If you had $5,000 to spend at a running store but only 5 minutes to spend it, what few things would you grab first?
I am pretty minimalist when it comes to equipment. Shoes and shorts are the only required equipment. But if I was in this specific situation, I would grab a GPS watch first, a pair of sunglasses (or two), rain jacket, hydration pack and then shoes. Minimalist shoes first. As for brands or models of shoes, I have tried them all and have decided that my favorite pair are the ones on sale.
Shoes, very short shorts, and a shirt if I am going to be around others so they don’t get grossed out. In the winter, my Boston jackets are darn good windbreakers, so they get more use when it’s cold out.
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it — metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions — what would it say and why? It could be a few words or a paragraph. (If helpful, it can be someone else’s quote: Are there any quotes you think of often or live your life by?)
Not everything is relative. Find absolute truth.
Any pre run or pre race habits?
To not have any. Just show up and run. When I first started running, marathons for example, I would do all kinds of things to “get ready”. Then I realized I was stressing out more about the pre-race habits then just running. Now people will ask “what do you eat the night before you run a marathon?” My answer: whatever sounds good! Same with what I wear. Even during the race, I used to plan my nutrition down to the minute. Now I just show up and take whatever sounds good at the station I am at. Way less stressful. I then can focus on the run and my times a way better.
What’s one of the best running related investments you’ve made?
A GPS watch. Other than that, I don’t spend a lot on the equipment. Shoes of course. I try to get about 800 miles out of each pair. But I rotate about five pair at once. Running between 2200 and 2600 miles in a typical year, I buy about three new pair a year. Always on sale.
What’s the most memorable thing you’ve ever seen or done while on a run?
Too many stories. But running Boston for the first time, or qualifying for Boston for the first time after trying for five years, both have to be at the top of the list. After that, pacing Andrew Pavek overnight as he won the Black Hills 100, and I ran my first ultramarathon distance has to be up there as well.
If you want funny stories, I have plenty. Most have to do with long distances and bodily functions. Mostly other people (never tell your own stories).
Toughest race you’ve ever done? Why?
The night crawler in Casper. It wasn’t the 12 hours of running, or the very root filled trail; it was the fact that my batteries in my headlamp were crap and went caput and I got lost in the dark for several hours. Then when I finally found a guy with a headlamp he was as lost as me! Obviously, I survived (but I had to eat the other dude).
What advice would you give to a new runner? What advice should they ignore?
Listen to everyone. Listen to all the seasoned runners and all their wisdom. Then find what works for you and don’t worry if some of what you do is unique to you.
Run or exercise doing whatever motivates you. I work out a ton. Typically 90 minutes or more a day. I stay motivated by getting up in the morning and thinking “what sounds fun to do today?” Then that’s what I go and do. Kettlebell, weights, speed, distance, obstacles, swimming, biking. Doesn’t matter.
The only thing I don’t budge on is at least 30 minutes of core on Monday. Core is the key to no injuries. I have not had an injury that took me out (running 2600 miles a year) in 15 years and it’s because I don’t cheat on core.
What, if anything, do you listen to while running?
Speedwork: Alternative rock. Slow miles: Crime Junkie. But half the time, especially when I am trail running in the Hills, nothing at all.
What’s one running item you think is a gimmick and won’t buy?
Don’t have an answer for this. If trying out a new piece of equipment is what gets you motivated, then it’s worth buying. Since I am pretty minimalist, I don’t end up with much on me, but I think it’s great if you are out running, even if it is just to try out your new gadget. You do you!
If you could go run with any living or dead historical figure, who would it be and why?
Marco Polo or DB Cooper
