Meet the Outrunners: Steve Matthys

In a series of interviews, you will get to know some of the Outrunners in our community, what drives them, what their struggles are and what has helped them get past them.

Today we had the pleasure to interview Steve Matthys, the first Outrunner to get his own designed Outrun the dark shirt! 

Steve, or Scuba as he’s also known amongst friends is a big part part of our community and is a complete thrill seeker enjoying life through sports, music and a good road trip, who only as recently as 2019, started running.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, who you are, where you are from and what you do?

My name is Steve Matthys. I'm from Aurora Illinois, just outside Chicago. I'm a Property insurance adjuster.

 

What are you passionate about outside of running and your day job?

I love dogs! I play a lot of volleyball and snowboard. I love a good live show, don't care what type, rock, rap, country anything as long as its live music I'll go. I enjoy road trips with no time constraints, just drive wherever and see where you end up. And of course long walks on the beach. Hahaha!

 

When and how did you start running? 

I started running about seven months ago.  It was a healthy alternative to a very toxic lifestyle.

 

What does Outrun the Dark mean to you?

Well, to save time, the quick answer, running everything negative in your life out of your head.

 

What is your favorite part about the Outrun the dark community?

The love and support from everyone to everyone is amazing!! All of you are inspiring whether you know it or not!!

Steve post-PR-race in his Outrun the dark signature tee.

 

What has been the most trying part of your life up until now? What helped you get through it? 

I have been dealing with depression, PTSD, anxiety and ADHD most of my life. Being bullied for so many years was probably the toughest. That and losing my Nana.  I'm just now dealing with it in a healthy way.

 

What do you know today that you wish your 20 year old self knew? 

You are not alone, it's ok not to be ok. Drinking is not going to help me in any way shape or form.

 

What helps you go for a run when you don’t feel like it? 

I set goals. I'm currently training for the  Milwaukee Marathon in Spring. The other thing is remembering the feeling of accomplishment after a run.

 

What is your alternative workout when you can't run because of injury or circumstance?

Well, so far I've still been able to at least ride a bike or swim when I was injured. 

 

Do you have any quotes live by?

Never really thought about it but Parkway Drive has a great song with the line, "one life, one shot, give it all you got" which is a pretty good one. Could go old school, "don't worry, be happy" hahaha. Honestly not really, just try to breath and do the best you can.

 

What book or movie have most impacted your life and why?

Books and movies haven't really had a big impact however music is life! The right song at the right time can mean so much. Kind of like a soundtrack to your life.

 

If you could put anything on a billboard in front of the world to see, what would you put on it?

It's a toss-up between don't be a bully or mental illness is real. You are not alone. Can I get more than one billboard?

 

Anything else you want to add before we wrap up?

This group is truly amazing. I would love to run with all of you. If anyone is in the Chicago area, going to be in Chicago or even in Illinois let's meet somewhere and run!! The darkness ain't got nothing on us!!!

 

Thank you Steve for sharing a little bit about yourself, and good luck with training for Milwaukee in the Spring!  Maybe we’ll rent some billboards for you along the way.

Click here to check out the Outrun x Steve Limited Edition Tee.