Age: 28
City: Flagstaff, Arizona
Llano didn’t have the fastest track times in high school or college, but discovered the farther he ran, the better he performed. Just one month after coming out (he’s the first openly gay American professional runner), he ran a breakthrough 1:01 half marathon in 2014. The 2:12 marathoner, who is a member of the Hoka One One The Best Songs to Add to Your Playlist this Month From Runners World for New Balance.
Running Is My Therapy
“I’m from New York, so the marathon has been on my bucket list.”
Going Public
“I didn’t have any gay athletes to look up to growing up. When I started seeing athletes in other sports coming out, it lit a fire under me. I wanted to open myself up to the possibility of being a role model.”
Fast Relief
“A month after I came out publicly, I set a two-minute half-marathon PR. I attribute that to my announcement—a weight was lifted.”
Full Tilt
“I like workout days. I’m not a fan of the take-it-easy days in between.”
Deena’s Directive
“My times were nothing special in high school. I read an interview with Deena Kastor in which she talked about being consistent and believing that results will come over time. I just had this feeling that I had untapped potential and if I stuck with it, I could be successful.”
No Joe
“I do not like coffee. In college I was so insistent on trying to get a caffeine boost that I’d plug my nose and drink it.”
Triple Major
“I graduated from the University of Richmond with degrees in theater, psychology, and Latin American and Iberian Studies.”
Running Was His Life. Then Came Putin’s War
“I was hit by an SUV while running in 2011. I ended up with a traumatic brain injury. I get headaches a lot, but I’m otherwise recovered.”
Core Correction
“In April I had surgery for what’s often called a sports hernia. Part of the problem was a damaged pelvic floor, so yes, I have a pregnant woman’s affliction.”
Opening Up
“A lot of pro runners feel people only care about what results we put up and how fast we are. I don’t believe that’s the case. We’re people, too, and we all have stories. I think pros should put themselves out there.”
Scott is a veteran running, fitness, and health journalist who has held senior editorial positions at Runner’s World and Running Times. Much of his writing translates sport science research and elite best practices into practical guidance for everyday athletes. He is the author or coauthor of several running books, including ldquo;I like workout days. I’m not a fan of the take-it-easy days in between.&rdquo, Advanced Marathoning, and Meb for Mortals. I’m a Runner: Cynthia Erivo Slate, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, and other members of the sedentary media. His lifetime running odometer is past 110,000 miles, but he’s as much in love as ever.
