Josh Kerr, Brooks Beasts TC, Olympic bronze medalist, 1,500m, Answers Seven Questions from RunBlogRun

It’s Josh Kerr’s fault. I saw his Instagram about this 20x300m workout he did before he ran a fast half marathon in San Diego on December 17, 2022, where he ran 1:03.45.  Then, I saw Danny Mackey, his coach post on IG about Brooks Beasts at high altitude. So, I sent 10 questions to Danny Mackey (see here), and then, seven questions to all of the Brooks Beasts TC. Josh Kerr answered first, so he gets posted first.

I like Josh Kerr’s aggressive style in racing and his focus on his goals. You can see our Socialing the Distance program with Josh from 2021 (see here). 

This is a fun, relaxed 7 questions with Josh Kerr. Thanks to Josh Kerr for his time, honesty, and enthusiasm, and thanks to Jazmine Graham, Brooks PR goddess for expediting the process. 

Please enjoy Seven Questions with Josh Kerr, Brooks Beasts TC, and Olympic bronze medalist at 1,500 meters. Josh Kerr gives us a view into the psyche of a highly focused, confident and fit world-class athlete. Josh Kerr will debut in 2023 at the 115th Millrose Games on Saturday, February 11, 2023 over the 3,000 meters, battling Geordie Beamish and Cooper Teare.

RunBlogRun, #1. What was your first experience in the sport of running?

Josh Kerr: My first experience in the sport of running was in a summer camp back in Scotland when I was 8 years old. We did everything from sprinting to foam javelin. It was obvious early where my strengths were, but it was awesome to experience everything at first. In the UK we do everything through the club system, so I ran for Edinburgh AC which is my home city, and just went after school to train.

RunBlogRun, #2: What were your first experiences like in cross country?

Josh Kerr: Cross country was the first ever race that I ran. I raced with my brother, and we got 1 and 2 in a short 2.5k race. I loved that the result was always determined by my performance, and I didn’t have to rely on anyone! My brother constantly reminds me who won that race and to this day it still annoys me.

RunBlogRun, #3: How long does it take you to acclimatize to high altitude?

Josh Kerr: I went to the University of New Mexico, so I’ve dealt with a lot of altitude training over the past 8 years. For me,

I would say it takes less time before ripping a hard session than a regular runner, but the initial hit will bring you right back to reality if you test it too much. I can normally start to run harder three days in.

RunBlogRun, #4: What is your favorite Netflix addiction?

Josh Kerr: VERY late to the party but my fiancé and I have started Game of Thrones and loving it!

RunBlogRun, #5: What is your favorite book?

Josh Kerr: I very much enjoy autobiography and digging into the ins and outs of highly successful people. My favorite would be Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. He just has a way of telling a story that could entice any reader.

RunBlogRun, #6: Do you have a favorite quote?

Josh Kerr: “Be ruthless with things that don’t matter” this is a quote originally came from Ryan Holidays’ Daily Stoic book. I however heard it from my mindfulness coach when he was trying to zone me in on my one goal of performing at the Olympics, by finding things that suck time and energy out of me with little or no gain.

RunBlogRun, #7: What are your goals for 2023?

Josh Kerr: My goal as always in 2023 is progress. Progress from what I have achieved thus far in my career and push the boundaries of that. For me, that is either silver or gold at the world championships. I want to regain my British 1500m title that was rudely taken off me this year by 2022’s world champion – Jake Wightman. Finally, I want to show the world how good Brooks products are, I do this by racing the way I described earlier.

To learn a little more about the coach/athlete relationship, check out this piece on Danny Mackey and Josh Kerr, (see here).