By JACKIE MOE
Ready to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement with a rock legend? Travis Barker, the iconic drummer of Blink-182, is swapping drumsticks for running shoes in his latest venture, “Run Travis Run.”
Inspired by his own journey of recovery and fitness, Travis is on a mission to encourage fans and fitness enthusiasts alike to embrace the thrill of running. Whether one is a seasoned marathoner or just starting their fitness journey, they can join Travis – before a show on the current Blink 182 tour, or virtually – as he combines his passion for music and running,
Mascot Sports and Barker have teamed up with Live Nation to produce a world-class wellness experience in conjunction with select locations of Blink-182’s One More Time tour. Barker’s Run Travis Run will debut at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum on July 6 and at Queens’ Citi Field on July 21.
This unique event invites attendees to join Barker for a morning run and wellness activities, offering a comprehensive health and wellness experience.
“Run Travis Run,” aims to motivate people to embrace a healthier lifestyle and build a supportive running community. Barker’s story highlights the transformative power of running and his vision to inspire others to take up the sport for both physical and mental well-being.
In a fun chat about running with marathoner Jackie Moe, Barker shares insights into his journey of recovery and his longtime passion for running. He also talks about how it has played a crucial role in his life – helping him overcome the aftermath of a life-changing accident and maintain his health and sobriety.
I feel like I’m combining so many worlds right now because I’ve always been such a Blink fan, but I’m also an avid marathoner. When I saw your [Run Travis Run] commercial, I was like, oh, we need to talk. Can you tell me about the support you have received from the running community and how it has influenced you?
Yeah, I mean, I’ve run for years. After my accident, I had this urge to do everything I was told I couldn’t do, and continuing to run again was one of those things. I remember in 2003, when my son was born, I found out I was having a baby, and I just ran to the freeway and back, which was about four miles.
I didn’t know why, but I suddenly wanted to take care of myself and prove that I could do more than I was doing. That led to a life of constantly challenging myself to be healthier and in shape, always ready for tour, and running was the main thing.
I was always running three miles a day, especially on tour. I could never connect the dots to doing something I love, like running, and finding a way to share it with everyone or give back. It just hit me one day: I run every day, so I should be running with people.
I did a half marathon last New Year’s Eve and a couple of 5Ks. It’s the best feeling ever, and running with people is even more fun and motivating. It’s inspiring for anyone who thinks they can’t run or complete a 5K or half marathon.
It’s a whole different story when you’re in the energy of so many people doing the same thing as you.
Absolutely. I’m an individual runner as well, but as soon as I’m in a race, you thrive off this tangible energy from the people. I love that feeling. What half marathon did you run?
It was in Santa Monica, right along the ocean on New Year’s Eve. I didn’t really know what I was doing outside of running three miles before every show, but I decided to figure it out and do it.
It was such a cool experience and a bucket list item. It’s one of those things you don’t think you can do until you do it. Now, a marathon is in my near future.
I saw on your Run Travis Run website that you said you’re ‘just getting started.’ What is your vision for this new initiative?
In a perfect world, I would run three miles before every show with everyone every day. If I could get everyone outside and moving, and they become addicted and obsessed with running or walking like I have, then I feel like I’ve done something.
Additionally, giving back to the Boys and Girls Clubs and having a big charitable part of this means a lot to me. In every city I’m in, I’d love to have a run every day of this tour.
How can people get involved and support you in this mission?
Just coming out and running. Even if someone just sees this and doesn’t run my 5K, but goes for a run by themselves, that’s awesome. I’ve met so many people doing it virtually. Running has been the key to me getting sober a long time ago.
It’s the best stress reliever and better than any therapy or therapist in my opinion. There are so many great benefits to it.
RUNNERS’ CHAT
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ll be out there supporting you, and I hope to run with you. I actually grew up with you in Corona, and you’ve always been a big part of my life.
Wow, I love that. How many marathons have you run?
Twelve so far.
Twelve? I can’t wait. That’s on my bucket list before the end of the year.
Let me know. This year I’m doing Berlin and New York. If you can get in on New York, I could help you with training. It would be so fun.
So you’re traveling to Berlin just to do the marathon? I love that. What’s your training like leading up to it? For my half marathon, I didn’t really have anyone that runs besides Chito Vera, a UFC fighter.
He saw me online and encouraged me to run more. He actually ran my half marathon with me. I ended up running 10 miles before my half marathon, but I always wonder what I should do before a full marathon.
It’s a building process. It takes about 12 to 16 weeks with long runs on the weekends. A lot of people start out trying to run more mileage than they need to, but if you build speed and hill work in between, it strengthens your endurance. Get one 20-mile run in a few weeks before the marathon, and you’re solid. After 20 miles, runners call it ‘the wall,’ where your body starts to struggle physically, and you have to pull the energy from your heart. It’s all mental at that point.
Wow, that’s awesome. I love that. I’m going to do it. It’s like the cold plunge or anything else that I don’t look forward to every day, but after you accomplish it, it’s the best feeling in the world.
Exactly, I’m so excited for you.
Thank you. I hope to see you at one of the runs. So awesome. It was nice talking to you.
Nice talking to you too. I’ll keep in touch. Good luck!
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Run Travis Run
Where: Kia Forum, Los Angeles, CA
When: July 6, 2024 at 9 a.m. PT
For more information on Run Travis Run: https://www.runtravisrun.com/