It’s almost the end of the year, so it must be time for another really long Shoeless Joe interview! I met Justin Houck awhile back (read: May) and was enamored by his thoughtful intelligence, sparkling wit, and, I’ll just come right out and say it, his elegance. This is a handsome man. I knew he’d be perfect for this interview format, and I think you’ll all agree!
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Shoeless Joe: Hi everybody! I’m so excited to be back with my new favorite runner, Justin Houck (mispronounced)! And I’m not just saying that because I tower over him! I’m a big fan because he has the best house of anyone I’ve interviewed and who also let me into their home. A gorgeous spread overlooking Lake Washington, I admit I was mostly distracted during the interview which is the reason if you think this interview is terrible. But most importantly, Justin is an SRC member and wore an SRC shirt too, so maybe now I won’t be lectured at the next board meeting! Justin Houck (mispronounced), welcome! And thank you for sitting here with me, in person! Justin Houck: Thanks for having me Joe. That’s a great stab at pronouncing my name and sitting with you is an honor. Let the interview begin!
SJ: I’m honored that you are honored! To be honest though I don’t know much about you. All I know is you were a teammate of Uli Steidl at the University of Portland. JH: Well, you’re right in saying that Uli and I went to the same alma mater but he preceded me by quite a few years…eight years, to be exact (Sorry Uli).
SJ: Oh I see. In my defense, I didn’t have any time this morning to do any research. What is your earliest running memory and how did you get enveloped by the sport? JH: I won’t take it personally that you don’t know me, Joe. Even if you did do the research, I’m fairly certain there isn’t too much stuff out there. As to my earliest running memory, I have to go way back in preschool where as a class we were running a 400 meter race.
SJ: Where did you go to preschool? JH: I attended the prestigious North Central Preschool.
SJ: Never heard of it. Go on. JH: I made a tactical error that day by wearing my nicest dress shoes rather than some sneakers. As we rounded the first bend on the track, I was way back and losing ground. My preschool mentor saw this and picked me up on his shoulders and passed all the kids to give me my first track race win. This may have technically been cheating but I basked in the glory of winning and since have never turned back.
SJ: Never? JH: Well maybe a couple times, but I’m still going strong.
SJ: Wait a minute, I’m going to have to back you up a bit and ask you what in the world a “preschool mentor” is. JH: You didn’t have a preschool mentor? Well…that explains a lot.
SJ: Thank you! But did your mentor also happen to be married to your mom? My dad helped me cheat a few times back when I was a kid. JH: My dad wasn’t my preschool mentor in particular, but I definitely looked up to him. He’s not a runner per se, but he had moments that showed he could have been a good runner. I don’t know if my dad helped me cheat, but it’s always a possibility…
SJ: I hear that. Has your dad or your mom or maybe both or maybe other relatives seemed disappointed at your wanting to be a competitive runner? JH: I can’t think of anyone that has been disappointed. At least they haven’t told me to my face. On the flip side, my family closest to me have been overwhelmingly supportive, especially my wife. Although some may get tired of the non-stop conversations about everything running-related. I just can’t help but to bring up another running story.
SJ: Well, it could be worse. My uncle actually left the room the last time I started talking about running. In his defense though it was a pretty dumb story and I don’t know why I brought it up. Got any good recent running stories for us? JH: Recent running stories, hmm…What comes to mind is my father-in-law, who ran the White River 50 mile.
SJ: I’ve run that race! JH: Anyway, during the race, he had several hard falls, but in the end he finished. A truly inspirational story with him completing chemotherapy only months beforehand and then finishing an absolutely epic race. I hope to be just running at age 63!
SJ: Wow, that is intense. I hope to merely be alive at 63. But that reminds me of a question I have…well, let me preface; you’re 33 years old, right? JH: I’m honored you think I’m that mature. I’m actually 28.
SJ: Oh right, 28. You’re welcome! Well my question is regarding running style. Would you say *you* have a running style? Your dad has that…63 year-old, post-chemo ultra style. High schoolers have that eyes-glazed-over, can-barely-dress-themselves-but-think-they-know-everything-cause-they-can-finally-drive-to-the-mall style. College guys think they’re so hip with their tattoos, girlfriends, and cool haircuts. How would you describe your running style? Has it developed and changed over the years? Can you envision your style, say, 20 years from now, when you’re….however old you’ll be? JH: Haha. You’ve totally pegged the high schooler style. I wouldn’t say I have any particular style. As you know styles change and that goes for my running as well. I used to be a peppy toe runner but my body over the years has molded a more efficient gait. More midfoot strike and less back kick. Perfectly suited for some speedy ultramarathoning.
SJ: Well, speaking of speedy, I think you know what it’s time for! JH: I can only imagine.
SJ: Epic FKT thrown down there on the speed round Justin! I have just a few more things I wanted to ask you. Speaking of FKT’s, the one and only Joe Gray is on record stating that those known for them are “no bueno” and “Real athletes r known for competing, not practice” (sic) My question is: do you think you could beat Joe Gray in a beer mile? JH: Hmmm I don’t really see how FKTs and a beer mile throw-down with Joe relate, but yeah I think I could take him.
SJ: Nice! Would you be willing to be our spokesman and challenge Club Northwest to an intergendered Beer Mile to Determine Local Club Dominance at Beer Miling? JH: Most certainly!
SJ: You used to work with the world-famous Joe Grant at Portland Running Company. Any dirt you can share? JH: I don’t remember too much dirt. What I can remember is that he was a cool dude and he told me he was friends with the guy in the movie we kept playing in the store on repeat. The guy I later learned was Anton Krupicka.
SJ: So you’re saying Joe’s a name-dropper. That’s ok though, my name’s also Joe and I’m already doing that with your name! Is his hair real? I admit I’m a little jealous of it. JH: I’m a little jealous of the Amish hat he’s been rocking. Instead of hair, you should rock the hat.
SJ: Before we go, I figured I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you about White River. That was an incredible performance. Your 6:26 was the fastest Washingtonian time ever, and you still only have 52 twitter followers. At what point during the race did you stop worrying about leading your first-ever 50 miler versus some stout names and start thinking “you know, I can win this and in a pretty damn fast time too!”? JH: To be honest, I came into the race thinking that I could win and with a pretty darn fast time. I projected myself at 6:30 and left Sage’s record for an ultimate goal. During the race I didn’t think much about time until about a few miles left. I did a quick calculation and realized Sage’s time was impossible. I didn’t know Anton’s time but if I did I probably would of gone a little harder at the end…oh well.
SJ: Any plans on increasing that twitter following? JH: Well yeah, as for twitter followers, I thought 52 was good. No plans yet but you definitely have instilled some embarrassment on only having 52–
SJ: I have 132. JH: …
SJ:You handily won the Crystal Mountain Sky Marathon, you placed 4th at the hotly-contested USATF Trail Half Marathon National Championships, and most recently you cake-walked your way to the PNTF XC 10k title at Lower Woodland Park. Where do you predict we’ll be seeing Hawkeye in the months and years to come? JH: If you mean races, I’ll be at the The North Face 50 Mile Endurance Run in San Francisco in December. Maybe a beer mile in January? Boston Marathon? The 2015 Sky Running Ultra Series? Western States and/or UTMB someday. Other than that, you can probably find me running around Seattle.
SJ: Is there anything you’ve always wanted to ask me? JH: I was recently asked on a run if I was completing an FKT. I was a little frustrated by this and told the guy “No, I’m just trying to run up and down the mountain safely.” What do you think of FKTs and Strava? Do you think someone will die from trying to complete an FKT?
Do you think someone will die trying to complete an FKT?
Do you have Twitter? If so, follow Justin! And me!
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Hey everyone! Aren’t we all excited for that Saved By The Bell feature on Lifetime in a couple weeks? While I wait, I sat down for a mini interview with fellow #SRCBrooks member John Wallace! I would beat John in most races that are shorter than 24 hours long (pauses for applause), but I can’t hold a candle to his consistency and longevity. Not only is John *really* old (he has two kids!), he’s run, as of today, 8,999 days in a row! Tomorrow is the big #9,000, so we thought we’d honor his odd addiction with some prime website real estate. Enjoy!
(If you’re not into reading and would rather just run with John, tomorrow he’s inviting anyone/everyone to join him for the 9000th run. Details here.)
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SJ: Hi John, I’m Joe. We met at a couple SRC board meetings, in case you don’t remember me. Win Van Pelt told me to interview you about some “9000 days, 9000 miles” something or other. I could barely decipher his email. Do you know what he’s talking about? JW: Hi Joe, or do you prefer Mr. Creighton?
SJ: Mr. Creighton will be fine. JW: Yes, tomorrow, August 21st, will be my 9000th consecutive day of running.
SJ: 9000 days in a row?! Wow, that’s like…35 years ago right?! You can’t be much older than 40. Did you really start when you were only 5 years old? JW: That’s closing in on 24 full years and year 25 will start on New Year’s Eve. It started on a cold wintery Michigan day; December 31st, 1989. I thought I’d get in some training miles for a New Year’s Day 5 mile race. I started the streak a few days before my 14th birthday, of course not intending to run everyday for a full week or month, much less a couple decades. There isn’t really anything special about the first run. It was just our regular 4 mile loop and I didn’t even take an accurate time. The race went well and I went out again the next day. After a week straight, my dad placed a bet. The first person to miss a day has to pay the other one $20. Another week passed and still going strong. January passed and I wasn’t about to lose $20. Two months, six months and finally a whole year passed. Today, I am the youngest person to get to 9000 straight days. About two years younger then the next guy who is #3 on the active list with 43+ years right now.
SJ: How long before CPS rescued you from your dad? rotflmao! JW: Luckily head of CPS was also a local streak runner. He was actually disappointed I didn’t start earlier.
SJ: What counts as a “running day”? JW: The official definition of a running streak, as adopted by the Streak Runners International, Inc., and United States Running Streak Association, Inc., is to run at least one continuous mile (1.61 kilometers) within each calendar day under one’s own body power (without the utilization of any type of health or mechanical aid other than prosthetic devices).
