Q&A with George Beamish

Why running and how did you get started? I grew up in a really active family and played a lot of different sports. I realized I was good at the running aspects of all the team sports I played. I followed in my older brother Hugo’s footsteps through high school and to the US where he went to Villanova.

On days where you might not feel like training, what inspires you to get out there? Accountability to teammates and the people that believe in me is the big one. But little things like wearing really dope running stuff and thinking about a good breakfast burrito afterwards always helps!

Can you tell us about a race that taught you a few lessons in this sport? NCAA XC Championships 2019 was the hardest race I’ve ever run and the coldest I’ve ever been in my life. I felt like I was running with two torn hamstrings. It taught me that not all races go how you envision them to but what is important is how you respond to it and how you can stay in it and give what you have for your team anyway. I wanted to compete for the win, instead I gave everything I had to get 37^th. Definitely don’t want to relive that one!

Do you have a special pre-race ritual? Coffee. Spikes. Good to go.

Is nutrition a big focus for you? And, what would you say is your go-to meal after a tough run? Absolutely. Breakfast burrito 100%.

What are your top tips for a speedy recovery after training? Get hydrated ASAP and keep the blood moving. I prefer to walk around a bit and stay on the move, otherwise I stiffen up if I lie down all day.

Who is your “team”? The OAC! But also, my family and friends and all the people who have supported me and continue to support me.

What was the best piece of running advice you ever received? On easy days, let your body tell you what pace to run. On workout days, tell your body what pace to run.

Apart from running, what are your passions? Sports, food and getting outdoors in general.

Who is your role model? My older brother, probably. But don’t tell him!

Finally, why On? I wanted to be part of something new and exciting. On is a smaller company that’s really excited and invested in us as athletes and we’re able to feel like we are a big part of what the company is trying to achieve. Also hands down the nicest apparel I’ve ever worn by a long shot.