How did you get into trail running?
I ran my first half marathon in 2012 and started training with a group for a full marathon shortly after. The same training group then offered a program to train for a trail 50km a few months later, and I’ve been hooked since then.
What is your favorite trail to run on?
There’s a section on the eastern part of Devils Rest trail in the gorge where it sort of flattens out a bit, and the trees open up, looking out towards the river. It’s always so quiet and feels very remote, and is a nice break from all of the climbing.
What is your favorite trail race?
I’ve run the Backcountry Rise 50km twice and am coming back for a 3rd time this year. I grew up in Australia, and we just don’t have that type of alpine scenery there, so I feel very lucky to be able to experience places like that.
Sean at the Wy’East Howl trail race
What are your weekly average running miles and ascent?
I’ve never been a high mileage runner and consider 40 miles to be a good week. I aim to hit 30 miles as a minimum, though. Usually somewhere between 3-6k feet of climbing
What is a typical weekday run?
I’ve been working from my basement since the pandemic started and can usually squeeze in a 5 mile run around the neighborhood over lunch before my next Zoom meeting starts. If I don’t have the time, I’ll usually head out at night once the kids are down.
What is a typical weekend run?
I’m usually at the trailhead before 6:30 am so I can get in a decent run and be back home early enough in the day to still enjoy the weekend with my kids. Typically I’ll aim for something around 15 miles.
What shoes do you wear?
Altra Lone Peaks for trails, I have been wearing them almost exclusively since the 2.0s. For me, they’re the perfect combination of traction, shape, and protection—Saucony Kinvaras for roads.
What is your favorite trail running apparel?
I don’t really have a favorite brand, and I’ll typically buy the cheapest thing that does what I need. I do like the Rabbit FKT shorts, though, good fit and storage pockets.
What watch do you wear?
Garmin 935. I’ve had a few Garmins over the year, and I think I’m just used to them by now. I like its simplicity and relatively good battery life. I always seem to get a bit cheated in milage, though, compared to others.
What nutrition do you like to use on runs and races?
For weekend runs and races up to 50km, I pretty much use Tailwind exclusively. Longer races, I’ll try and force myself to eat some fruit or a PB&J sandwich.
What do you like most about the trail running community?
I like how welcoming and friendly most people are. I don’t really get out for group runs much anymore, but almost every other runner I see out on the trails returns a little wave when we pass.
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