Running under one’s own body power can occur on either the roads, a track, over hill and dale, or on a treadmill. Running cannot occur through the use of canes, crutches or banisters, or reliance on pools or aquatic devices to create artificial buoyancy.
Technicalities aside, run a complete mile every day without stopping. Watch out for time zones, International Date Lines, and taking naps after 11pm.
SJ: So you started the streak when you were 14 years old. That means it spanned your entire high school tenure. I’m going to go out on a limb and assume you weren’t homecoming king. JW: Correct. Although I had my picture taken with all the homecoming queens (benefits of my father being official school photographer).
SJ: Were there ever any close calls in high school or college? I’m thinking along the lines of…you’re in the back of your dad’s Impala with Susie, and you see it’s 11:47pm and you still haven’t gotten your run in. Are you telling me you actually told Susie to hang tight while you squeezed in a quick mile? JW: A couple of minor updates on the facts: it was a Plymouth Reliant and 11:53pm. Not any extremely close calls. I did miss the end of Twister to get a mall parking lot mile in. I think I missed the end of The Lion King as well but not sure why I was watching that in college anyway. Had an emergency appendectomy my junior year of college and ran 12 hours after that, trying to keep the glue from coming apart on my incision. Everyone that knew about the streak in high school or college would not let me miss a day. They all said “not on my watch.” So it was pretty easy to get in the miles.
SJ: Your friends sound pretty sadistic. Having started so young, you surely learned the hard way about how to best schedule around events and potential emergencies. What was the most recent lesson you learned? JW: Have backup plans for your backup plans. I can’t be leaving my 6-year old to watch my 1-year old while I head out on an easy 10. You generally can find 10-15 minutes in your day to get in a mile. I haven’t had any jeans runs lately so planning must be going well. I have amazing neighbors and family that can help out with the kids in a crunch. It’s actually much tougher to convince my wife to keep them for a six-day run. But that’s another story!
SJ: You obviously have a(n admittedly harmless) form of OCD that you might need to see a therapist about, but can you look into the future and see any potential events or causes that could force your hand and have you end the streak? JW: There are no specific threats but there are things I know I won’t be able to do unless/until the streak ends. Summit Mt. Everest. Space Walk. Command a nuclear submarine (unless there was a treadmill on board). I suppose amputation might be something to worry about. I have heard anecdotal evidence of women running close to or on the days of giving birth. That’s hard core!
SJ: I’m going to guess this isn’t the only “streak” you’re in the midst of…spill the beans John. JW: I had a few mini streaks during the main streak. I ran only in daylight for a full year, which is harder than it sounds. I ran a minimum of 2 miles per day for a year. I ran 4 miles a day and only 4 miles for a whole month. You have to mix things up!
SJ: You sound like a wild man. Based on your experiences growing up and now being a grown adult father, how will you feel if any of your own kids want to follow in dad and grandpa’s footsteps? Would you recommend it to them? JW: My son and I just had to walk 0.3 miles *downhill* from the parking lot to work today.
SJ: Wait, your 6 year old son has a job? Maybe I should call CPS on *you*! JW: If you call playing Jetpack Joyride, organizing Pokemon cards, and sketching Angry Birds then you got me!
SJ: I like Angry Birds! JW: Anyway, he was not happy with that walk and wanted to be dropped off at the front door. I’m not too worried about him yet. He’ll have to ramp up pretty quickly though because there is a guy that started at nine years old erasing all my “youngest to xxxx days” records. He already has a few races under his belt though and likes to be first at everything. It’s not something I’d force on him, but if it came naturally that would be great.
SJ: If I were you, I’d make an event of this 9000th day. Like a group run or something, followed by cake. You ever consider that? JW: Great idea. 5:30am. Corner of California Ave SW and SW Alaska St in West Seattle (Map. 5-6 miles. If you’re not in the Seattle area, I’m looking for folks to combine all their mileage run on that day in the hopes of reaching 9000. Obligatory Facebook Event Page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/927089323984849/
SJ: On a scale of 1-10, how much do you *really* believe that your dad doesn’t owe you $20? JW: So it’s $20 per year, which will be $500 at the end of this year. As there is definitely no fame or fortune involved in this endeavor, I’d give it a solid 10. Let me reread that poorly worded question…I’ll just say that I believe he’s run all 8999 days in a row as well and we’ll both see how 9000 goes tomorrow!
SJ: Final question. With your ability to stay healthy, I bet people would love to know what your favorite pair of Vibrams are! JW: I do have a great pair of hiking boots with Vibram outsole. For running I love the Brooks Launch, Ghost and want to try out the new Grits.
SJ: Good enough! Any Plans for the 10,000th day? JW: Take a day off? 🙂
Maybe take another crack at the fastest run across America?
Maybe a 10k with my almost 10 year old?
Day 20,000 or 25,000 will be a big celebration!
Maybe cake…?
SJ: I like cake!
Prior Episodes (warning: much longer and harder to get through)
Hello everyone! Welcome to a special “Where Are They Now?” edition of the Shoeless Joe Interview! I took all those awesome souls who let me into their lives and invited them to sit at a round table inside a Starbucks in Greenwood. Then I conducted mini interviews with them all, one at a time. Then I asked them to pull out their phone and txt message me a pic or two or ten and voila! After the Starbucks lady asked me to leave, I put it all together into this package. Sit back, perhaps in a Starbucks, and find out what everyone’s been up to!
Happy Holidays, and to all a great 2014! <3
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JODEE ADAMS-MOORE
Date of original interview: April 9, 2013
Dirty Dancing or Pretty Woman: Labyrinth
Interview number: 5/6 SJ: I recently stopped by UltraSignup for my weekly ogling at your 99.5% score and saw you’ve signed up for White River 50 next July! Are my eyes deceiving me? Will you pleeeaaase chick me? Jodee Adams-Moore: Chick me? Not sure what you mean by that but…I am now running for Scott and as they put on this grand event they would like me to run it. It’s about time I try a 50 miler and in my own back yard even better!
SJ: Speaking of, any #fun reactions you can recall getting from guys as you fly by them during a race? JAM: I can’t think of any but I usually just start out fast and try to stay there, so there isn’t much passing anyhow.
SJ: What would you need to get out of the deal to allow me to tell people “My running is sponsored by Jodee Adams-Moore” because I totally haven’t done that already. JAM: A nice little cabin with a wood stove and a bunch of windows dripping with crystal prisms.
SJ: :\ What do you hope to have learned and/or accomplished in the upcoming year, running or otherwise? JAM: I’d like to go further into the space of floating – longer and at even more peace. I just want to further my practice of dancing within the ring of fire. I hope this ring travels to Europe. I hope this ring floats over to Isla de La Palma sometime around May 10th, 2014.
SJ: Besides your new Scott Sports sponsorship, what other doors have opened to you as a result of our interview? JAM: Well the tap dancing has really just taken off, but I’m afraid I can’t talk about that now.
(ABBREVIATED) SPEED ROUND!!
SJ: This one is a request from a fan of mine (or maybe yours?) named “Max F.” that was so good I had to include it: “Least favorite way to open a beer?” JAM: With my teeth.
SJ: What amount of annual salary would convince you to accept a job as a meter maid? JAM: Good question Joe! I’m gonna have to meditate real hard on that one for quite some time.
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SAGE CANADAY
Website :: Twitter
Date of original interview: November 13, 2012
Dirty Dancing or Pretty Woman: Pretty Woman
Interview number: 3/6 SJ: Most of our previous interview centered around the fact that you were borderline undateable but still pining for a cute runner girlfriend. And shortly after our interview you suddenly had one. Coincidence? What other factors were involved there? Sage Canaday: I got really lucky! It just so happened that my dream girl came along and decided to put up with my shenanigans! We have a ton in common and she’s my ideal adventure partner. Dreams really do come true!
SJ: You’ve spent quite a bit of time traveling the world this year. Seen anything cool? SC: There was this cool bird in New Zealand called the “Kiwi.” It’s like their national bird there and it’s endangered. I got to see one in captivity and it was really funny looking…kind of like a chicken with a super long beak.
SJ: What do you hope to have learned and/or accomplished in the upcoming year? SC: I’ve learned that I have a lot more to learn when it comes to mountain-ultra-trail running. So far I think the White River 50 was my best 50-mile race ever…it’s kind of been all downhill from there. In the long-term though I want to be competing for the win in every ultra I enter.
SJ: What other doors have opened to you as a result of our interview, besides your improved roommate situation? SC: Well the improved roommate situation was huge! I’d have to say the luxury of getting to travel from New Zealand to La Palma to Switzerland all in a year was pretty sweet. I really owe that to our first interview (you know, getting the word out there for my sponsors too). I also officially have Avery Brewing as my beer sponsor now (major plug).
(ABBREVIATED) SPEED ROUND!!
SJ: You mentioned getting “Plain Cheese Canaday” as a(n awful) nickname during your time at Hansons. Do you have a new, better nickname now? SC: I’d like to be known as a “MUT Runner.” It’s also the title of a film project I’m working on.
SJ: What amount of annual salary would convince you to accept a job as a meter maid? SC: Hmmmm. Can my title be “Meter Man?” That job sounds pretty priceless. It would have to be at least quadruple what I make as a pro ultra-runner!
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GREG CROWTHER
Website :: Twitter
Date of original interview: July 24, 2012
Dirty Dancing or Pretty Woman: Dirty Dancing
Interview number: 2/6 SJ: Last time we spoke, you were nursing a long-suffering achilles injury. What is the status on that? Do you still like running? Greg Crowther: I’m currently running about 50 miles a week, including some speedwork, and my Achilles seems fine. I’m enjoying the chance to train for races again, as opposed to being a fitness jogger. I guess I’m like a lot of people in that I have to be training for something.
