Robin Selva: “be patient with yourself and your body”

What’s your running origin story?

I started running when I joined my 5th grade track team. Like all my 5th grade teammates, I started off doing the 100 and 200 meter dash. My coach noticed that I was never tired when I was done, so he put me in the co-ed mile. I won the whole thing and decided that running was fun! I did cross country and track in high school, and moved on to compete at the D1 level in college, and the longer I go, the more fun it is :)

What about running makes you laugh?

I think the funniest thing is that pretty much everyone who runs understands the runner stomach. Like you have to stop and poop during a run? No one bats an eye. Tempo tummy? Almost everyone who has done a tempo has experienced it. It’s a sense of community we didn’t know we needed

What are your thoughts about the mental side of training?

My foot surgery taught me that you have to be patient with yourself and with your body, and that every day is NOT going to be perfect. Understanding that and being kind to yourself have been essential in helping me with the mental side of training. Because at the end of the day, we run because it’s fun

Tell us about your experience working as an Nike Sports Research Lab employee!

I love working in the NSRL. The community I have with my coworkers is so great, and everyone is a giant nerd, so I fit right in! Having athletes in for my various studies means I get to meet new people every day and learn more about the capabilities of the human body. I even love the camaraderie that results from dealing with malfunctioning equipment

How does your knowledge as an expert in your field influence your approach to training?

I think knowing a lot about running mechanics influences me in both good and bad ways when it comes to training. On the one hand, it helps me know why I’m sore after certain workouts, what to change about my form to be more efficient, and how often and how much I need to eat, rest, strength train, etc. to stay healthy. However, sometimes I catch myself just assuming I’m invincible because I know a lot about running, which is definitely NOT the case, and I try to snap myself out of that mentality as soon as I feel it.

Any goals you’d like to share?

I want to run my first marathon in 2023! And hopefully some trail races! I’m also hoping to be accepted into the PhD in Human Physiology program at University of Oregon

Tell us about your life outside work and running! 

My partner and I live on top of the hill by OHSU, and we have an adorable 1(ish)-year old mutt named Bart, as well as two rats named Wasabi and Ginger. I love to box, roller skate, and paint, and when I have time I like to pattern and sew clothes!

What book(s) would you recommend to others? 

I would definitely recommend a book called Endure by Alex Hutchinson - awesome book about the limits of human performance!

Also Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is an awesome book about indigenous knowledge and culture surrounding plants