We are honored to share Dustin Whitehair’s story this week. Dustin is quite an accomplished runner.
My name is Dustin Whitehair, and I’m currently single. I run for the Columbus Running Company Elite Team and I’m an Assistant Cross Country and Middle School Track Coach for Bexley City Schools.
Why did you start running? Like many high school kids, I wasn’t athletic enough to play football or basketball so I ran distance in track my freshman year, lettered, and enjoyed it so much that I ran cross country my sophomore year. I qualified for the State Meet in cross country and track my senior year. I ran for Muskingum University and continued to improve earning All-OAC and Regional honors in cross country. I’ve been running for the CRC Elite Team for the past 13 years.
Favorite thing about running? I enjoy the many opportunities running gives me such as being on a team, setting goals, participating in a variety of races all over the country. But mainly, running gives me a sense of accomplishment both physically and mentally.
Favorite races in Central Ohio? The Columbus Marathon of course. First-ever marathon plus PR’d twice in the half marathon race. Arnold 5k and Columbus 10K are other favorites.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started? Join a running group you feel comfortable with and share your goals with each other. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks everything will fall into place once you see how far you have come.