IN Run Crew: Justin Hasselbach

Meet IN Run Crew member Justin Hasselbach…
 
PROFESSION
Public relations/communications.
 
ROLE MODELS
My friends (they know who they are). Each one has reached success, and my favourite thing is to listen to their stories and pick out details of how they managed to get where they are. I constantly refer to their experiences.
 
HOW SEXUALITY AFFECTED SPORTS ACTIVITIES GROWING UP
In high school, excelling at tennis contributed to my being bullied. Tennis wasn’t [considered] as masculine as hockey, which dominated in the rural community of Summerland. Sexuality didn’t affect my sports activities as much as sport affected my ability to cope with my sexuality.
 
WAYS YOU OVERCAME ANY ANTI-GAY PREJUDICES
Sports and physical activity allowed me to let out latent aggression toward an incoming tennis ball or to complete that set of chest presses. I was adamant about being the best and showing my peers that I could excel in sports, further proving my worth to them, whether it was warranted or not. I fought harder—all to display this air of strength.
 
ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE ON OVERCOMING BIASES IN SPORTS
The only person you can be is yourself. In terms of sports, the best achievements you can make are by knowing your strengths and running with them.
 
FITNESS STRATEGY
I have a diverse set of fitness activities, with weight training as my focus. I break my workout into three days: day one is chest, back and legs; day two is arms and abs. On my third day I do cardio, which usually consists of yoga or indoor running/relays. Also, I’m very conscious of what I eat. Knowing where your food comes from is something sacred and respects what we put into our bodies.
 
HOBBIES
I love indulging in all that the city has to offer. At home, I’m very handy and enjoy interior design, including using my power tools to build furniture. And one of my passions is my blog, iamjvstvs.com, where I can explore fashion and lifestyle. Music and the arts will always be my first love.
 
BEST LIFE LESSON SO FAR
Know thyself. It’s probably one of the most profound philosophies and something that I constantly strive for. Throughout any of the stressors that I’ve had in my life, activity has always let me work through those issues and pick them apart until their impact is substantially smaller.
 
ABOVE: Justin Hasselbach is wearing:
Flyknit Lunar 3, $190
Speed Men’s Running Tights, $140
9” Distance Shorts, $65
Men’s Dri-Fit Knit Top, $105
(All apparel and shoes by Nike. Availability: Nike Retail Locations and retailers including Sport Chek, Running Room and Foot Locker)