SJ: You recently turned 40 and became a Masters runner. Has that caused you to think about your own mortality? GC: Nope — I was already thinking about it. Has it caused YOU to think about my mortality?
SJ: Not often. What do you hope to have learned and/or accomplished in the year 2014? GC: Running-wise, I hope to return to ultramarathons, starting with the Bridle Trails 50K in January. Perhaps the Mad City 100K and/or the White River 50 after that, if all goes well.
SJ: What doors have opened to you as a result of our interview? GC: Well, my paper “Cofactor-independent phosphoglycerate mutase from nematodes has limited druggability, as revealed by two high-throughput screens” was accepted for publication by the journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Coincidence?
(ABBREVIATED) SPEED ROUND!!
SJ: Christmas is fast approaching. Wait, are you Jewish? GC: No.
SJ: Ok good! What is one thing on Greg Crowther’s wish list this holiday season? GC: A light running backpack for commuting. (Deuter Race x Air or something similar.) And some packs of those Honey Stingers for ultras. My friend Pam Smith (Western States champ) recommended them as being easier to chew than Clif Shot Bloks, and she’s right!
SJ: I agree, I love Shot Bloks! What amount of annual salary would convince you to accept a job as a meter maid? GC: Joe, I gotta go. Happy holidays.
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MARTIN MUDRY
Website
Date of original interview: December 3, 2013
Dirty Dancing or Pretty Woman: forgot to ask but probably Pretty Woman
Interview number: 6/6 SJ: Have you showed your girlfriend or boss or parents or other family members our most excellent interview, particularly the video speed round? What were their thoughts? Martin Mudry: I got the following e-mail from a friend I rarely hear from: “My mom just sent me a link to an interview you did. Maybe she saw it on Facebook…I don’t understand the world anymore. Looked like good stuff.”
SJ: As a public service, what words of wisdom/advice/encouragement would you give future interview subjects of mine before we get started? MM: Be ready to be in it for the long haul.
SJ: What do you hope to have learned and/or accomplished in the upcoming year? MM: I feel like that is such an important question, and sadly I’m not sure I have an answer yet.
SJ: What doors have opened to you as a result of our interview? MM: Still waiting, at this point I’d be happy with even a window or two.
(ABBREVIATED) SPEED ROUND!!
SJ: What was the best (non-video game) christmas gift you’ve ever received? What’s the worst you’ve ever given? MM: There were few feelings that matched the anticipation from wait for a battery to charge up in order to use a new remote control car.
I’m pretty bad about giving gifts, but think when I go for it they’re usually not too bad. Maybe some sort of art related thing that I end up liking more than the recipient?
SJ: What amount of annual salary would convince you to accept a job as a meter maid? MM: I saw an opening for a position in the spring and remember thinking I’d consider it if it was $18/hour or more. Now I’d probably take 115k or more a year, but ya never know–life changes fast.
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SARAH ROBINSON
Website :: Twitter
Date of original interview: December 17, 2012
Dirty Dancing or Pretty Woman: Dirty Dancing
Interview number: 4/6 SJ: Since our interview, you kinda blew up. You ran a 1:18 half and tho you fell short of your ultimate goal in the Chicago Marathon (Olympic Trials qualification), you still ran a 2:47 in just your 2nd serious marathon attempt. First off, you’re welcome 😀 Secondly, I guess my question is what happened to my Oiselle Rundies Model application? I never got a call-back! 🙁 SR: Blew up in more ways than one, I suppose. Yeah…we found someone a little less…ummm…
SJ: Oiselle is also blowing up. What is it like to pretty much be accomplishing things 24 hours a day? SR: So much blowing up! Yeah when I look at short comings in Chicago, I also remember how much else is going on in life. The picture is bigger than finish lines. This summer was a dream…on location photoshoot in Bend starring Lauren Fleshman, walking the runway in NYC, launching an amazing F13 line on Oiselle.com. I have a good life.
SJ: What do you hope to have learned and/or accomplished in the upcoming year, running or otherwise? SR: How to enjoy the process and respect the accomplishments along the way. I’m an all or nothing person, that can be dangerous…especially when you find yourself on the nothing side. My glass is never half full or empty. That thing is either spilling over or bone dry.
SJ: What other doors have opened to you as a result of our interview? SR: So many! I’m guest starring on a past episode of 30 Rock as Liz Lemon’s BFF.
(ABBREVIATED) SPEED ROUND!!
SJ: Christmas Movie Sequel Showdown FMK! Elf vs. Christmas Story vs. Home Alone SR: Write in vote: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Although I do share Buddy’s love of sugar.
SJ: What amount of annual salary would convince you to accept a job as a meter maid? SR: Solid gold bars and Apple stock.
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ULI STEIDL
Date of original interview: May 1, 2012
Dirty Dancing or Pretty Woman: Pretty Woman
Interview number: 1/6 SJ: You recently jumped into and won the Seattle Marathon for the 10th time. What are all your competitors doing wrong? How come no one can beat a bald 41 year-old? Uli Steidl: Clearly, my competitors are running too slow. They could run faster by either increasing their stride frequency or stride length, or both. It is actually pretty simple.
And less hair means less weight, and less air resistance. That definitely helped at this year’s race, as anyone who ran it this year can confirm.
SJ: You’re going to turn 42 next year. What worries do you have about degeneration of your muscles and joints from all this running? What if you’re in a wheelchair at 50?! US: Why do you feel it is necessary to point out my age in both your first and second question? Is that because you’re as bald as I am, even though you are 8 years younger?
Muscle degeneration???!!?!? Have you SEEN my legs??? Those are the best looking legs in town. Why do you think I always wear short shorts?
I will not be in a wheelchair at 50 from too much running. If you think I will, I happily take a bet with $XXX,XXX.00 wager.
SJ: What do you hope to have learned and/or accomplished in the upcoming year? US: There are a few things I would like to accomplish next year, but I don’t want to talk about them publicly. I’d rather accomplish something first, and then others can talk about it if they want to.
SJ: What doors have opened to you as a result of our interview? US: Sadly, none to date. Although I had quite a few people tell me they “read the interview with you by Shoeless Joe.” That was usually followed by comments like “Is this guy for real?” or “This guy is nuts!” or “You’re really patient. How did you not walk out this interview after the third question?” And those were the PG comments…
(ABBREVIATED) SPEED ROUND!!
SJ: I’m running my first ever beer mile in early January. US: Congratulations! How is you training going? I know your time at Chico State prepared you well for the drinking part – only a Wazzu education could have prepared you better…but the running part needs some work.
SJ: Have you ever run one? If not, what do you think you could run one in? US: No, I have not done one. Based on the official rules, a beer mile would require me to drink more than my average monthly beer consumption within a 5 – 6 minute period.
SJ: Would you be interested in participating in my beer mile? US: Possibly. Over the years quite a few people said they would pay good money to see me get drunk. If there is a way to monetize this beer mile, I’m interested.
SJ: What amount of annual salary would convince you to accept a job as a meter maid? US: About $50,000. Plus benefits. That’s $25 per hour for 40 hours per week for 50 weeks. plus benefits. It would be boring, though. But still more entertaining than, say, updating websites all the time.
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Call for Comments
Look at Uli’s hair! 😀
How much salary would you require to become a meter maid?
Predict my inaugural beer mile time!
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Did you enjoy this? Are you already a club member? If not, consider becoming a member! Our partner stores (Balanced Athlete and Fleet Feet) also accept cash and most major credit cards and are chock full of great xmas gift ideas!
It’s been a whole bunch of months, which must mean it’s time for another Shoeless Joe Interview! Martin Mudry is a local runner and filmmaker, so I look forward to hearing what he thinks of my cool footwear!
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Shoeless Joe: Hi everybody! And thanks for all the kind words for my interview with Jodee Adams-Moore. I was actually reprimanded though at the most recent SRC board meeting and told under no circumstances was I to submit a 4th consecutive interview without a card-carrying Seattle Running Club member. (I was also told to stop talking about being reprimanded at SRC board meetings, so this will be the last time, apologies).
I found a cool dude who’s not only worn the pretty blue singlet, but is an actual filmmaker. Martin Mudry has worn our colors the past couple XC seasons and he’s the co-director of a new documentary, “Where Dreams Don’t Fade” which follows three hopeful distance runners in their respective quests to make a living as a runner in the ultra-competitive running town of Kenya.
Martin, thanks for talking to me!
Martin Mudry: Glad to be here.
SJ: Cool! I know I said “talking” but this time we’re actually *writing* each other via email! Martin lives way over in the college district so I haven’t found the time to get out there from West Seattle. Why fight technology?! Who knows, maybe it’ll be easier this way!
So Martin, one of the things I’ve learned is that despite having worn the hallowed blue singlet, you’re actually relatively new to the area. Care to give us a comprehensive list of reasons why Seattle won out, and who she was up against?
MM: Seattle was up against some tough competition. Last summer I moved to Philadelphia to work on the TV show Political Animals. Prior to that I had been living in smaller towns (Colorado Springs; Iten, Kenya) and I really liked being in a big city again. But I also really missed the mountains. So as much as I liked Philly, I knew I would be heading west again.
SJ: So how did you get up here?
MM: Basically I drove up the coast–Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. I lived in LA in 2009-2010 and had spent a fair amount of time in San Francisco, but the Pacific Northwest was completely new. In fact I’m still getting used to the mountains here. When I was driving and first saw Mt. Shasta, I thought it must be a cloud because it was way too big to be a mountain. Rainier still seems bafflingly large when it comes out for the first time in a while. In the end Seattle was new, big, and within striking distance of plenty of trails and peaks. Plus the outdoor culture here is pretty cool. Los Angeles is closer to the mountains than Denver and yet most people in LA don’t even realize there are mountains near by.
SJ: Yeah, they’re too busy surfing or adding avocado to their fish tacos! On your drive up north did you happen to pass through Chico, California?
MM:(looks up Chico on google) I guess I technically passed it but I drove on I-5 straight from Davis, CA to Portland. I remember when I entered Oregon I got yelled at for pumping my own gas.
SJ: Ugh, don’t get me started! Next time just politely remind them that they had 13% more crystal meth-related “incidents” in 2012 than Washington did (nine versus eight!) despite having almost half the population. Then tip the guy 13 pennies and speed off singing “Black Hole Sun” as loud as possible.
MM: …
SJ: How long after reaching Seattle did you find the Seattle Running Club?
MM: I found the group pretty quick. In Philly I had three months where I ran completely alone and I wanted to be sure that I made an effort to find other runners this time around. I tried a few different groups via MeetUp but picked SRC since the Tuesday night runs attract some quick people and the group is more trail-focused.
SJ: Did you run alone in Philly because the people there are intolerable Eagles/Phillies/Flyers fans? And did you learn how to make a proper cheesesteak?
MM: Being allergic to milk (since birth) meant no Philly cheesesteaks and no famous pretzels. And speaking of cake, surprisingly, Philadelphia, being a rough and tough kind of city, had amazing vegan desserts everywhere. Which made life OK. In terms of why I ran alone, I just didn’t do a good job of reaching out to meet new people. Plus I was working 60-80 hour weeks so it would be pretty hard to schedule runs at 11pm or 6am, which is often when I would run.
SJ: So if I read between the lines, what you’re saying is that for you, so far, Seattle destroys Philly…except maybe in terms of vegan desserts?
MM: Seattle is a pretty amazing place in its own right, and I’m slowly figuring out the vegan dessert crisis (PCC in Fremont has really good chocolate chip cookies for $1). But part of me really fell in love with Philadelphia. I describe it as Detroit meets NYC. It has both a super busy and dense downtown area and then all these burrow like neighborhoods of NYC but also has tons of crumbling ruin porn houses and factories, ala Detroit. It’s like the wild west. Guys on ATVs and dirt bikes will just fly around the not-so-great neighborhoods. Even the police acknowledged they have a non-pursuit policy since many of the drivers are under 18 and can out-speed the cops anyway on the narrow streets. So they just fly around at 60 mph. I also think of Philly as the LA of the East Coast in that it’s very patchwork-like; you’ll have a beautiful old building that no one even thinks twice about next to a generic piece of junk stucco strip mall. In any other city in the US, the old building would be preserved and highlighted, but since they have tons of stuff from the 19th and 18th century, it just get squeezed in with the next utilitarian design.
SJ: Wow that’s surprising! Everything I had previously known about Philadelphia came from this video, which admittedly made Philly seem pretty cool. Your pics paint a slightly different picture.
MM: I think that video embodies all my ambitions as a filmmaker. In fact, between knowing that music video exists and reflecting on Where Dreams Don’t Fade, I’ll probably throw in the towel on this whole film thing.
SJ: Speaking of your documentary, it’s a great inside look at what it means to train in a running-rich town like Kenya. How did you come to the idea of making this film?
MM: The idea for the film came when I traveled to the country of Kenya in 2007 to train with a group of professional Kenyan runners. I had the chance to live and train with former steeplechase WR holder Wilson Boit Kipketer and once I was there realized how little we (the West) knew about Kenyan running.
Even before I went, all I could find were tidbits here and there about running to school, running barefoot and training as a “way out of poverty.” The truth is much more complex and interesting than all that, both playing into some of the stereotypes and in other ways flipping things 180 degrees.
SJ: Yeah it was definitely much more “real world” than other things I’ve seen on the subject. Not to spoil, but one guy barely runs a step! That’s the real world though, right? So was it a worry of yours whether your subjects would be able to get you good footage, and tell their story coherently? Did you mail them the cameras with instructions & such? That sounds like a potential headache! I bet part of you wished you were there instead.
MM:(fake laughter) It would have been interesting to see what they would have come up with if we had them shoot the footage. But no, Alex Nichols (co-director) and I lived in Kenya for over 3 months shooting what turned out to be 42 hours of footage. We also did just a tiny bit of running; I think I averaged over 100 mpw for the 14 weeks we were there. Basically we would get up, film, run, maybe travel to another location by bus then walk a few miles, film, walk/bus back and run again, cook Ugali, upload footage, and call it a day.
SJ: Oh wow, you went there to film it too?! I did a little video editing in college (awful, self-satisfied look on face) and I couldn’t imagine flying out to Kenya at that age–24? 25?–and making a documentary that actually *looks* like a documentary and not some college project shot with a camcorder. How did the opportunity evolve and how did you and Alex go about choosing the three main subjects you ended up choosing?
MM: I met Alex on the Colorado College XC team. I was the only freshman on what turned out to be a pretty strange and talented team. Before I got on campus, I signed on to the team’s online training log (RIP runorgy.com) and thought it was a joke when I saw future teammate Tony (Anton Krupicka) logging 180-220 mile weeks.
My freshman year in general was a mixed experience and ultimately I transferred to Macalester College which is where the Kenya connection began. A teammate there was studying and volunteering in Kenya (unrelated to running) and literally bumped into some guys he thought might be runners. Turns out one was the Frankfurt Marathon Champion, another Berlin Marathon winner, and not to be left out – Wilson Boit Kipketer. Long story short, they invited him to train with them and when I arrived at Macalester I grilled this guy all about the experience. My sophomore year ended with me traveling to Kenya for the summer to live/train with Wilson’s group and ultimately the idea to come back and make a film.
I continued to keep in touch with the Colorado College crew and in 2010 with both Alex and I working various jobs in the film industry, we decided to plan our exit strategies and make the film in 2011.
SJ: Wow I have so many questions now and I know Win will yell at me if I go over my word count limit 🙁 So let me see how succinct I can be: Haze you? If so, how? First summer typical day? Cross fit? Food/energy drinks? How they train? Yes?
MM: No real hazing, but when I told people my 5k PR on my first day (15:11), they would outright laugh. Then they would sincerely ask if I was training for the World Championships in 2 months. That kinda sums up Kenya right there, the fact that a 15:00 5k is considered quite slow, and yet even runners who had run sub-13:00 didn’t think it was unreasonable for someone of my current ability to be aiming for the world stage.
Typical Kenyan training day: up at 5:45am, start running in the dark at 6am at 12 minute mile pace. At 6:15 it’s like someone threw a light switch as it goes from night to day; the sunrise is extremely quick on the equator. The pace would progressively speed up but depending on the day might only get down to 7-8 minute miles if an easy run, or I might be at race-pace effort (mid to low 5 minute miles) and dropped by the group 20 minutes in if they were going harder. If the morning run was just an easy run, then often there’d be a track or interval workout at 10am. And finally jogging in the evening at around 5pm.
One big thing in Kenya was having to learn to run slow. Sometimes an evening run would average at 9-10 min mile pace, and this is with a 2:07 marathoner and world record holder. The big thing is on a daily and weekly basis the runners would both run a lot slower and a lot faster than most runners do here in the US.
Cross fit had me laugh, but they *do* do some wacky workouts now and again, but most people did them sporadically after runs and not as a dedicated daily routine or anything. Food wise: a mostly vegetarian diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Tons of chai tea with lots of whole milk. Nothing extraordinary although they would claim that Ugali (a corn flour and water mix) is key.
SJ: Do you know what it’s time for??
MM: I can only imagine…
SJ: Thanks Martin, and way to go on the Speed Round! Can I ask you though…off the record, don’t worry–unless you answer a certain way and then it’s on the record–please tell me you’re at least sort of aware of the show Saved by the Bell.
MM: Not only am I aware of the show Saved by the Bell, I regrettably am all too familiar with being compared to a certain character. Of all the people in the world someone could say “Do you know who you look like…” I get Shia Labeouf (only if my hair’s short)…and Screech. That is all.
SJ: Haha! At least you can take solace in Screech being a genius who built a talking robot when he was like 12 years old! Who then…used that genius in ensuing years being Mr. Belding’s toadie in SBTB: The New Class. So…nevermind. But hey nice work in the speed round, Martin!
Getting back to more normal things, I still want to discuss your film aspirations as it’s one thing I can at least hold my own in conversationally, since I’ve used Adobe Premiere before and have watched people use Final Cut. After your experience in Kenya and the experience of editing a feature-length documentary, what do you want to do next? Another running-related subject, a new topic altogether, or are you completely burned out on film and you never want to work on another project ever again?
MM: Going into Where Dreams Don’t Fade, one of my biggest concerns was getting pegged as a running filmmaker. Alex and I talked a lot about what type of film we wanted to make and we both were clear that this time (opposed to Alex’s other film Indulgence: 1000 Miles Under the Colorado Sky on Anton Krupicka) we wanted to make a documentary for a general audience that happened to be on runners, and not a “running film.”
Before the film festivals I was told by other filmmakers to be ready for the question “What’s your next project?” as festivals can be a way to secure funding for a second film.
SJ: Like I just did!
MM: …right. I did not have an answer to that question then and still do not now. I was pretty clear that I did not want to simply make another film for its own sake. And while I wouldn’t rule out ever making a film related to running, it’s not currently on my horizon. If I have another idea I’m interested in then I may try to direct, or more likely produce another film some day, but if not I got a lot out of film between working on big films/TV shows in Hollywood and going through the whole process myself on Dreams. Currently I’m looking forward to moving in a different direction career-wise but supporting projects and young up-and-coming filmmakers in other ways.
That being said, we’re not done with Where Dreams Don’t Fade. We are teaming up with Kourage Athletics which is a Kenyan-produced running brand to do a tour of the film in the US. We’ve also had interest to screen the film in Holland and Kenya. A free public screening in Kenya has always been one of our goals so we’re really looking forward to making that happen in the next year or so. Finally I keep trying to pay it forward; I’ve already helped one stranger through Letsrun.com live and train in Kenya like I did, and am currently helping a Canadian runner do the same later this year. The film and my time in Kenya over all has been quite important to me and it all started by a few people willing to share their world with me. I look forward to continue doing the same.
SJ: That’s really big of you to help people on Letsrun, I can’t fathom being that friendly. Africa is a crazy mysterious country I hope to someday visit! How do you think your buddies in Kenya would take to me? Once I get over this surely-not Vibrams-related injury I would love to someday jog with them in the morning before getting dropped like a bag of wet doorknobs.
MM: I think they’d take to you just fine, minus your geography skills perhaps. They might suggest some motion control shoes though.
MM: I would love to see some elite Kenyans reactions to Hokas. Maybe that’s what they need to take to trail running; most don’t like pushing on the downhills.
SJ: Is there anything you wanted to ask me? (raises eyebrows, smiles obnoxiously)
MM: “Wait, we’re not actually almost done are we?”
SJ: Now we are!
My gratitude goes out to Martin for his patience and willingness and, in terms of the video portion, trust. I recently had the honor of being beaten by him in an XC race, but I was simply thrilled we were wearing the same singlet. Well, not the same one, that would be weird. We wore the same desig–you know what, nevermind.
I also thank my brother Terry for doing most of the heavy lifting with the above video as well as the as-usual photos, all for a cheap bottle of bourbon that he didn’t ask for.
Call for Comments
Which is your favorite African country?
Favorite American Gladiator?
Dreams are a funny thing, aren’t they? Have you ever dreamed about me and/or Martin? Do tell!
Call for Support
Did you enjoy this? Are you already a club member? If not, consider becoming a member! Our partner stores (Balanced Athlete and Fleet Feet) also accept cash and most major credit cards and are chock full of great xmas gift ideas!
Jodee Adams-Moore has been a (well, to now) relatively anonymous name on the trail-running circuit. A local high school phenom who later wore spikes out east at Georgetown U, she now relishes the trail and is routinely posting times that are slowly dropping more and more jaws. I broached this little kernel of an idea to her in January, and now I find myself rushing to get this out before iRunFar makes her a household name. To those who know her, you probably already love her. For everyone else, allow me to (obnoxiously, of course) introduce you to Jodee Adams-Moore.
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Shoeless Joe: Hi everybody and welcome to 2013! After some hemming and hawing from Win Van Pelt and a particularly testy round of emails with the SRC board of directors, I’ve been put on probation but thankfully have finally been approved for another round of in-depth runner interviews! This time I am honored and privileged to be speaking with Jodee Adams-Moore! I met Jodee for a few seconds over a year ago at the 2012 Chuckanut 50k when she passed me at mile 1ish. Do you remember me, Jodee? I had a blue shirt on.
JAM: Well, I can’t say I remember you specifically Joe, but did you have fun in the race?
SJ: I did! Well, for most of it. Parts of it, really. Very few, small parts. I don’t get to run in snow very often so I’m quite not good at it. Did you have fun?
JAM: I had fun for a while but there came a time–somewhere in the vicinity of Lost Lake–that I kinda lost it and had to ride the fumes of hallucinatory mayhem of the mind. Mantras popped into my head from seemingly nowhere. One was even in Spanish. What once was a flat and friendly Interurban Trail looks completely different to me now.
SJ: Wow that sounds like a lot of fun! Speaking of hallucinatory mayhem, I thought my eyes were broken when I saw you had a 99.5% UltraSignup score. In fact your runner-up finish at that 2012 Chuckanut is the only blemish so far. And this year you seemed to figure out the Interurban Trail part. How else did the 2013 race differ from 2012?
JAM: My mind was sharper and my body stronger this year. I’ve been practicing. I felt more floaty.
SJ: The only other things I’ve learned about you from extensive googling is a) you were a local high school runner and you ran track and XC at Georgetown b) you enjoy pottery and other art and c) your college transcripts. When did your interest in trail running begin, and why?
Jodee Adams-Moore: I grew up on the east side not too far from Tiger and Cougar Mountains, so I’ve been hitting up the trails since I was 14. Saw me a few black bears in those little mountains. Even at Georgetown I ran lots in the trails that weave throughout DC and always felt more invigorated running through the woods than running on the pavement.
SJ: I have only anecdotal evidence to back this up, but it seems a good amount of Division 1 collegiate runners either move on to the road running circuit or stop competing altogether, at least for awhile. What was your experience going from Georgetown to where you are now? Long break from hard training & racing? Jump right back into and embrace racing?
JAM: The transition from the running I did at Georgetown to the running I do now has been a seven-year evolution of finding where and how running needs to be in my life for me to be balanced and happy.I never stopped running after Georgetown and I raced a little bit with Club Northwest and ran road races in the area, but that energy slowly puttered out and I just ran during all those years just as my daily medicine. The more time spent running in the woods the more I craved it so the whole trail racing thing kinda happened organically. I met James Varner of Rainshadow Running one February at a time when I was isolated from any running community (other than my training buddy Pablo, the dog). I was living on an old dairy farm property in rural Snohomish County and running on Pilchuck Tree Farm trails. He urged me to try his races. That June I drove out to the Methow and ran my first 25k at Sun Mountain and loved the energy of the event; more like a picnic party in a beautiful setting with, oh maybe a 25k or 50k or 50m thrown in just for fun! I thought that would be the longest I’d want to run but over time my body grew stronger and longer runs in the trails naturally evolved. Recently, in a coffee shop in San Luis Obispo I stumbled upon a book, The Zen of Running, by Fred Rohe. This excerpt opens the book (alongside a black and white photo of a snowy mountain stream reflecting sunlight):
“This experience is a newly discovered form of meditation or one more way for you to discover you. So I suggest you joyfully, exuberantly, take a short run. (Short might be 10 yards or 10 blocks, that’s your own private affair.)”
The simplicity and joy in Rohe’s relationship with running reminds me how I experience running now. I don’t “train” anymore. The running of now is closer to a meditation, one blending the nature of the forest and the nature of my body, this amazing machine that is so very receptive to how I treat it as a whole. Do I run hard? Yes, sometimes I want to sprint up the street or up the hill! But I don’t log workouts, I don’t wear a watch and I don’t ever force myself out. More often than not though I find myself running up steep forested hills, happily.
SJ: Wow, that’s surprising. I know (of) a number of people who look at running in a similar light but none of them could ever dream of running Orcas in five hours, or Chuckanut in four. I had three followup questions about GPS watches but now I guess I won’t be asking you those. Umm. Does this mean you run without goals or planning of any kind? Race days like Orcas or Chuckanut are just little diversions on a schedule otherwise filled with whatever you feel like doing? And whatever happens on race day, happens?
JAM: Yes! Pretty much! Every day is its own little adventure. Some days more awesome than others…but all with little bits of awesomeness. Running is part of this. My last run’s awesomeness was similar to a strong dark beer–higher percentage awesome content.
SJ: Please tell me you at least get an occasional old, weak, watered down 3.8% abv beer cruddy day.
JAM: I do, I do.
SJ: I’m gonna go ahead and steal that and call those my “Michelob Ultra” days from now on if you don’t mind. Now, is it a compromise at all in terms of your speed? Maybe you *could* get even faster with some specific training, but you wouldn’t really enjoy it? Or is a happy Jodee also a faster Jodee?
JAM: For me happiness is the ultimate goal and most things should fall into place thereafter.
SJ: So what about running makes you happy? Is it something I can learn? Please?
JAM: Enjoying the inner nature and outer nature and realizing the connectedness of both. Often it feels like a meditation and ritual and that is soothing to me.
SJ: Does the same go for races? Or do those require a slight mental re-tooling?
JAM: Some races are wonderful and I feel super high the whole time but sometimes these thoughts go through my mind: “I just don’t care, I don’t care at all and I’m gonna stop. Soon I’m gonna just stop. My body hurts. This is not good for my body. F IT!” But I haven’t stopped yet.
SJ: Us runners can be slaves to finishing our beers, even those Michelob Ultras! I personally like to think about the cookies I will eat after runs. Before runs I like to plan out exactly how I will obtain said cookies, so that there’s minimal wasted motion. I also consider complementary food items. Will I eat them with milk? Coffee? Perhaps both? Umm. Yeah, so do you like cookies?
JAM: Yeah I like cookies. All sorts.
SJ: Cool me too! If you’re ready I think it’s time for the now-unsponsored Lightning Speed Round! I have a guy who wants to open a bakery in Seattle and he said he’ll sponsor it but he hasn’t opened it yet. Maybe he’ll have cookies! Anyway, I’m going to ask you some questions real fast-like and you’re gonna show everyone how fast you truly are. Jodee….I hope you’re ready for a little interval training.Favorite Metallica album?
JAM: I don’t listen to Metallica, never have.
SJ: We’re road trippin’ but the tank’s on E. What are you getting at the AM/PM?
JAM: Spicy bloody mary mix and some peanuts.
SJ: Describe, in as much detail as you’re comfortable and no less, your preferred PB&J sandwich?
JAM: Any PB&J I scarf at mile 18 and above in any race is a winner.
SJ: Fine, let me get to the heart of the matter. All things equal, and not late in a race: chunky or smooth?
JAM: (C)HUNKY!
SJ: I’m holding steady next to you in a race, and I start chatting. Do you a) return the favor b) run ahead of me or c) fake an injury?
JAM: B.
SJ: Sunrise or sunset?
JAM: Sunrise
SJ: Any past or current boyfriends/husbands/significant others ever spell your name wrong on a valentine or birthday card?
JAM: I dont think so.
SJ: Best cereal?
JAM: Puffins with granola on top.
SJ: With milk, water, oj, or dry?
JAM: Milk of vanilla hemp cow
SJ: I sit next to you on a fairly crowded bus. Eventually we’re the only two left. Should I move?
JAM: Yeah.
SJ: If you were on the outside seat, would *you* move? Even if it would probably hurt my feelings?
SJ: Wow! The bar has been set folks, I think we just witnessed a new land speed record in the speed round! I won’t pretend I’m not a little concerned about your bloody mary/peanuts mix but there’s no denying your speed Mrs. Adams-Moore!
SJ: I’d like to finally learn about how you *became* a runner. When did you start, and why?
Jodee Adams-Moore: I started running in 8th grade when I realized I could beat most of the boys in my gym class. Before running I’d been the average suburban child athlete. You know, swimming on the “B” team and being the back-up midfielder on the soccer team. I liked being good at something and it seemed the more effort and love I put into the running, the faster I became. I would get off the bus after school and run 12 laps around the dirt track most afternoons. I was crazy. Luckily, I found myself in a great HS Cross Country program led by a stellar (and speedy) couple, Mindy and Mitch Leffler.Running was definitely a mixed bag of positive and negative for me back then. I was obsessed with the sport and while that led to success as a high school athlete there was a dark side. Food issues and growing up issues and depression were mixed in throughout the early years and into college. The evolution of running in my life parallels my own growth. Happiness and overall wellness in life leads to better running. And by better I mean days and runs speckled with bliss. I read this quote last night from Fred Rohe’s “Zen of Running”:
“Remember: we create our world(s) with our mind(s). So let your mind say ‘look, I’m running and all runners do this beautiful dance, each stride a leap thru space–ho! what fun!'”
SJ: That’s one reason I wince sometimes at the glorifying of young, early/mid teenage athletes; to be that good at something, especially running, oftentimes means an unhealthy singular obsession at an age where one should maybe instead be exploring all kinds of different things. At least though you ended up focused on an activity that you continue to enjoy today…albeit somewhat differently, it sounds. What kind of sage advice would today’s Jodee give her younger self, or any other young runner? Besides to wear Vibrams, of course.
JAM: Life moves sooooo fast. Be brave and follow your bliss.
SJ: Shades of Ferris Bueller, I like it. Though I think you may want to add in something about avoiding boys with teardrop tattoos. Or beach cuts. I get the feeling you take your running one day at a time, but is there anything you’d like to achieve or simply just *do* with your two feet on this planet that you’ve yet to do, before it’s all said and done?
JAM: I’ve said it all!
SJ: Well Jodee you are a delight and I am envious of you in many ways. Mostlythoughbecauseyou’refasterthanme. Is there anything you’d like to ask me?
JAM: Nope!
SJ: Have you been courted yet by any companies or persons (myself not included) to endorse their products or lifestyles or energy ion bracelets or websites (not including seattlerunningclub.org)? Have you had to make any potentially tough decisions in that regard?
Jodee Adams-Moore: No, but if you know any companies that want to support my lifestyle, please by all means get them in contact with me!
SJ: Sorry, I do not. The only person to contact me was a guy who owned a t-shirt company…and he ended being my dad, playing a prank on me. I think you’ll be fine though. All in due time. That begs the question though, what *is* your lifestyle? How goes a day in the life of Jodee Adams-Moore?
JAM: • Wake up around 8 am and look out my basement window towards the light.
• Brew up some strong cofffee (cream and sugar, of course) on the stove and head back into the basement, aka “The Art Zone,” and get down with some clay and music for a few hours.
• Maybe go to a yoga class.
• Maybe go work a shift at the Skagit Valley Food Co Op.
• Look for jobs in Bellingham on Craigslist.
• Run in trails in the afternoon.
• Make dinner and kick it with the housemates, including two rad kiddos every other week.
• Check out some music and grab a beer in town if I’m feelin’ it.
• Bed time.
• Do it all again the next day.Sometimes I like to dance and write poems and also I play the kalimba.
SJ: Right on! I know a bartender at Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, CA; I will get you and Sage Canaday both beer sponsorships. Since this interview is live and in person and I’m nowhere near my googleable laptop, can you tell me what exactly a kalimba is? Is it a board game?
JAM: Don’t you see it right here in my hands, Joe? It’s a thumb piano! Also known as an Mbira!
SJ: Ohhh, yes of course, a….mbira! I…love those! Did you bring that as a gift for me? I don’t have anything for you. 🙁
JAM: No it’s not for you, but you can obtain your own Hugh Tracey Kalimba at www.kalimbamagic.com (!)
SJ: My brother used to play the drums, so you could say I have an ear for music. Can you play me a tune?
JAM: (plays) Did you like it?
SJ: (slow clap) That was pretty great, Jodee. Was that Styx? The next time someone insists to me that you are not multi-talented I will definitely set them straight. I also think that’s a great segue into the Hugh Tracey Lightning Speed Round! By now you’re probably aware how this goes. I ask you the tough questions, and you answer quickly. Race pace!Hottest US President ever?
JAM: Abe Lincoln
SJ: If you were ever going to become a hoarder, what would you hoard and would you ever then agree to go on the hit VH1 show Hoarders?
JAM: I don’t know, and I’m not into pop culture tv shows…sorry.
SJ: Ok that’s fine. Don’t apologize ever again for not watching Hoarders. What would you hoard though? Maybe…Kalimbas (mispronounced)?
JAM: Kalimbas would be a pretty nice thing to hoard! Thanks for the idea.
SJ: Please tell me you are familiar with Saved By The Bell.
JAM: Ditto.
SJ: John, Paul, George, or Ringo?
JAM: Yoko.
SJ: On a scale of 1-10, how loud do you snore?
JAM: Ask my ex.
SJ: Why? Oh, I get it. Most relatable Sesame Street character?
SJ: Dr Pepper or Mr Pipp or Dr Thunder or Dr Chill or Dr Skipper or Dr Shasta or Mr Pig or Dr Riffic or Dr Buzz or Dr Bold or Dr A+?
JAM: Mr. Pipp.
SJ: (hands Jodee a paper and pen) Could you please draw me a picture in one minute?
JAM:
SJ: Dirty Dancing or Pretty Woman, and why?
JAM: Neither! I don’t like these sorts of films, sorry! They depress me.
SJ: I personally find Dirty Dancing to be powerfully inspirational, but to each their own. Can you name a movie *you* find inspirational?
JAM: Inspirational movie…hmm. I have seen maybe three movies in the last year, that is how much I watch movies. I know, it’s crazy. If I think of one I will let you know. Oh! This movie called “Babies” was pretty interesting. It’s about babies from different countries and how differently they are raised. I liked it.
SJ: Great speedy job in the speed round, Jodee! Even faster than I was expecting!
SJ: I’ve heard of that baby movie but have not seen it on Netflix Instant yet. It’s interesting, huh? Have you ever had a baby?
JAM: No I have not.
SJ: Me neither. Do you think you ever will? I could see a baby enjoying the hell out of that kalimba.
JAM: Oh babies love kalimba. I just dreamt I was at the DMV and all of us waiting started an open mic. I was so excited because I had my kalimba and I got up there and started in with my spoken-word poetry–backed by kalimba–and even though many people were talking, when I started in with this poem about primal fear and the lioness, the crowd kinda hushed. But then I forgot some words and I looked over at this guy I was dating and he was sleeping. WTF?! Here is the poem I performed at the dream DMV:
fortune flavor fortune flavor
perched atop a toothy saber
dark and empty in the house
in the line
it calls me out
waltz the line of sleepy stranger
behind door
lingers danger
knoby hand to the knob
crack
the lioness
the throb
She the dark the primal one
She the fire
She the sun
at the disco death arrives
fancy dancing with alive
SJ: Wow that was great Jodee, thank you for sharing! I’m not a licensed psychiatrist but I think it’s pretty obvious your dream means we should step up to the mic, so to speak, and not be afraid to put ourselves out there. The sleeping boyfriend reminds us that, even if we miss a line, it doesn’t really matter and likely no one will notice. The important thing is to take the leap! Either that or it just means your boyfriend is a jerk! lol Have you been writing for a long time or was this a one-time deal in a dream?
JAM: I have a whole batch of poems I’ve written since August! I even recorded an album!
SJ: I want a copy! Name your price! How can I get it?! I used to be in a band back when I was 10 or so. We didn’t play any instruments, just wrote lyrics and sang them acapella. We were called The Bandits. I wrote all the “achieve your goals” inspirational songs while my friend Scott wrote all the “Baby I wanna get witchoo” love songs. Nothing much came of it, and I lost the tapes. Maybe if we had you with us, on the kalimba.
JAM: …
SJ: Ahem, well I’m certainly impressed by your wide swath of interests and talents beyond running, Jodee! I was worried we’d spend the whole time talking about gps watches or Gu. This was fun! Is there anything you’d like to ask me?
JAM: Not that I can think of right now.
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SJ: Ok, so you pick Labyrinth over Pretty Woman or Dirty Dancing. I am sad to say I have not seen that movie since prom night my junior year of high school. Why does the movie resonate so strongly with you?
Jodee Adams-Moore: David Bowie as king of the goblins, Jim Henson muppets and the quest for the baby… what more do you need Joe?
SJ: Hey I’m with ya! My only problem is David Bowie’s wig. Or at least what I hope is a wig. It just…breaks me and distracts me to no end. Or maybe I’m just jealous, I dunno.
JAM: I think the crotch is more distracting than the wig, but to each his own.
SJ: Ha. Not saying that crotch of his *isn’t* distracting, but hey thanks a lot now it will be even moreso for the rest of my life. Do you have any non-Goblin King feelings about David Bowie? His was the very first concert I ever went to.
JAM: Awesome! After the race the first thing I did when I got home was made up a bath with epsom salt and cranked the Best of Bowie…I’m not a die hard fan but it just seemed appropriate.
SJ: That makes me legitimately happy to hear. Ok then Jodee, to wrap this up, let’s each pick a Bowie song/video to send home with the readers. One of my favorites is Ashes to Ashes.
What say you?
JAM: Here is a trailer for an inspiring movie! Bruce Bickford is the man. I’m soooo over Bowie.
SJ: Wow that was fast! Just like you! Thank you for your time Jodee, this has been a blast. Is there anything you wanted to ask me?
JAM: Nah.
