Launching their second major brand campaign – Forever Faster – PUMA have dedicated their focus on training. By asking “What are you training for?” the global sports brand challenges individuals and teams to put more energy into training and more positivity back into sport. They believe that training is not an end goal, but rather a means to a more positive self and a stronger game. The more energy you exert, the more you get back. PUMA Training swaps excuses for endorphins and aims to be faster, stronger, fiercer – no matter what. No one better speaks to this ethos other than the World’s Fastest Man, Usain Bolt. The elite ambassador to PUMA’s Forever Faster campaign breaks record upon record, making Bolt an inspiration to many.

PUMA have brought the campaign to life by documenting the unique training stories of their elite ambassadors: the World’s Fastest Man Usain Bolt, Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Rihanna, Star Striker Sergio Agüero, the Arsenal Football Club, the Cuban National Boxing Team, and more. Shot over the course of four weeks, the film series offers a sneak peek into the training regimen these individuals undergo to make sure they are on top of their game. It intimately captures their motivations and tactics to constantly improve and bump up every game with energy, excellence, and enthusiasm. Supporting them through all of this is PUMA’s latest addition to the IGNITE franchise – the IGNITE XT. This high intensity training shoe’s responsive design maximizes energy and movement throughout the campaign.

Now you, the shopper, can integrate into the crucial part of the training campaign by joining the PUMA PACT! This platform is made available to you through the PUMATRAC running app and puma.com/training, and is entirely shareable through social media! It drives the brand’s rally cry, #NoMatterWhat, and promises to guide you with the tools and motivation needed to create a faster, stronger and fiercer you. The PACT has PUMA’s elite ambassadors leading and inspiring you to train harder – like them, #NoMatterWhat. What more can one ask for? Being led and inspired by the greatest in the world of sports is a dream-come-true for most! As PUMA’s elite ambassadors lead a very hectic training filled day, one man was kind enough to sit with us for a fun, short but very exclusive chat. And with that, we present to you the World’s Fastest Man, Usain Bolt.

Hi Usain! How do you train for speed? Any specific training tips for those seeking to run faster?

There are many things that can help someone run faster – conditioning, strength, speed, power, technique etc. It is not just one factor. You have to train in a variety of ways and cover all the aspects.

What’s a typical training session for you?

There isn’t really a typical session – training for me is either on the track or in the gym. It depends on the time of year and what we are working on. On the track it can be working on everything from endurance to any technical aspect for my upcoming race – the start, the drive phase, the transition for both the 100m and 200m. In the gym it’s general conditioning, strength and power.

How often do you train in a year?

I train for 11 months of the year, six days a week, normally in the morning and then again in the afternoon. It’s a lot of work.

What does training do for you – other than strengthen your physical abilities of course?

Training gives you confidence and this helps your state of mind. I know if I’m in good shape it’s going to be very hard to beat me, this confidence is very important in performing well.

What kind of obstacles have you faced and overcame to achieve your goals?

In elite sports, injuries can slow you down. We push our bodies to the max and sometimes we get sore or injure our muscles or joints. I’ve had several injuries in my career, but fortunately I have a good coach and team to help me make it back to the top.

Any particular food and drink that help you when you’re training? Do you still like chicken nuggets?

I have a good diet now and a chef that helps me eat well. I eat a lot of chicken, rice, and vegetables – good Jamaican food. It is also very important to stay well hydrated.

What’s your advice for someone who’s struggling to find motivation to reach their goals?

You have to find that one thing that you know is going to motivate you. You might not enjoy training for example but you might love competing and winning. If you want these things you have to be determined and train hard.

Has training changed a lot for you over the past few years?

When I started running as a kid, it was fun – I was good at it so I just did it. I didn’t really have to train that much to win races. As I got older I realized that I have to take better care of my body – diet, rest, recovery etc. are more important now than a few years ago.

What’s your ultimate single greatest goal?

Well, my single greatest goal is to become the greatest – pretty much. That’s what I work towards. I want to be remembered as a great sportsman – to have a place in history.

Which other athlete inspires your to become better?

I have always admired Kevin Garnett as he – whether winning or losing – gives his all and inspires those around him to raise their game. And of course my mentor and coach Glen Mills. He used to say to me, “Everybody on the circuit, everybody at the championships are talented athletes already. It’s the work you put in that makes you a champion, or better than the other talented person.”

For more information about PUMA Training and the new IGNITE XT Training footwear, visit puma.com/training.