The SRC-Brooks Team is comprised of ten current Seattle Running Club members who exemplify a commitment to MUT (mountain, ultra, trail) running and racing, volunteering, and leadership within the local running community and the Seattle Running Club as well as being positive ambassadors for the club and Brooks.
Kristi Williams
Why do you run?
I run because it grounds me completely. I am a full time kindergarten teacher and have a threeand a half year old, thus my days are full and all about small humans. Running allows me to step away from that world and fill my personal cup with more pain and exhaustion….just of a different sort! I do love to challenge myself and see what I am still capable of. Now as a masters athlete, I am navigating the path of a more mature runner. I am learning to listen to my body more, take more rest, and in a sense, run less. It is important that I can keep doing this because I want to be one of those eighty year old runners still doing what they love. This can only happen with grace for myself, my running, and my ever evolving life.
Where is your favorite place to run?
My favorite place to run still remains Pt. Defiance State Park in Tacoma, Wa. I love that there is an old growth forest full of animals, ferns, and soft wood chip paths. In addition, there are stunning water views and a nearby zoo chock full of the sounds of creatures that you would not expect in the Pacific Northwest! Though I do love the shaded and sheltered trails of Pt. Defiance State Park, I do enjoy running on the nearby flat and paved promenade of Ruston Way. Many a tempo I have completed on this trail, dodging cute pups and kids on bikes while racing trains that are on the other side of the street. I often will spend my time after my run, icing in the chilly sound waters of Ruston Way while enjoying an ice cream cone from the little food shack that is a popular summer time stop for families on the path.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
My biggest running goal I have for myself this year is breaking four hours in the Vashon 50k. This will be my third effort at this race event and thus far, I have been able to shave off a good amount of time each time I complete it. I have a ten minute roadblock that I need to overcome to make this dream a reality. Now, I will say my training for these races are not very focused or intentional other than making sure I get some good long runs in. This winter and spring, I hope to train with more intention and maybe that will help me chip off those measly ten minutes that are preventing me from breaking that four hour barrier in the 50k! This includes learning how to adequately fuel myself to avoid the dreaded bonk. Finding what works for me has been an experiment which has yielded some great results and some unhappy endings where I am sprinting to find a bathroom in time…..ah, the joys of figuring yourself out!
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
I am a strong believer in ensuring that my joints stay nice and protected, so for most of my runs I am a religious Glycerin user. Glycerins have been my go to daily shoe for years now and I owe my lack of injury to their well designed structure. In terms of road or track workouts, I use the Hyperion Tempos. I love how responsive the Hyperion Tempos feel without any extra bulk. I use this shoe from a mile race all the way up to a marathon. Trail wise, I love the Brooks Catamounts for trail racing because they are lighter weight and less shoe. I don’t like having big and bulky shoes for trail racing because I need to feel the ground and where my foot lands. I feel more in control with the Catamounts, but for downhill running I prefer the bulky and squishy Calderas to help protect my knees from all the impact.
Tyler Vasquez
Why do you run?
I run to slow my day down and create more awareness of my surroundings, whether on the trail or in cities. Running gives me a chance to immerse myself in the details of the world around me, clearing my mind while connecting to nature and urban spaces.
Where’s your favorite place to run?
I love weaving through Seattle’s Olmsted Parks, linking Volunteer Park, Interlaken Park, and the Arboretum. These spaces offer a unique mix of greenery and cityscapes, blending tranquility with the energy of urban life.
What’s a major running goal you have for this year?
This year, I want to become a more versatile runner. My overarching goal is to build the fitness and resilience needed for long 12+ hour trail runs in the mountains, while also excelling in midweek Wednesday Seattle Running Club workouts. It’s about balancing endurance and speed, and embracing the diversity of the running community and environments.
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
The Brooks Cascadia. It’s reliable, comfortable, and built for tackling trails with confidence—perfect for everything from technical mountain terrain to casual city park jogs.
Trisha Steidl
Why do I run?
I run because it provides me a sense of freedom, exploration, and the opportunity to challenge myself and see what I’m truly capable of doing.
Where is your favourite place to run?
Wherever I’m running at the moment is my favourite place to run. My go-to routes are along Lake Washington and the Issy Alps. We’re so fortunate to have so many wonderful places to run in and around Seattle that it’s hard to choose a specific favourite.
Goals for this year?
After a bust of year last year, I have a lot of both speed and endurance rebuilding to do before I’ll be ready to race. Concurrently, I’m navigating how my body changes as I approach 50. I have some race ideas, but nothing fully concrete to allow for some mental grace and flexibility. I would be very happy if I could be ready to compete at the US 50k Road Champs in April. I would also like to run another 24 hour race to try and quality for the US team or at least get more experience at this type of race. I also want to finally rip off the band-aid and run a 100 mile trail race, but I don’t know if that’ll happen this year or wait until 2026.
Favorite shoe?
For training on the roads I rotate between Adrenaline and Glycerin and on trails the Catamount and Cascadia make up the rotation. Speedwork and races call for the incredible Hyperions.
Laura Mizumoto
Why do you run?
I run because it is a part of who I am. It makes me happy and I feel complete when I run. I love that running allows me to destress in order to be the best mother, wife, and friend that I can be. I have met some of my best friends running, and it is great to share our love for running together.
Where’s your favourite place to run?
