#201 JaQuavious Harris: 2:13 marathon debut & being saved by Coach Ed Eyestone

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIANSave on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPbKristian sits down with JaQuavious "JQ" Harris, a professional runner for Saucony who ran a 2:13 in his marathon debut, for what became one of the most emotional and important conversations in the podcast's history.JQ opens up about being an openly gay Black runner navigating BYU's religious community, a mental health crisis and suicide attempt in 2020, and the extraordinary support of his coach, Ed Eyestone, who tracked down his new phone number after JQ isolated himself and told him simply: I need you alive. JQ shares what it's actually like to live publicly after coming out, the criticism he still receives from strangers online, and how grace, faith, and his relationship with his coach carried him through. The conversation closes with his running story: junior college success, turning pro with Saucony, battling injuries, and the strategy behind his breakthrough 2:13 marathon debut in California.In this episode:- Being an openly gay Black professional runner- Navigating a religious college environment while coming out- A mental health crisis and suicide attempt in 2020- The phone call from his coach that helped save his life- What life actually looks like after coming out publicly- Facing criticism and unsolicited opinions from strangers online- Junior college success and turning pro with Saucony- Battling injuries through his first two pro seasons- Race recap: executing a 2:13 marathon debut in California- What's next: chasing an Olympic Trials qualifying timeContent note: this episode includes an open, detailed discussion of a suicide attempt and mental health crisis, as well as experiences of religious and social discrimination. Please take care while listening. If you are struggling yourself, please know that support is available and you don't have to go through it alone.Timestamps00:00 Welcome and why this episode is different02:10 Introducing JQ: professional runner, content creator, introvert05:31 Being seen as an extrovert while feeling like an introvert16:21 His start in running and a coach who almost turned him away17:26 A qualifying race that changed everything33:54 Introducing Coach Ed Eyestone and what he means to JQ35:19 Being gay in a religious school and community38:32 What actually happens after you come out40:14 Facing criticism and unsolicited opinions from strangers44:12 Losing his middle school coach and learning to forgive1:29:44 Being welcomed into Coach Eyestone's family every Thanksgiving1:30:44 Being gay at BYU and reaching an all time low1:31:14 A suicide attempt in 2020 and the isolation of the pandemic1:32:06 The phone call: "I need you alive"1:52:18 Turning pro and setting national records in college1:53:52 Two years, two six month injuries as a pro1:56:00 Building toward his first marathon2:28:59 Race strategy and executing his 2:13 marathon debut2:32:20 Crossing the finish line and celebrating with friends2:34:04 Closing thoughts and where to follow JQJQ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisjaquavious/Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwickFull episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@WarwickrunsFollow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runsMusic from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY