Don Gallogly

Age: 42, Years running: 3, Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: http://trailrunningcalendar.blogspot.com/

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To run for the rest of my life.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I have worn the same pants size since high school.

Do you have any vices?

I don't use sunscreen.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I run because I love being able to be out in all conditions. Running up the same mountain can be a completely unique experience depending on whether it's raining, snowing or clear sky. In the rest of my life I also like to consider the ways that changing conditions affect our perceptions.

What drives you to run?

I run day-to-day because I enjoy being out in the world away from other people. Trail running is the best way to accomplish that. But I race because I also like being around other runners.

What is your favorite movie?

I have many favorite movies. My favorite running movie is Without Limits, the Steve Prefontaine story. I also like Marathon Man and the parts of Forrest Gump when he runs back-and-forth across the country.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

No nicknames.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I can sleep just about anywhere so going without has rarely ever been a consideration. As a teen-ager I used to enjoy staying up to watch the sunrise. I once spent a stormy night in the forward observation lounge of a ferry from Juneau to Seattle watching waves break over the bow and crash against the windows.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

There's an old Soundgarden song that goes, "I'm lookin' California... Feelin' Minnesota" I was never sure what that meant.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cheese, tangerines, yogurt and electrolyte replacement drink.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Words

What really scares you about trail running?

Running is meditative. It doesn't scare me. Other sports (rock and alpine climbing, downhill skiing) scare me sometimes.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

What am I going to do now?

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I've lived and visited a few places in the world and haven't found any place more completely satisfying than here in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

People who pick up their dog-poop and then leave it beside the trail like a little blue land-mine (presumably they are going to pick it up on the way out).

Adam Gifford

Age: 37, Years running: 12, Hometown: Sedona, AZ, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: www.sedonarunning.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

When I get old I want to be referred to as “gnarly old dude” by the younger trail runners.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I write politically incorrect and borderline offensive newsletters for my store every month and send it out to a few hundred of my customers. That’s really all I could come up with for a marketing plan.

Do you have any vices?

I talk to my cat…A LOT.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

It’s the other way around…being a trail runner makes me tick. I live in Sedona, so I am not too familiar with this “real world” of which you speak.

What drives you to run?

My wife. I can’t even imagine the smack talk that would occur if I started slacking on our runs.

What is your favorite movie?

Animal Chin (ha…see if you’re old enough to remember that one). Yup…I did the skateboard thing in the 80’s.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

I used to be called “The Professor” because I used to be a professor. My family now likes to refer to me as “Al Bundy” because I own a running specialty store and spend my day selling shoes. I’m hoping that name doesn’t stick.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

? I stayed awake studying in college for 42 hours. Well, actually it wasn’t 42 hours straight…it was a total of 42 hours of studying…spread over my entire college career…all 5 years.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Canada. That’s a state, right? It should be.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Dried papaya and walnuts.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Crickets. If you tried to listen to my thoughts you would hear crickets.

What really scares you about trail running?

Taper and recovery. I avoid them as much as possible.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

That Boy Ain’t Right

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

In an RV so I would never have to choose a single place.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

A seriously angry ex-girlfriend (you know who you are…you Googled my name and found my bio here…stop stalking me).

Nicola Gildersleeve

Age: 26, Years running: 6, Hometown: Squamish, British Columbia, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: http://www.ngildersleeve.blogspot.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I want my running to take me to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Some of my future big goal races include, badwater, UTMB, hardrock, wasatch, trans alps...the list is always growing. I would also like to complete the John Muir trail, the Appalachian trail, and maybe a run across Canada (dream big)!

Do you have a claim to fame?

I run downhill like a madWOman. Nothing gives me more satisfaction that ripping a gnarly technical descent. I have the scares on my knees to prove it!

Do you have any vices?

Home baked goodies like cookies and muffins.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I love exploring new places and being with people who are totally stoked to be out adventering with me.

What drives you to run?

Curiosity, physical challenge, and a little bit of craziness.

What is your favorite movie?

I'm going to cheat and pick a T.V series: Dexter!

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

My last name is Gildersleeve so I often get...Gilder, Gilda, and Sleeves,

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I think it was during the Western States 100 mile race last year. I must have been awake for over 35 hours.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Sadly, being Canadian I am not too familiar with all 50 states. If I had to pick a province it would be British Columbia because it has everything to offer to the endurance junkie.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

I was away ski touring and after skiing a lap on the most amazing untouched powder I had 2 rye crackers with aged cheeder and a stick of lanjager!

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Definetly music, it's like a 24 hour dance party in my head.

What really scares you about trail running?

Encountering a bear or a cougar when I am running solo.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Mountain Life

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I could live anywhere as long as it had mountains for me to run/ski/bike, coean for me to swim, and rock for me to climb.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

My boyfriend encoutnered a bear while course marking high up in the mountains for the Fat Dog 100 trail race. Luckily, he knew exactly what to do and took the lead. While I, shaking in my crosslites, made noise anf follwed slowly behind him.

Bruce Grant

Age: 46, Years running: 23, Hometown: Courtenay, BC, Favorite shoe: Raptor

blog: http://lonerunman.blogspot.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I have two specific objectives: - To run across the province of BC on one of two routes: preferably the rough trail used by explorer Alexander MacKenzie, or on the "easier" 1600km Trans-Canada Trail - To run the 1200km Great Divide Trail along the Continental Divide from the US border to Kakwa Lake

Do you have a claim to fame?

I'm the only 5-time Hardrock finisher from Canada

Do you have any vices?

I really really like well-hopped microbrewed beer. (is that a vice?) I also like Duran Duran.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Embrace where you are. You can learn from your past, but can't change it - take stock of the present and work towards improving the future.

What drives you to run?

Overall, a desire to constantly challenge myself and achieve things I never thought personally possible. Daily training is a reward to the stresses and demands of the workday, and races are the incentive to make me get out there on those cold, rainy Pacific Northwest days. Running also helps me keep my girlish figure.

What is your favorite movie?

Lawrence of Arabia

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

lonerunman. This came about mainly because I do a lot of my training alone. There are a few people who call me "Diesel" because of the way I climb hills: slow and steady, and occasionally with some sooty exhaust.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I did about 55 hours with no sleep this year at Hardrock. The race did not go as anticipated, and took wayyyyy longer than expected. I was almost asleep running the last few miles in a surreal, out-of-body experience. Crossing the icy, fast-flowing waters of Mineral Creek woke me up in a hurry and I was good for a few more hours.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Nunavut

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Fresh veggies with hummous and a can of salmon.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

music would be playing, and I would be behind the drum kit with the band, facing the audience.

What really scares you about trail running?

Not much, fear can prevent you from heading out the door or trying something new. If you prepare and have a positive attitude, there's nothing to fear.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

They Call Me Bruce

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Courtenay, BC. We made the lifestyle choice and moved there this year!

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

It was with hunger and humility, when a run in the Mount Baker wilderness I thought would take 5 hours turned into a 10-hour epic. I was out of food and on my knees eating blueberries from bushes to get calories and reach the end of the trail.

Laura Haefeli

Age: 45, Years running: 33, Hometown: Del Norte, Colorado, Favorite shoe:

blog: I don't have one. ):

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To maintain my position as one of the top masters runners in the country. To explore even more of the world via trails, esp. here in the states - there is so much to see! To run for the health of it! I hope I am still running at 70 and 80 years old! (:

Do you have a claim to fame?

Being the first American woman to have medaled at the World Mt. Running Championships, Individual Bronze Medal, Team USA Gold, Switzerland, '07. Winning over 15 National Championships in the Sports of Summer Biathlon, Mt./Trail Running, & Cross Country Running. Between the years of 1990 and 2012. (This does not include any age group wins.)

Do you have any vices?

Chocolate!

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

LIFE! I try to live each day to its fullest, being a positive example, and a better person each day. (Hopefully, this rubs off on my own children, and the athletes whom I coach and come in contact with!) (:

What drives you to run?

My goals and my health and the beauty that surrounds us! The great feeling of being in shape, I feel so healthy and strong as a runner. Also, my kids sometimes! Ha, ha - it is therapeutic! (:

What is your favorite movie?

A Christmas Story.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Hae, short for my last name Haefeli. The Cross Country athletes started calling me this the first year I was coaching, which was 10 yrs. ago in 2003, and still call me that today. In fact, every year, they still put "STOP HAE!" on their XC t-shirts after the movie about famous runner Steve Prefontaine, where his rivals made shirts that said, "STOP PRE!"

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Probably an all-nighter in college, either to study, or for St. Patrick's Day. (: It also could have been when my kids were babies, a mom doesn't get much sleep when they are infants! As a matter of fact, I don't think I've had a full nights sleep since my first was born, and that was over 17 years ago!

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Indiana.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

A chocolate Honey Stinger bar with peanut butter, and a cup of tea with Haefeli's Honey. (: (It would normally be a PB&J, or a PB, banana & honey sandwich - with Haefeli's famous Honey, of course! (:

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Probably see pictures.

What really scares you about trail running?

Mountain lions and crazy people.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The Crazy and Wonderful Adventures of a Running Mom.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Here, in Colorado, or perhaps New Zealand.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

A bear! A baby bear, which, of course, led me to believe that we would be mauled and killed by mama bear! Thank God, we never saw her. But, baby bear, not quite to my shoulders when standing straight up (I am 5'3"), followed us for at least a mile on the trail, running back and forth at us as if wanting to play. The only thing was that looking at it's claws was not so relaxing! They were very long, and sharp, and we didn't know if at any moment he might just claw the heck out of us! This happened on a trail by the Great Sand Dunes.

Buddy Jones

Age: 39, Years running: 20, Hometown: Chino Hills, CA, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: http://theroadtoultramarathon.blogspot.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Mainly my goal is to continue to push myself to run new distances and adventures. Some specific goals are: to run the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, the Appalachian Trail, and Badwater.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I guess I could say that back in the early 1990's I was Junior National Duathalon Champion.

Do you have any vices?

Besides the one on my work bench in the garage? YES! CHEESECAKE!

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Running gives me an outlet and a chance to clear my head. Ultra running has really taught me a lot about patience and perseverance which has helped me in my day to day life as well.

What drives you to run?

The feeling I get from being outdoors and away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. I love the outdoors and running gets me to many place others never get to see. Also, seeing how excited my boys get when I place well in a race.

What is your favorite movie?

Most people laugh at me, but most of the Rocky movies. I also love American Flyers.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Budman (nothing to do with the beer), Budwan, Budster P Jones, Bud. Most of those came from high school friends and have stuck ever since. Actually, Buddy is a nickname that was given to me at birth. My dad called me his little buddy, so the family adopted that and it never went away.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Nothing too impressive.... about 26 hours. I ended up having to work a night shift to cover for someone after working the day.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Oregon. I love the green landscape, the beach, and the woods. That's Oregon to me.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Leftovers. Pasta, chicken, and parmesan broiled vegetables. I always make enough from dinner the night before so that I will have lunch the next day.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Words and Music. I tend to "talk" to myself a lot out on a run working through the hills, flats, downhills. When I am not "talking" to myself, music is playing.

What really scares you about trail running?

Being way out in the middle of nowhere and running out of food and water.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Complicated Then, Simple Now

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Ouray, Colorado

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I was heading up a mountain trail and sliding down the hill next to me was a rattlesnake. Not watching the trail, I nearly stepped on his relative crossing the trail in front of me. He coiled as I backed away. It eventually went on off the trail. I have seen rattlesnakes on the trail before, but this was the closest call I have had.

Tim Long

Age: 45, Years running: 11, Hometown: Central City, Colorado, Favorite shoe:

blog: http://www.footfeathers.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Top 10 at Hardrock. Run in the Dolomites. Win the Leadman Leadville Series.

Do you have a claim to fame?

After almost dying on the last mountain pass at Hardrock in 2011, I came back for an 8.5 hour PR in 2012. I'm known for my “How To...” guides to running on my website.

Do you have any vices?

Some people would say I like beer. I would tend to agree. It's not a vice yet but I don't seem to have a self preservation section in my brain, i.e. I'll attempt almost anything.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

As a runner, consistent progress at things that are difficult at first and seeing new things. In real life, looking beyond the surface of people and things keeps me interested in life. I love learning about people and things and asking “why?”.

What drives you to run?

I'm motivated by both the runs where I struggle to get through them and the ones where everything flows and I feel like I could go forever. I learn from both and appreciate the ability to get out there and do it.

What is your favorite movie?

JAWS

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Footfeathers. Given to me A long time ago by a fellow competitor.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

55 hours. Finished Hardrock the first time I ran it, finally in 44 hours, went to the awards ceremony, then drove home to Boulder. The hallucinations were awesome.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Colorado. It's drawn me back so many times since the first time when I was 15. My mind seems settled when I live here.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Chicken and avocado.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Words swirling around like confetti.

What really scares you about trail running?

That I might not be able to do it someday.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

How to Live Everywhere and Nowhere at the Same Time.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I'm always where I want to be. I made the decision a long time ago not to be anchored to one place. I've been all over and love it all.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I'm not a big fan of snakes (understatement), so running up to and having to jump over a rattlesnake make me squeal like a little girl and have goosebumps for the next 20 minutes.

Sara Montgomery

Age: 41, Years running: 15, Hometown: Yarker, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: http://saratraining.blogspot.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To run both faster and longer, and to keep exploring new trails.

Do you have a claim to fame?

Needing four stitches in my hand at TransRockies.

Do you have any vices?

Coffee.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Discovering what I authentically enjoy and genuinely believe, and trying to live my life according to that. To appreciate each day and each run.

What drives you to run?

I love being outside, getting a fix of nature and fresh air. I also love training towards goals and feeling fit.

What is your favorite movie?

x

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

A few friends calls me S.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Trailwalker 100k in Hong Kong where we started at 2 pm and went right through the night.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Alaska

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Lentils, squash and rice.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Pictures.

What really scares you about trail running?

Getting hurt and losing movement as a heat source.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Once a Trail Runner...

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Northern BC or Yukon.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Fastpacking in Killarney Provincial Park when we got soaked by rain and were chilled to the bone for hours in our soggy camp.

Bronwyn Morrissey

Age: 43, Years running: 20, Hometown: Superior CO, Favorite shoe: Wildcat Womens

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

to keep running as long as I can

Do you have a claim to fame?

my only claim to fame is how busy my life is with training, three kids and a corporate job where I travel a lot. I am often asked how I do it all but running keeps me sane

Do you have any vices?

coffe and red wine! ok Chocolate too

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

This year it has been adventure runs and exploring new places

What drives you to run?

my friends are a huge motivation

What is your favorite movie?

La Femme Nikita

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Brony from my swim coach growing up because I could do more bar dips than anyone on the team. The nick name stuck and my husband has been calling me that for years

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

when I had kids- many nights

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Carolina- South because I lived there for a summer

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

pork burrito and the second half for dinner!

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

silence and awareness when I am either on a super long run or meditating

What really scares you about trail running?

mountain lions when I am alone

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

How to make a life as busy as possible

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Here in colorado

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

running with a friend who got heat stroke in the Grand Canyon and I was very worried and it was dark

Layna Mosley

Age: 38, Years running: 26, Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: http://theimbalancingact.blogspot.com/

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Complete the Grand Slam (Western States, Vermont, Leadville and Wasatch 100s); run Rim to Rim to Rim (Grand Canyon); Hard Rock 100; run one of the distances at the Uwharrie Mountain Run with each of my daughters (now 2 and 4).

Do you have a claim to fame?

NYC Marathon at 26 weeks pregnant. Last baby born in Marion County, Florida in 1971.

Do you have any vices?

Ice cream, and almost any sort of stout or porter. Staying out too long on the local trails, or lingering too long post-run at the local coffee shop, rather than getting to work.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

A bit of obsessive-compulsiveness, probably. An unrealistic desire to balance all sorts of things, including running and racing; working as a political science professor at a research university; parenting two young, lovely and very energetic little girls; and trying to be a good spouse and partner to my (very patient) husband.

What drives you to run?

The sense that, until I run, my day isn't complete, and I'm not at ease. The desire to see how far I can push myself, sometimes in terms of distance, other times in terms of just getting out of bed in the cold and dark to get in my long run. And the promise of finding beauty when I run, both on my local trails and in the places I travel to for work and races.

What is your favorite movie?

I'm not sure I have an all time favorite. More recently, maybe Slumdog Millionaire. Before that, the Princess Bride, Fargo. And Bull Durham, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the Breakfast Club.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Willow - my trail name, bestowed upon me by the Trailheads, my local trailrunning club (and surrogate family, truth be told) in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, NC. I'm just as likely to answer to Willow as I am to my given name.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

40 hours, surrounding my first 100 miler, Cascade Crest, in 2009. The race has a leisurely 10am start, so I was up early, did the race, finished early afternoon, and then stayed up for dinner etc.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Wyoming. No idea why, but it would sound cool.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

I missed lunch yesterday...it was Christmas Day, and I was out for a run at lunchtime!

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

A combination of all three.

What really scares you about trail running?

Falling off of a really steep trail in the middle of the night, probably somewhere along the Hard Rock course.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Super Trouper (after an ABBA song)

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Hard to decide: Cape Town, South Africa; Wellington, New Zealand; London, England; Boulder; Vancouver?

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I've been lucky so far -- can't think of anything worse than a copperhead or two on a mid-day summer run.

Alison Naney

Age: 32, Years running: 13, Hometown: Mazama, WA, Favorite shoe:

blog: http://www.methowendurance.com, http://www.alisonnaney.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

While I was in college, in 2000, I first saw that the Hardrock 100 existed, and promptly put it on my to do list before I die. My biggest lifetime running goal is to keep healthy enough to continue running long until I'm old and wrinkley.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I was voted as having the best wheels in high school: a 1964 Austin Healey Sprite convertable my dad restored.

Do you have any vices?

Since eating chocolate everyday isn't a vice, I don't think I have any.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Balance is extremely important to me. Running is my way to connect to the landscape and think. I solve all kinds of problems during my runs; I'm a Massage Therapist in the real world, so running gives me time to work through ideas about clients' injuries. I also coach running and technique, and love seeing a client change their perceptions of running and their own capabilities.

What drives you to run?

I started running as a way to spend more time in the mountains. I realized I could cover a lot more ground by ditching my backpack and boots for running shoes. Now I run to challenge my physical and mental limits, while exploring the mountains.

What is your favorite movie?

Love Actually.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Big Al, Al, Albert, Albert Alligator, all coined by my dad. I was chubby as a kid, hence Big Al, which then changed to Al.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

About 28 hours, for Cascade Crest 100. It starts at 10am, so I had longer after waking up to agonize about the run ahead of me.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Montana fits me well.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Leftover beans and rice with chorizo, an apple, a peanut butter cookie, and a soy chai.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

mellow music

What really scares you about trail running?

Being attacked by a mountain lion or a crazy person while running without my trusty husky.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Rock Steady

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Mazama, Washington.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I was chased back the trail by a mamma moose several times in one run, when I lived in Montana. Men who don't want to be "chicked" in a race can also be quite aggressive.

Susan Nuzum

Age: 43, Years running: 19, Hometown: Boulder CO, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I'd like to be able to run injury-free for a long time to come. There are also so many great races and places to run out there; I'd like to be able to travel to run and have great adventures.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I was hit in the head by a squirrel while out running one day. He tried to jump from a fence to a tree and I was in the middle. I screamed like a little girl then looked around to make sure that no one was watching.

Do you have any vices?

Red wine.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

The thing that I love most about running is being outside, especially on the trails. A long run goes by so easily and quickly when I'm out on a sunny day running with my dog Elsa. And you meet the nicest people running and at races.

What drives you to run?

My '99 Toyota 4Runner.

What is your favorite movie?

Ferris Buehler's Day Off

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Juan - don't remember how it started, but I got it in junior high school.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

During a test out the course run for the Wild West Relay - we almost got run over in the middle of the night by ATV-ers and came close to hiting a cow in the middle of the road in Wyoming - it was only 12 of us, so it was a little unnerving. Went two days without sleep and had to pull over on the drive home and take a nap.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Carolina - that's a nice name, but I've never been there, so I'm not sure about the place.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Leftovers.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Music, of course.

What really scares you about trail running?

Doing a face plant into a rock, which I almost did a few years ago at the Barr Trail race.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Must Love Dogs.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I'd spend summers in Boulder and winters on Kauai, with occasional ski trips of course.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Someone talking on their cell phone.

Leor Pantilat

Age: 27, Years running: 15, Hometown: San Carlos, California, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: http://pantilat.wordpress.com/

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Run in as many wild and rugged places as possible, which will definitely include more adventures in the High Sierra of California and the North Cascades of Washington State.

Do you have a claim to fame?

2010 and 2011 Quad Dipsea champ and Course Record holder; 2009 and 2010 Way Too Cool 50k champ; 2009-2011 Ohlone Wilderness 50k champ and Course Record holder; Quicksilver 50 mile and 50k Course Record Holder Climbing remote mountains fast; FKTs on Mount Olympus(WA), the Ptarmigan Traverse (WA), and the Rae Lakes Loop (CA)

Do you have any vices?

Cookies & Cream, yum.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

As a runner, I seek to be inspired by my surroundings, whether it be singletrack in a lush redwood forest, sweeping views of rugged mountains, or pristine coastline. In the real world, I enjoy talking to people about my next adventure, travel, and photography.

What drives you to run?

Experiencing nature in the purest form. Accessing remote and wild destinations in a day that would otherwise require multiple days to backpack is a very rewarding feeling. It's tough to beat traveling through the wilderness light and fast.

What is your favorite movie?

Gladiator

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Lungs and legs. From ascending and scrambling steep slopes in the mountains fast.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

40 hours. Anticipation of gorgeous scenery precluded sleep the night before an adventure run.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Washington, my home state. The best alpine climbing in the lower 48 is found in the North Cascades mountains of Washington, which are characterized by a striking combination of glaciers, temperate rainforest, and chiseled peaks. Some of my most memorable adventure runs have traveled through this gorgeous mountain range, known as the “American Alps”.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Turkey sandwich with tomato and spinach, Greek yogurt, an apple, and pita chips.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Music, and my taste is eclectic.

What really scares you about trail running?

I'm addicted to it.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

In search of rugged.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Woodside, CA - great weather and great trails make trail running possible with a busy work schedule. The location also affords easy access to a plethora of parks and trails including the Santa Cruz Mountains, Marin, Pt. Reyes, Big Sur, Tahoe, Yosemite and the High Sierra.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

A half blown over tree (with sharp knobs) hovering over the trail met my head in the pre-dawn hours resulting in six stitches on the scalp. When I went back to that spot a week later the tree had fallen over; I won!

Ellen Parker

Age: 32, Years running: 26, Hometown: Seattle, WA, Favorite shoe: Fireblade Womens

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To run on trail injury-free. To run long trails such as the Appalachian Trail, The Inca Trail, and The John Muir Trail. To combine running with climbing some of the bigger mountains. To improve my ascending. To enter competitions and feel confident about my ability to push harder and faster.

Do you have a claim to fame?

no

Do you have any vices?

Coffee.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Helping others. My time in the woods. Spending time with the family and friends that I love on or off the trail. Positivity. Experiencing life in other cultures and of course their food!

What drives you to run?

At this point I believe it's an innate need for my mind, body, and spirit. It's also simple and free.

What is your favorite movie?

Deerhunter

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

smelley elley, little parker, shelby thanks to my sister. sporadica for my changing levels of energy on the trail.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Probably close to 40 hours when my bro and I climbed Mt Whitney. We were up most of the day preparing for the climb which began at midnight. 17 miles of trail, 12 pitches of rock in a single push, we finished 24 hours later!

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

I'm from Maine where we are known as mainiacs.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

sushi

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

MUSIC

What really scares you about trail running?

Large mammals and sometimes even the smaller ones.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Work, Eat, Sleep, Play, Repeat.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Seattle. We have the best of both worlds here!

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

One day mama bear wouldn't move off the trail so I had to bushwack a few miles to the road. Another time a mountain lion was stalking my friend and I. Luckily, we spotted it and took off in the other direction. My last image of that cat was of it lying down and licking it's chops as we bolted away.

Thomas Reiss

Age: 43, Years running: 15, Hometown: San Luis Obispo, California, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: http://www.thomasreiss.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Run a cool ultra race together with my boys when they are old enough. Right now they are 4 and 6 years old so it will be a little while.

Do you have a claim to fame?

Course record at the Tahoe Rim Trail 50 miler (7:52). Starter at both IAU World Challenges Ultra Trail on the German National Team.

Do you have any vices?

Good Beer.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Trying to be better next time. Never stop trying.

What drives you to run?

Experiencing great places and hoping to run fast in races.

What is your favorite movie?

Home alone

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Don't have one, I hate when people call me Tom. Often people refer top me as "The German". (since I am German)

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

About 48 hours, when I was 15. A bunch of my friends and I went camping and just decided to not sleep.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

California

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

California Turkey Sandwich from High Street Deli.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

I think pictures.

What really scares you about trail running?

That it hurts more then I am prepared for.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Thomas Reiss - What's next.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

San Luis Obispo - Lake Tahoe - Pfälzer Wald (Germany)

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

That it hurts way more then I was hoping for.

Justin Ricks

Age: 33, Years running: 30, Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO, Favorite shoe:

blog: justinricks.blogspot.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I just want to have a good time and enjoy the training because I like the training more than I like racing.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I placed third at the first ever Incline Beer Mile.

Do you have any vices?

Food. I love eating.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I am driven by success and I love competing. Even though I don't like racing, I still love competition

What drives you to run?

I run because of the ability to let loose, be myself, and feel free.

What is your favorite movie?

I am a Star Wars fan.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

I don't have any nicknames.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I didn't sleep for forty hours before my first fifty miler. I was too nervous to sleep

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Colorado, it is my home state. Even after seeing much of the country, nothing compares to Colorado.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

I had a peanut butter and honey sandwich.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

You would see pictures, I am a very visual person.

What really scares you about trail running?

Lions, tigers, and bears...mountain bikers and people on horses.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Pushing Boundaries. I am a rebel.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Colorado

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Any encounter with an unleashed dog is usually a bad encounter.

Pam Smith

Age: 37, Years running: 22, Hometown: Salem, OR, Favorite shoe: Fireblade Womens

blog: http://www.theturtlepath.blogspot.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

The most important goal is to stay healthy and run for as long as possible. I'd like to inspire others to be active, especially my kids. I hope to have many grand running adventures. Specifically, I'd love to do the Wonderland trail and circumnavigations of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. It is my goal to use running to continually push me to my limits.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I was the youngest person to graduate from Temple Medical School.

Do you have any vices?

Sweets - I have a serious sweet tooth!

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

As a runner, I love runs with friends, the exhausted calm after a long run, and single track trail through dark, dense forest. In the real world, I enjoy spending time with my family. I love it when my kids make me laugh. besides running, I like to cook and garden (and especially cook things from my garden!).

What drives you to run?

The desire to be the best that I can, both on a day to day basis and in competition.

What is your favorite movie?

Well, to get psyched up for a race - Cool Runnings. For general viewing, I am not sure I could just pick one.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

A friend nicknamed me Ardilla Voladora (flying squirrel) after the Capitol Peak 50 miler a few years back. She said I seemed to be running normally but then just started to fly on the downhill.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I stayed up all night several times in residency and also for hundred milers. I like my sleep, though, and I usually crash pretty hard the next day after being up all night. I don't think I could make it more than one night without sleep.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Colorado - rugged, not too showy, and people always say nice things about it.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Rainbow chard risotto (the chard was from my garden!) and a small salad with lots of blue cheese.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

It'd be a list, possibly in outline format!

What really scares you about trail running?

Animal encounters! I love seeing animals in the distance, but I hope I never have a face to face encounter with one on the trail.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The Juggler

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I am pretty happy with Oregon, but I'd love to live closer to trails. And maybe have a winter home in Arizona!

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

My worst encounters have been encounters with asthma. Fortunately, I haven't had any real animal encounters, though I've had to jump over a few rattle snakes.

Derrick Spafford

Age: 43, Years running: 28, Hometown: Yarker, Ontario, Canada, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: http://www.healthandadventure.com/

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To run further, faster and higher than I ever thought possible. Race wise, I would love to represent Canada at some international ultrarunning events.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I have a running streak in that I haven’t taken a day off from running since December 25, 1989.

Do you have any vices?

Beer, pizza, cinnamon buns and jujubes

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Balance and consistency. I need my daily fix of running on the trails and in the woods for everything else in my life to make sense

What drives you to run?

The joy of being at one with nature.

What is your favorite movie?

We got rid of our TV a number of years ago, so don’t really watch many movies. If I had to pick one though, I’d say ‘Hard Core Logo’. Basically it’s a Canadian Punk version of the Blues Brothers.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

“Spaff”. Short form of my last name that probably started when I was playing hockey as a kid. Everyone had a nickname when you played hockey.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

The longest I’ve gone without sleep was during my first 100miler. I was exhausted but excited, so don’t think I really slept most of the next day.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Since I live in Canada, I’ll say that I would want to be named ‘Yukon’.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Banana Split Sandwich (banana, peanut butter & jam)

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Definitely music. I love music, but never run with it, so you’d probably hear The Pogues blasting quite loudly in my head.

What really scares you about trail running?

Injury

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Confessions of a Running Streaker

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

North-Western Canada

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I’ve encountered a number of bears on the trail, but they’ve never bothered me as they just take off in the other direction. I've had a couple of close calls with skunks too. My worst encounter was a nasty hole caused by an all terrain vehicle resulting in a broken ankle.

Mark Tanaka

Age: 43, Years running: 30, Hometown: Castro Valley, CA, Favorite shoe: Wildcat

blog: http://ultrailnaka.blogspot.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

to continue to run lots of ultras, while still being a great dad and husband. would be cool to get 100 100-milers under my belt, and to be able to finish ultras into my 70's.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I suspect I'm one of the few, if not the only, person to finish first and last in a 100-mile race.

Do you have any vices?

I sometimes covet others' race schedules, but for someone with my job and two small kids, I think I do pretty well. Post-long-run gluttony, though given how skinny I am, probably not a vice.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

sometimes competition and camrederie, but more often just chances to escape the stresses of civilization or eat a lot of yummy food

What drives you to run?

Exercise withdrawal feels too awful, and swimming laps gets boring pretty fast.

What is your favorite movie?

I no longer have the leisure to pick favorites independently my kids' current tastes, which last week included "Up."

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

Also dictated by my two young kids, sometimes inappropriate.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

about 50 hours to drive to and finish the 2009 McNaughton 150 mile trail run. This does not answer the question of Why? Why, I ask, do I do stuff like that?

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

DC, the unrepresented non-state, in the center of it all, yet outside the box. Dakota Tanaka has a ring to it, but that's two states.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

leftovers. cooked by my wife. still yummy.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

all of the above, then everyone starts dancing

What really scares you about trail running?

something happening so I could no longer do it

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Another False Summit

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I like where I am (the Bay Area), but could use a bigger house with another bedroom and a real yard. Living at high altitude would help me overcome my trail running Achilles heel.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

whole body cramping causing me to fall onto and writhe on the ground for several minutes at mile 68 of the 2008 Rio del Lago 100 mile trail run

Ryan Woods

Age: 32, Years running: 18, Hometown: Boone, NC, Favorite shoe: Raptor

blog: www.woodsruns.com

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

To race in all 50 states. I'm at 33 and just booked a flight for number 34. I'm not sure what to do about the midwest though.

Do you have a claim to fame?

Yea, in college my roomate put an apple on his head and let me throw a dart at it. I hit it. The apple that is.

Do you have any vices?

Yea again. A good imperial ipa, cabs and zins, and fresh roasted coffee. Not in that particular order.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

As a runner it's competition. In my early years I didn't enjoy running much and never thought I'd have been doing it at this point in my life. But I've always loved to compete and that's what keeps me going with a smile. Getting into mountain running has turned running into an adventure and racing into vacations. It's been a great fit. In the real world it's coffee.

What drives you to run?

Honda Accord.

What is your favorite movie?

All my favorite movies are from the 1990's when I was young and impressionable. Matrix, Fight Club, and Braveheart apeal to the fiery side of me while Zoolander and Spinal Tap appeal to my laughity side. Billy Bob's speech at the end of Friday Night Lights nearly brings a tears to my eyes as did Wedding Crashers and Old School

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

I went through a phase of lying to girls at bars. So some people call me Troy. Troy races cars.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Ugh, anything over 14 hours is too long.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Texas. Texas Woods sounds cool.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Chilli. It was leftover.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

My head can do it all... pictures, videos, words, and music. My brain is fully functioning... most of the time.

What really scares you about trail running?

Witches, ghosts, dudes with rifles.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Groundhog day. Life gets pretty repetitive.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

The White House. It seems unlikely at this point.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I ran up on a couple having sex. It wasn't so bad really.

Bill Wright

Age: 48, Years running: 25, Hometown: Superior, Colorado, Favorite shoe: Crosslite

blog: http://web.me.com/billwright510/Mobile_Me_Site/Trail_Running_Blog/Trail_Running_Blog.html

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I've done most of my running goals, at least speed-wise (sub 40 minutes at the Bolder Boulder, sub 5 hours at the Pikes Peak Marathon) and distance-wise (Leadville 100 in my first and only try). I guess I'd still like to break 12 hours at the San Juan Summer Solstice 50-miler, finish in the age-group awards at the Pikes Peak Marathon, and use my running fitness for speedy climbing ascents, like the Grand Traverse in the Tetons.