SJ: A little bird* told me recently that you are actually quite talented with pottery. How long have you been working/playing with clay and why clay of all things?
*”Little bird” meaning google when I was stalking** you before this interview. **”Stalking” meaning researching my interview subject.
Jodee Adams-Moore: I always loved art making and in primary school the clay day (which was once a school year) always was my favorite. Georgetown U didn’t offer ceramics but I had this dream that one day I would live in the woods and all my dishware would be handmade. A few years after college I was ready to commit to throwing (using the wheel) and my folks gave me a ceramic class for Christmas. The love affair began. www.batcavepottery.weebly.com
SJ: And do you live in the woods with all handmade dishware?
JAM: Kinda! Lotsa handmade cups and mugs and bowls to use and I live up against Galbraith Mountain!
SJ: How might someone, hypothetically, procure product? Just knock on doors around Galbraith Mountain?
SJ: You express yourself artistically in many ways, as I’ve learned in our in-person interview here. Pottery, music, writing. Perhaps even more. Steve Prefontaine looked at his running as an artistic expression. Would you consider YOUR running to be an artistic expression of any kind? Is destroying the field at Chuckanut an expression of creativity?
JAM: Yes. Life is one big art project, Joe! Thats why it’s so awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SJ: Wow, and right in my ear! I will have to add more than a couple exclamation points, I think! Before I get out of your hair, I feel I should inquire about any other artful expressions you indulge in that perhaps we never got around to. Or have we covered the gamut?
JAM: My oil paintings are on display at Lighthouse Coffee in upper Fremont through April. But yeah I think we pretty much covered it.
SJ: What about dancing?
JAM: I like to tap dance on occasion…
SJ: I knew it! I was just gonna say “you dance, don’t you?” Well there ya have it folks. This woman is better than you. Jodee, I feel inspired. You’ve shown me there’s (slightly) more to life than Zack and A.C. Where might folks find you next, wearing a race bib?
JAM: I’m still working on that.
SJ: Are there any questions you wanted to ask me? (leans forward, expectantly)
JAM: Joe, I’ve been meaning to ask you… Would you like to learn how to shuffle-ball-change?
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I want to thank Jodee for welcoming me into her home and studio and backyard and almost her garage and taking part in the longest interview to date, by far. She didn’t need to trust me but she did. It was an honor to hang out with her and Pablo for the first time, and my only regret is I brought my brother along and thus could not go run some trail with her for a little bit afterward. I don’t know where Jodee is running next, but I know I’ll be pulling for her to beat everybody. In the meantime, you can see her paintings in Ballard through April, and gawk at or buy her rad pottery in a varietyofplaces. Or just find her on a trail near Bellingham. Listen for the kalimba.
Wow look I’m back again already! I’m definitely feeling the love, so I figured “why not give SRC’s fans a little holiday treat?” And…since I only have some of your home addresses, the only thing I could think of was another interview! This time though you may have noticed I scored a woman, and I’m gonna let her close out the 2012 Shoeless Joe season!
Sarah Robinson (formerly Sarah MacKay) is a very fast local running talent. Even faster than me. She’s knocking on the sub-17:00 5k door, she recently bettered 1:20 in the half, and she’s one of the leaders at Oiselle, the local women’s running apparel company based out of Greenlake. So if you frequent ye olde loop, perhaps you’ve seen her gliding by, making it look easy (that said, the woman knows how to bring the pain on race days). She also twitters and has a wonderful blog, which is where I realized she’d probably be a good fit for something absurd like this. Enjoy, and I’ll hopefully see you in 2013 with another batch of nonsense, assuming Win doesn’t deactivate my admin access to this site.
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Shoeless Joe: Good evening folks! Today I am sitting here with Sarah Mackay (pronounced “Mackey”), an actual woman! Sarah…umm…(glances at paper) works at “Oiselle” (pronounced “Oy-sel”), a local womens running apparel company. She is a model and blogger and twitterer and is a surprisingly fast runner herself! Welcome Sarah!
Sarah MacKay: Actually my name is Sarah Robinson, or it will be once I get my personal assistant to file the appropriate paperwork. Thanks for getting the MacKay pronunciation right though…Massachusetts-style. The hard A sound in *Mackey* really gives it that delicate touch.
SJ: You’re welcome! My first question should be obvious: can you get me a job at Oiselle?
Sarah Robinson: A job as what? We are currently hiring Rundies models.
SJ: I don’t know what a Rundies model is but sure, that sounds fun!
SR: Rundies are days of the week underpants for runners. So instead of Sunday you wear ‘Long Run’, or Tuesday you might wear ‘Fartlek’ or ‘Track’. It’s for the dedicated yet forgetful runner.
SJ: Ahh, now I get it! That’s very clever! I don’t have a phone at the moment but I can tweet you my references and social security number after this if that’ll help grease the hiring process. I did do some modeling back in the day.
SR: Also please Tweet your credit card information. It’s just part of the application process.
SJ: Ok! Now I gathered from your website that Oiselle is mostly for women runners, right? You only seem to have a few items a man might wear. Can you guys make more stuff for men? Your designs are very good and I don’t think it’s fair that us guys have to keep wearing the same Nike shirts, which are all either weird, dishonest, or aggressively hostile & threatening. Just because I watch pro wrestling all the time doesn’t mean I want to dress like it!
SR: Yikes.
SJ: But I digress. Let’s talk about you. I did research so I know a lot about you, but the reader might not. When and why did you get into running?
SR: I was given my first Nike waffles as a baby.
SJ: Wait, huh?
SR: Yeah. It was clear to me that my parents were sending a message. Something was expected of MacKays….and truth be told I did feel lazy after 11 months of simply lolling around, eating. I knew it was time to stop crying and start making something of myself. It was hard work, but with some good coaching I went from crawling to running before my first birthday.
SJ: Wait a minute, how do you even *coach* a baby?! Are you exaggerating?
SR: Yeah, I mean my story is the typical one. I started running when my gym class had to run the mile in 4th grade. I beat everyone except one boy. I think I let him beat me because I had a crush on him. I beat everyone while wearing a jean skirt, white Keds and my favorite white and blue striped boatneck top. I know this because that day is also the day I left school early to fly to Florida to visit my uncle and go to Disney World. Also it’s true that running makes you smarter. I have a memory like an elephant, but I can even add up mile splits. Hmmm actually, maybe it doesn’t.
SJ: Disney World, huh?!
SR: Anyway, after that run I was invited to participate in a city-wide elementary school track meet of sorts. It was a big deal. My whole family was there to cheer. My little brother even drew a big poster board sign for me. But I stopped part way through the mile because some chick near me started having an asthma attack. I helped her off the track and made sure she was okay, then jumped back in. My mom was yelling “Get back on the track!!! JUST GO!!!” and that’s the day I realized my mom was crazy. And also that running is a dog-eat-dog kind of sport.
SJ: Wow, that’s very similar to my beginning as a runner! I knew I had a lot of talent when I ran my first “off campus mile” during 7th grade gym and I beat some of the guys in my class and almost all the girls. My gym teacher said “good effort!” and I knew I’d found my calling.
SR: …
SJ: So…I’m guessing with that speed and that mom, you ran in high school?
SR: Sure, despite my attempts at cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, acting, flute…it turned out I was a one trick pony.
SJ: But you must have been pretty good at that one trick…I saw a picture on your website of you in a college cross country uniform. They don’t just hand those out at freshman orientation. Well, I don’t think. Have you been running ever since?
SR: I wish.
SJ: Ahh (nods knowingly), I can relate. What was your undoing? Boys? Narcotics? Shin splints?
SR: All of the above, except the boys…and narcotics. And change the “shin splits” to “broken back.”
SJ: Broken back? (winces) Did that hurt? How did that happen…did you break it while running?
SR:(glares) Not funny.
SJ: Huh? No, no, I’m serious! (holds up four fingers) Scout’s honor! Do you not want to talk about it?
SR:(glares)
SJ: Ohhhkay…so, no. (rifles through notebook) Totally understand, I wouldn’t want to talk about it either! Let’s see. Well let’s just skip a few years I guess. Why and when did you move to Seattle?
SR: I think it was 2007. I heard it was sunny!
SJ: Wow, that’s wildly incorrect, whoever told you that! I’m surprised you’re still here. When did you resume a regular running regimen? See, for me, I was jobless and pathetic and needed something to get me out of the house. So I decided to run a marathon. Now I run all the time but I’m often injured.
SR: I was so jobless when I got here that I would take weeks off of running when I knew I couldn’t afford the amount food I’d need for my training Wow…that sounds sad out loud.
SJ: Yes it does 🙁
SR: I guess I started running consistently again in spring 2011. Twenty five miles a week or so. After the D1 running experience and so much injury, I was 100% against running seriously ever again. I guess the Beibs has it right: Never say never.
SJ: Was it just an influx of pay checks that got you doing consistent mileage? You could afford Powerbars now?
SR: Yeah, and getting the right job. It’s hard to NOT run when you work for Oiselle. I think it’s in my contract.
SJ: Did the competitive juices come back quickly? And how are those juices different, if at all, than they were in high school & college? Also what is your favorite Powerbar flavor?!
SR: It took a tutu to bring my competitive side back.
SJ: Interesting! Ok Sarah, you’ve done great so far! If it’s ok with you I’d like to move on to the renamed Balanced Athlete Big Acting Lightning Round, sponsored by my close personal friend Eric Sach of The Balanced Athlete in Renton! I’m guessing you’d rather not wear this mask to aid focus? SR: No thanks, only Oiselle’s elite fabric can touch my skin or I break out in hives.
SJ: Yeah that’s what I figured :\ Ok first things first, seriously what’s your favorite Powerbar flavor? SR: At one time it was the Berry one. Now, whatever is free. They should bring banana back though.