My current favorite place to run is downtown Gig Harbor as it provides views of the water and Mt. Rainier. It is also such a friendly community and everyone waves hello. I love Cougar Mountain for trail running. I love getting out in nature where you can let all your worries go.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
A running goal that I have for the year is to challenge myself in trail racing. I would like to take the leap and complete my first 50k. Road racing has been more of a focus in the past so it is fun to have a new goal and be surrounded by so many knowledgeable and experienced trail runners.
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
The Brooks Ghost has to be my favorite shoe for every day running. I have recently tried the Ghost Max version and I love the cushion and the assisted transition feature. The Brooks Hyperion Max is my favorite shoe for workouts, longer tempos and even road racing.
Dave Messenheimer
Why do you run?
To relieve stress, to explore our awesome city and regional trails, to feel myself getting better (or at least not getting worse), and because after a lot of years I still can!
Where’s your favourite place to run?
Somewhere with someone. You can make any route a good one if you’re running with the right people. Otherwise, some hills and some dirt, with a bonus if there is a peak or view (Tiger Mountain if I have to be specific).
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
Figure out what my new “normal” should be for running (i.e. how to get faster, but not hurt myself). I’m aiming to do a 50 miler, and more racing overall.
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
Adrenaline: Class trainer that soaks up the miles and gets the job done for those of us who need some support!
Glycerin: Love the extra cushion it provides for lots of training miles.
Catamount: Lightweight trail shoe that just feels like it wants to race.
Jenny Easterberg
Why do you run?
For me running is very beneficial both physically and mentally. Having struggled with severe anxiety in the past, movement helps me better process thoughts and experiences. I really enjoy celebrating life through motion.
What’s your favorite place to run?
I really enjoy exploring new areas for running, especially with friends. I’ll admit my go-to running place is Tiger. There are so many different trails to explore, and of course I have a couple of my favorite loops that provide continuous challenge despite having run them multiple times.
What’s a major running goal you have this year?
This year my goal is to focus on distances of 20k to 50k. I know this will be a good challenge for me to work on both my speed and endurance. My hope is that after having done a few longer races, I will feel more ready to tackle a couple of 100ks that I have my eye on for the end of 2025 into 2026.
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
I have to say I absolutely love the Glycerin. The neutral fit and cushion are simply unparalleled. I wear these shoes for both my long road runs as well as longer trail runs. I have even used them for some of my longer track workouts considering they have both cushion and bounce.
Chris Chamberlin
Why do you run?
I run to explore beautiful mountain places, to spend quality time outdoors alone and with friends, to keep my body healthy and strong, and to enjoy friendly competition.
Where’s your favorite place to run?
I love to run trails in the Cascades whenever I can. The Issaquah Alps are Cascades foothills so absolutely count; Tiger Mountain in particular is a favorite training ground. If I have all day the wide-open ridgelines of the Teanaway area are favorite destination.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
I like to build my racing season working up to a long mountain ultramarathon in the late summer or early fall. I’m still working out the details, but maybe it’s finally time to take on one of Washington’s original 100 milers, the Plain 100?
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
The Ghost has been my long-time favorite for training on the road, and the Catamount suits me for all kinds of trail missions from fast races to all-day adventures.
Tommy Brooks
Why do you run?I run to connect with myself and nature, to explore and play in new places, and to stay physically and mentally fit. And because it is fun!
Where’s your favourite place to run?
It’s tough to pick just one! I live in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, and I love the hills and views the neighborhood provides. It’s my out-the-door daily and it never gets old. Discovery Park is a wonderful destination in the city that offers a ton of variety and beauty. And, anywhere where I am traveling. I have found running is the most interesting and limitless way to explore a new place.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
To compete in the Boston Marathon in April. I qualified, but have been fighting an injury the past month. Fingers crossed for quick healing and ample training time!
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo has been my go-to daily shoe for a while. It’s super fun and speedy. I look forward to trying the Hyperion Max 2 on the road and the Catamount 4 on the trails this year!
Emily Brain
Why do you run?
To feel free and powerful, to challenge myself, and to connect with nature.
Where’s your favorite place to run?
My favorite “backyard” trails are St. Edward Park and Carkeek. I also love the Issy Alps for easy access to a wilderness vibe. But the trails of Mount Rainier, Orcas Island, and Winthrop are my most sacred and special places.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
I will be focusing on 50K and longer distances this year, starting with Chuckanut in March! I am hoping to beat my previous time on the course. After that is TBD, but I am planning to run a 50 miler or 100K (or longer!). My goal is to work on my fatigue resistance and improve my performances at these distances.
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
For roads, I love the Hyperion Max as a daily trainer and the regular Hyperion for speedwork and races. For fast trail racing, I am obsessed with the Catamount Agil. I enjoy the Caldera for longer distances or training.
Erik Barkhaus
Why do you run?
It keeps me physically and mentally fit. It’s a great time to reflect on things and keep a positive outlook on life.
Where’s your favourite place to run?
Seahurst Park is my new favorite. It’s close to my neighborhood and I can create a fantastic loop with a mix of road, gravel path, and trails. There are some challenging hills but you’ll be rewarded with views of the sound and quiet forested loop.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
4th time is the charm for Chuckanut….I’ve had some bad luck with injuries leading up to Chuckanut 50k in the past. Last year I volunteered at the SRC aide station and while it was a blast to charge people up going into the ridge line trail, I knew I needed to get back to that start line this year!
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
Hyperion Max 2 has taken the crown for road. I can do everything from speed work to long runs and the legs hold up great. On the trails I love the Catamounts as they just put me in the racing mood.