Johanna Butler

Do you have a quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training/racing/life?
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18

This is something I feel so many of us struggle with. Fear of inadequacy, fear of failure, or fear of life. And this fuels me. Love takes care of fear. With love we are bold, we are strong, we are capable, powerful, rock stars. Fear has controlled so much of my life. I’ve always been super performance driven and fear of failure consumed me so often, but when I realized that love casts out fear and helps conquer those doubts, I’m able to do life with my head held high because love is not built on performance or success, but God already loves me and I am worthy of love. That’s enough. We are enough just as we are. So no matter how a race or training day or success of my business turns out-my worth is not found in that, but in love. It means so much to me I tattooed it on my arm “Worthy of love”.

What was your favorite sport in middle school?
Basketball-I loved it. It was my dream to be a WNBA player. I was a feisty little kid who would run up and down the court non-stop. My favorite was always being able to block a shot. It made me feel strong and unstoppable.

Can you share your first sports bra experience?
I think I was like in 5th grade. I was completely flat, but my friends started wearing them. So of course I went to Walmart (because in Northwest Arkansas that’s the only place you go) and bought this cheap little white thing. Ha I remember walking into the bathroom and showing one of my friends. I thought I was so old and cool.

What is your favorite piece of #flystyle and why?
Flyout shorts. OH MY GOSH! I LOVE these. I often don’t get to wear loose fitting shorts because I live in Miami, FL and almost any loose fabric causes chaffing. But these are AMAZING. Not only do they not stick and chafe, the are so comfortable and flattering. Best part they have two front pockets. I mean come on we all love pockets.

If you could give one piece of advice to a 12 year old girl, what would it be?
Be confident. Walk with your head held high and don’t put any limits on yourself. There will be people who are skeptical or who don’t understand you, but stay true to yourself. There is only one you and no one else can fill her shoes. Let love motivate you and kick fear in the ass. You can accomplish so much more than your mind can comprehend.

Tell us about your favorite place you have ever traveled to:
Oh man, it’s so hard to choose. I LOVE travel. The Pacific Northwest is my favorite place in the US. I love the big trees, mountains, and hiking. But probably my favorite was Cinque Terra, Italy. I was my honeymoon, but we were hiking up the costal mountains and then swimming down by the sea. Plus the food. The food is so good. And I love Italian culture, they are so happy and laid back. You laugh a lot there and eat gelato everyday.

What alternative career do you fantasize about?
Honestly, I’m living my dream. I never thought I’d be racing at this level and I get to coach at my own studio. I feel super blessed to get to do the two things I love. And I love meeting so many amazing runners and the comaraderie of this sport. It’s really beautiful.

What is your superpower?  
I have this special ability to get people’s life stories out of them. I don’t fully understand it, but no joke there are countless times I’ve sat down with someone I hardly knew or a random stranger and I heard their life story. I really kind of love it because I hate small talk, I’m just really bad at it. It’s always fun to just cut through all the chit-chat and magically pull out all the deep stuff in a matter of minutes. My husband just says I have a personality that people at ease. Maybe my other career should have been counselling.