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Catching up with Foot Locker Finalist Justin Harbor - Foot Locker South Regional 2015 - DyeStatFLPublished by
Flagler Palm Coast's Justin Harbor was a 2-time Foot Locker National Finalist (2004/2005). Known as a runner who always left it out on the course, sometimes to his own peril, Justin was 3rd at the South Regional in 2004 and 7th in 2005. Ka'Deem Wynn recently contacted Justin 10 years on since he last qualified as a Foot Locker Finalist.
Ka'Deem - How did it feel to qualify twice for Foot Locker Nationals?
Justin - Exhausting! Those were some quick races and I always felt them pretty hard thereafter. It felt great to qualify twice and to really get after it at Foot Locker South. I always felt like that race was the toughest part of the season (especially with my two national showings). It would always go out in 4:20ish to 4:30ish and be a pain train after that. It was all worth it...next stop, San Diego.
Ka'Deem - You know, keeping in mind that you qualified twice, which was you most memorable experience?
Justin - Wow, how do you choose? I had a blast both times, even with my result. I remember making so many friends at those races and I still keep in touch with a few today. Maybe the year we got boogie on the dance floor with Suzy (Suzy Favor-Hamilton) and Abdi (Abdi Abdirahman) would take the prize.
Ka'Deem - Any words of wisdom for those athletes looking to slide in to one of those top slots?
Justin - It's a journey, deal with it. There is only one way through and that's down the middle. Training rarely has safe short cuts and that is how I was able to maintain a certain level of fitness at that time of year. I had gifted coaches who guided me each step and a plethora of knowledge surrounding me with so many great athletes/coaches. Qualifying twice was a group effort between my friends, family and fellow competitors.
Ka'Deem - What do you do now, like what's your career? Do you have a family, things like that?
Justin - If by family you mean my fish, then yes! I am not married, however date a beautiful gal I met here. No children just yet and I have learned that good things come in time. I live and work from home in Venice, CA and regularly hit the boardwalk for my morning runs. Nothing crazy - special, career wise. I currently work as a Business Development lead for a Seattle based tech company (discuss.io). We work with brands to help further their consumer insight efforts (Market Research). I am in LA for now and will be for the next few years. If you are ever out this way I'll take you down the weirdest trail called San Vicente. Thanks again for the shout!
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