Tips, Tricks & Truths- Get to Know Altra Athlete Amelia Boone

Meet Amelia Boone, 4-time Obstacle Racing World Champion and lover of Pop-Tarts. Amelia will be our first featured athlete for our new series "Tips, Tricks & Truths- Get to Know the Athletes of the Brands." We are excited to bring you this new content and the insight that comes from the top athletes that are using these amazing brands!  

I had the opportunity to hop on a video call with Amelia and ask her some tough questions about her training and some less difficult questions about her favorite Pop-Tart flavor. 

What do you do to get yourself out of a slump?

Honestly, the biggest thing for me is changing it up, like a change of scenery. If it’s a running slump or if it’s just feeling unmotivated, I like to go explore a new trail. If I start to get frustrated like, “why am I running so slowly?” or “why does this feel so awful?” then I like to take off the watch and go for a run watch-free. Or maybe it’s just taking a break sometimes. If I feel like I need to recharge then sometimes I like switching activities. I recently got an ElliptiGO which people laugh at but I think it’s the coolest thing ever. So, if I feel like I need a break for a few days from running then I roll out on the ElliptiGO instead. I think some type of change is really helpful. 

What is your favourite Altra running shoe/product?

My go-to shoe is the Timp, the Timp 2. They are my versatile, everyday shoe, like I do some road to trail runs and those are my favourite.

What is the main thing you look for in your partnerships with brands?

First of all, I need to believe in their products, and use their products, and authentically believe in them. But I really love brands that care about the whole athlete, you know, and care about an athlete beyond just race performance. Brands that care about the stories and care about connection. That’s what I love about Altra for sure.

What has been your "go-to" activity or hobby during these last few months of isolation and social distancing? 

That would be running. It’s pretty easy to do on your own. I just moved to Colorado about two months ago, so exploring new trails and running. And then second to that would actually be the ElliptiGO because then I’m exploring canyons and going like miles and miles, and hours and hours, and it’s just a super fun way to explore.

How do you prepare for a race? Do you have any rituals?  

Yes! I eat a Pop-Tart before every single race and I have since 2012 so it’s been a lot of Pop-Tarts. Very very superstitious about that.

Which flavor Pop-Tart?

Cinnamon roll- super underrated, flies under the radar but I’m telling you it’s the best. 

What is that one show that you re-watch all the time? Maybe you've watched it from start to finish more than once? 

I would have to say, and especially because I’m re-watching it right now, it's Scrubs. From a long time ago. If I need a feel-good show that is totally it, like putting the brain on mute.

What’s your recovery routine? Favourite recovery meal? 

If I can, my favourite thing post-run is to sit in a cold creek, or like a cold river, which is amazing. Although, it’s been tough because they’ve been shutting down some of the river access because of Covid. But that is amazing to me. And I’ve really been getting into milkshakes and like chocolate milk after runs lately, especially because it’s so hot around here and my stomach doesn’t always want solid food right away. Milkshakes are the best.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I sing Avril Lavigne at the top of my lungs in the car.

Rapid Fire Q&A

What did you eat for breakfast?

Oatmeal and peanut butter

What chore do you hate doing?

Changing the bedsheets

If you were a superhero what would your powers be?

I would like to fly and be invisible

What colour is your toothbrush?

Black

Coffee or tea?

Coffee in the morning and tea throughout the rest of the day

Are you a morning person or night person?

Absolutely morning person

Favourite ice cream flavour?

Birthday cake

What is your least favourite type of music?

R&B

Have you ever worn socks with sandals?

Absolutely, I was born and raised in Oregon

What is your favourite movie?

The Goonies

(ed. note: interview has been edited for length and clarity)