tactical – conservative at the start, and downright fast in the finish. He commanded the competition then, and almost a decade later, his doubtless decision-making continues to set the course of his success. Centrowitz has recently re-entered the world of running in Chicago as an amateur athlete. You might see him at speed in our signature sash – he’s made the choice to join Tracksmith, not only as an ambassador, but also as an investor in the brand.

ON TRACKSMITH

“I was drawn to working with Tracksmith because above all, I love the product. Best quality apparel I have ever worn. And I enjoy the people who work for the brand – all people who share a passion and love for running.”

“Being both an investor and a brand ambassador shows that I truly believe in Tracksmith. I am not just being paid to say all the things that you hear every athlete say about their sponsor because they are contractually obligated to.”

ON TRANSITIONS

“Tracksmith has been instrumental in this part of my journey – transitioning from professional to amateur running. They support and love the population of amateur runners out there. Runners who have just as many goals as professional runners, but can’t dedicate the full day to training and recovery because we have other full-time jobs.”

“Being able to run with people who run slower paces has been so rewarding as an amateur, because I am more out of shape and the quality of my training does not matter as much. On the other hand, it also makes it challenging to find constant motivation. That’s why I am excited to add some races all summer and fall in Chicago.”

ON TRAINING

“The most important quality for my warm-weather running gear to have is minimal chafing and clinging. And that’s what I noticed immediately with the Meridian Collection. It’s quick-drying, so post-workout it almost looks as pristine as before you started sweating. I had the luxury of trying it out in Austin, TX, and can confidently say I had no clinging and chafing issues the whole workout. Something new and exciting for me as I take on the humid summers in Chicago.”