Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Jason Kolasinski

Winter Garden resident Jason Kolasinski, a runner with the Winter Garden Runners club, has had a pretty impressive past month. Kolasinski won first place, overall, Sept. 17 at the Gridiron Gameday 10K at Clermont’s National Training Center with a time of 38:43.2. That is in addition to his first-place performance at the Sirens 5K at Clermont’s Waterfront Park and a second-place finish at the Masters of All Terrain Half-Marathon, also in September.

Tell us about your background in running.

I think I inherited the running gene from my father, he’s a runner. I also didn’t seriously start running until I moved here four years ago. The Winter Garden Runners are to blame — it’s a good thing, actually. I had never ran more than five miles before I moved to Florida and I ran my first half (marathon) and my first full (marathon) because of them.

Of your strong performances this past month, which are you the most proud of?

I was probably more surprised at winning the 10K. The 10K had some grueling hills. 

What was the Masters of All Terrain event like?

That was fun. It got re-routed because of all the rain we had the week prior to it. … It was a very technical course. 

What has it been like challenging yourself to run longer distances?

I think, naturally, I have that long-distance endurance. Adding the speed part is where the training really comes down. Consistency is really important — sometimes I struggle with that because, you know, life happens. Consistency in training and dietary habits are probably the No. 1 keys for me to be successful.

When you can’t make the Winter Garden Runners’ morning runs because you work so early, when else do you join the group?

They have some evening runs — the third Thursday (of the month) is a “fun run” that they do at 6 p.m. I will also be coordinating a run in the parking garage. 

What do you like about being a part of the group?

They’re super accountable, they always check in — great people.

What else do you do to supplement your fitness?

Running mostly. My job provides a lot of heat training and labor. I also go to the Planet Fitness in Ocoee.

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy watching football, if you call that a hobby. I’ve been looking to try and get back into photography.

Living close to downtown Winter Garden, which spots along Plant Street are your favorites?

I always go to Axum for coffee and, as for restaurants, probably Winter Garden Pizza or the (Winter Garden) Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.