Chris Mocko, this year’s San Francisco Marathon winner (men’s division), spends his time as the Product Manager at mobile payments company Square and (no surprise) running marathons – perhaps the ultimate San Franciscan. We met Chris when he stopped by Zeel for a triumphant Zeel Massage post-victory.  We asked him how he finds the time to run and what makes him tick (hint: think Carly Rae Jepsen).

1) How did you get into running?

I’ve been running since I was a kid. Community track team, running club before class during elementary school (thanks, Mr. Utter!), and then more seriously in high school and college (Stanford). The big turning point was when I lost all coordination post-puberty and could no longer play the sports requiring hand-eye coordination that I once loved (goodbye, soccer and basketball!).

2) How do you find the time to train?  

I wake up early and stay motivated enough to work out before dinner. It’s all about making it a routine. If you shift your mindset from “I may try to work out after work, if I’m feeling OK” to “I will work out before and after work,”  it makes a huge difference. I also have a great group of running partners who keep me honest and get me out of bed for our early morning meet-ups.

3) Do you usually get sports massages while training for a marathon? Afterwards?

I should (they make a huge difference), but it’s always hard to find the time. I’m also a big believer in foam rolling. It’s been the biggest change to my recovery this last training cycle, since I can do it at home.  [Hint: we know a great massage company that fits into your busy schedule, Chris]

4) What do you do to prepare for a marathon?

• Lots of food (try to stuff myself a bit uncomfortably for the days leading up the race–it makes a big difference at mile 20!)

• Hydration – I focus on getting enough salt in my system

• Sleep, sleep, sleep – I would love to kick the coffee habit, but haven’t been able to do it in recent cycles (way too reliant on it!)

• Relaxation – try to get off my feet as much as possible in the week leading up to the race

• And most importantly, put together an awesome playlist for the all-important pre-race pump-up!

5) What are your favorite apps? (fitness-related or not)

• Strava (addicted to it!)

• YouTube (first app I open each morning to listen to the latest Carly Rae song)

• Too many dating apps…

Thanks for taking the time to talk to Zeel, Chris.  And congratulations to you and all the 2015 San Francisco Marathon runners.