Do you have a claim to fame?

My claim to fame is being the first person to ski the 1911 Gully on the Third Flatiron above Boulder, Colorado, co-author of the book Speed Climbing, race director of the Rattlesnake Ramble and the Tour de Flatirons scrambling series, and I'm the keeper of the local speed records, on the trails, road, and rock.

Do you have any vices?

I have many vices but my worst is probably that I'm easily distracted and am interested in so many things that I bounce around and lose my focus. I also watch too much TV and eat too many carbs

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I like to challenge myself and I like to measure my performance. I am a fastidious record keeper. I like adventure and competition and go back and forth between doing races and doing big mountain or desert adventures that involve technical climbing.

What drives you to run?

Eating! Seriously, a significant factor in exercising is to enjoy eating more. But the major factor is just that it feels great to work hard, to sweat, to breathe hard, and to go to beautiful places and be alone in the wilderness.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movies are The Man From Snowy River, Braveheart, Dances With Wolves, and A Few Good Men

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

My main nickname is Plan Man because I like to plan out my year and sometimes plan years in advance. I think if you don't plan to get great things done, then you reduce your chances of getting great things done. Each year I write down a set of goals for the year and plan my climbing/running/adventure trips for the entire year.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

I've gone about 43 hours without sleep during the Leadville 100 and a couple of 34-hour adventure races. I've also pulled "all nighters" studying at school and working at my job.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

It would have to Colorado for its great mountains, trail running, kayaking, mountain biking and it's accessibility to communities where technology jobs exist.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

A banana, yogurt, granola bar, a couple of cookies, and a hard-boiled egg, but that's healthier than I usually eat. Today I had pizza.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

You'd see and hear all three. I frequently run with an iPod where I either listen to an audiobook or inspirational music. When listening to a good on a calorie-burning run, I feel I'm doubling my productivity. I'm getting exercise and I'm learning something from my book.

What really scares you about trail running?

What scares me most about running is injuries, especially twisting or breaking an ankle by running too fast in highly technical terrain. For this reason I try to limit the number of times I really push the pace on a rocky descent. I frequently go up hard, but take it easy on the way down.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The movie would be called "Just Do It...All!" I have a wide variety of interests and I'm working my through all of them.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

'd live the summer in Chamonix, France or Cortina, Italy and then fall in Sedona, Arizona and winter in Maui, to keep the wife happy.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

I haven't had a significantly bad encounter on the trail if you don't count impacting the trail when I fall. I do occasionally pass people that seem to get annoyed that I'm running where they are hiking, but these people are rare. Where when I was younger I might react angrily, now I try to kill them with kindness and humility. I've also nearly run into the back end of a bull moose before, but it turned out to be a great encounter. Also, I've been charged by a couple of wild bison, but once I took flight they gave up the chase.

Nathan Yanko

Age: 27, Years running: 13, Hometown: San Francisco California, Favorite shoe: Fireblade

blog: http://foodandtrailrunning.blogspot.com/

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

I would like to continue to explore quiet trails, make it over passes, and look at the world in ways that few people choose to.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I am known for having the appropriate job to compliment my running. Working at a bakery allows me to fuel my body on high quality food to keep me going on the trails.

Do you have any vices?

I would rather be making-out than stretching. That and eating ice cream. I try and find a nice middle ground though, and I really don't feel bad about either of them.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

I enjoy those moments of getting out the door and not having to think about anything other than my breathing and where my next foot-fall is going to be. There is something so spectacular about knowing you are going to be outside and not necessarily doing anything for an entire day, sometimes entire night as well. This feeling of anticipation for the next chance I can get out the door and onto the trail is what makes me tick in the real world.

What drives you to run?

I enjoy the time to myself away from everything that might seem important. This allows me to re-evaluate and realize what actually is important.

What is your favorite movie?

The Sound of Music (preferably the sing-along at the Castro Theater, it's a total movie experience).

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

I have acquired a handful of nicknames over the years. Most of them make no sense but some of them hit me right on the nose: Procrastinate- I tend to leave things until the last minute. Natalio- what my Hispanic friends refer to me. OvenNator- I bake.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

Sleep is too important to me and I get cranky if I don’t get enough of it. I guess I just try and forget the times I don’t get sleep.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

Ohio. It just explains me. Ohio is where I grew up and where I acquired many of my mannerisms and personality traits. That and you have to represent your home state.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Rancho Gordo Vallarta baked beans with bacon, slow cooked Happy Boy collard greens, Primavera corn tortillas, avocado, Sierra Navada Creamery chevre, Allagash Curieux barrel aged ale, and Christmas cookies.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Music

What really scares you about trail running?

Falling and knocking out my teeth.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Arduous but pretty damn good.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

Where I am now. Bay Area California.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Weekend warrior mountain bikers on single track.