SJ: Yeah, wildberry! I used to have this friend back in high school whose parents always had a box of Powerbars in the pantry. Some runs would end at his house and assuming the parents were gone I would always immediately head to the pantry and help myself to one (or as he referred to it, “steal”). As you know, they were out of most 17 year olds’ price range. But they’d almost always just have apple cinnamon, and I grew tired of them. Every *once in awhile* though they would have a box of wildberry and it was like Christmas morning! SR:(nodding vacantly)
SJ: (ahem) Angry bicyclists on the Burke Gilman Trail…what’s their deal? SR: There are bicyclists on the Burke? I have my headphones on; I guess I never notice them.
SJ: Lucky you. Bananas: runner superfood or vile, sorry excuse for a fruit? SR: Better as a Runt. But when covered in peanut butter, a decent food.
SJ: Covered in peanut butter? Like, a whole banana…enveloped by peanut butter? Do you eat it with your hands? SR: Actually to get technical, I guess the banana covers the peanut butter. I slice it and fill it with peanut butter, like a banana peanut butter sandwich where the bread is the banana…this is getting confusing.
SJ: I agree! I was told this was a good question so I’m just going to repeat it. If you could only run one more race in your life, which specific one would it be? SR: Chicago Marathon.
SJ: Why Chicago? SR: I need redemption for my only marathon.
SJ: You have to marry one of these guys and spend the rest of your life with them in an 800 sq ft home: Zack, Slater, Screech, Belding, or Mr. Tuttle? Show your work! SR: Who? Are those runners?
SJ: What?! Saved By The Bell’s leading men! First Sage, now you?! I believe Zack was a member of more or less every sports team at Bayside…and I have to assume Slater was a track star. C’mon you’re not THAT young. SR: I was one of those ‘we aren’t allowed to watch tv’ kids. My childhood is missing huge chunks of pop culture. HUGE. It was humiliating. Thanks for bringing it up.
SJ: Biggest pet peeve committed by other runners, either in the act of running or in general? SR: Racing with earbuds. Also: leaking terrible, nervous runner farts at starting lines.
SJ: Haha, WHOA! We might have to edit that one a little, but ok! SR: Haha really!? Dude, sneaky runner farts are the WORST.
SJ: OK moving on before I get fired from SRC! Do you think you could beat me in a 400m race, and why not? SR: No. Maybe. I don’t know. I have one pace: slow and steady.
SJ: Would you rather be blind, deaf, mute, or paralyzed from the waist down? And why? SR: Mute. I think people might like me more.
SJ: The 2012 Summer Olympics will be upon us in a couple months. Any sports or events or athlete scandals you’re looking forward to? SR: I’m looking forward to watching Galen Rupp and Usain Bolt race…each other…in a pudding eating contest.
SJ: If I were lucky enough to take you to a movie–any movie, not just new releases–which movie would you like to see and when should I pick you up? SR: I’ll assume this is to find out my favorite movie, not looking for a date. Royal Tenenbaums or….Superbabies: Baby Genuises 2.
SJ: Ok great! And umm…if it…*was* me looking for a date? SR: Married. (waves bling finger)
SJ: Oh. On that note. I have (pulls out a few bills and change)…3 dollars and…27 cents. Will you please run XC for the Seattle Running Club in 2013? SR: Hmmm. Nope.
SJ: Please? I’m not allowed back on the board of directors if I don’t put you in a singlet. SR: Are you any good with Photoshop?
SJ: Pretty Woman or Dirty Dancing? And explain. SR: Dirty Dancing. There’s only so much of Julia Roberts’ laugh a person can endure.
SJ: I agree, she’s horrible!
SJ: Ok that’s a wrap! Sarah, aside from the excessive cursing and the fact you have no idea who AC Slater is, I thought you handled yourself extremely well in the Balanced AthleteBig Awesome Lightning Round, and why not, co-sponsored by Oiselle Running Apparel! Especially considering you’re a woman!
Before I let you go though I wanted to touch on a couple other topics. You recently ran the Hood To Coast Relay right? What did you think of this event and would you recommend it to other runners who haven’t yet experienced running at 3am or surviving a weekend from port-o-potty to port-o-potty?
SR: I recommend Hood To Coast to anyone. But if you are too type A, you better take your anti-anxiety meds or pack yourself a friggin’ drink. Things are going to get out of your control. And there is no room for cwanky in a van. Also if you have an A race in September, don’t do it. It will take some time to recover.
SJ: I’m usually not cranky and I don’t ever have A races. Can I be on your team next year?
SR: I’m a girl’s girl. Is that a thing? If this bird flies to the coast again it will be with Team Oiselle. Although if I went the mixed van route…yes, for sure. I think I’ve heard you’re good at beer ultras, so basically the same thing.
SJ: Well, fingers crossed my Rundies model application finds its way to…well, whoever hires the Rundies models! Speaking of Oiselle, do you have any personal favorite Oiselle products? Any tips for people shopping for their runner friends, wives, coworkers, baristas, strangers they’d like to meet, etc?
SJ: My bus is gonna be here any minute, but I wanted to ask if you had any long-term running goals…ones that you feel comfortable putting on the record? Distances, races, times, etc? Or do you just move one race at a time, day by day? Or should I mind my own business?
SR: Oh lordy, I’m giving myself until July to get some serious times in the books. I have a coach now! Like a real live runner, so I’m just seeing if my training with him gets me to the next level. I’d love to run the USA half marathon championships in June…but I need to get under 1:19. So that. I suppose.
SJ: Wow! That’s about as fast as I was…about 20 pounds ago. I’m sure you’ll do great! And I look forward to photoshopping an SRC singlet onto your half marathon championship race pictures!
Are there any questions you wanted to ask me?
SR: I guess the only question I have for you…is…aren’t you supposed to be SHOELESS? What in the name of kittens are those moon boots?
SJ: Oh yeah, aren’t they cool? I’m excited to announce a new supporter of the Shoeless Joe interview series: Hoka One One! They must have seen some of the sweet action Vibram is getting from my support and wanted a piece! So they sent me a pair of shoes! They’re pretty beat up, but you can’t beat free shoes. I look forward to working them into my rotation, as soon as I get over this achilles injury. Thanks again, Hoka One One!
Gracious thanks to Sarah for trusting me and taking the time to give us what the people have been clamoring for: an interview with a real-life woman! I highly recommend her blog for an ideal brand of self-aware runner humor that can be hard to come by. She’s also really fast, if that matters to you. Even though I couldn’t sell her on either Vibrams or Hokas, watch out for her in 2013 and beyond.
Call for Comments
Not letting your child or college son watch Saved By The Bell: child abuse?
Should Oiselle hire Shoeless Joe to model Rundies?
Favorite Powerbar flavor?
Call for Support
Did you enjoy this? Are you already a club member? If not, consider becoming a member, or getting one for that special someone for Xmas or New Years or whatever you like to celebrate! I’m hard-pressed to think of a better gift for the holidays…aside from Oiselle clothing of course!
OMG I am finally back for the 3rd Shoeless Joe Interview! To appease my growing number of fans (We need to think of a name for you guys! “Vibram-holics”? “The Never Shoe’ds”?), let me satisfy you by presenting my new interview with one of the hot, young, and new talents in the world of trail running, Sage Canaday!
Sage has built an impressive resumé of racing and non-racing accomplishments. He was the only collegiate runner to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials in 2008. He’s since run a 2:16 marathon, a 1:04 half, written a book (“Running For The Hansons“), and won the competitive (and straight uphill) Mt. Washington Road Race. But he really caught my attention since deciding to take on the trails and those epic miles found beyond 26.2. Sage has only run three ultramarathons. A 50k in March (Chuckanut), White River in July, and the UROC 100k in September. But heading into the NorthFace 50 Mile in a couple weeks, Sage’s name will be among those listed as pre-race favorites.
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Shoeless Joe: Welcome one and all to another edition of the Shoeless Joe Interview! Today we’re rolling deep with a young man named Sage (looks at card) Can…a-day…? Sage ran track and cross country for Grinnell University and he’s also twice run the marathon Olympic Team Trials!
Sage Canaday: Wait, wait, I’m going to have to stop you right there. I went to Cornell…not Grinnell *College.* Big difference. And I’m not talking about Cornell College in Iowa or wherever that is…I’m taking about Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where we bleed Big Red and walk up 15% grade slopes in 10 feet of snow both ways to class. Ever heard of it?!
SJ: Ohhh! Yeah, my friends Clint and Sarah Wattenberg went there, I think. I should have known that! Only 26 years old Sage, you’ve since become an immediate presence in the trail ultrarunning circuit. In your first-ever ultramarathon, a nasty fall and an extra 1-2k kept you from winning the competitive Chuckanut 50k in course record time. I was there! About an hour behind you.
SC: Actually let’s not speculate too much there. A certain other former-Cornell runner named Max King also got lost and if that didn’t happen, there was a good chance he would’ve taken it to me in the last flat (and slightly downhill) 10k. But we were on pace to better Geoff Roes’ course record before getting lost…even in the snowy, slippery conditions.
SJ: Right. And in his first-ever 50 mile, Sage stayed on course and did not fall and easily beat Anton Krupicka’s(pronounced not even close to correct) White River course record. What’s the future have in store for Sage? More ultras? FKTs? Beer miles? Let’s find out!
First off I should note that in a departure from previous interviews, this one will be conducted over the phone, since Win Van Pelt refused to foot the bill for a flight out to Boulder, Colorado, where Sage is currently residing. Hopefully you won’t even notice!
So yeah…Sage, let’s get started. How are you, it’s great to finally speak with you!
SC: I’m pretty tired and cranky because I haven’t had enough coffee and beer today…yet. Anyway, thanks for your call, I’m always up for interviews and putting everything out there on the table, so this is good. How have you been doing?
SJ: Wow, thanks for asking! I’m doing ok!
Now, you’ve burst onto the scene and I’ve seen a few interviews here and there. Most of them discuss your college background, running with Hansons, marathon success, transitioning to ultra-marathons, et cetera. But no one really seems to touch on your high school career. What was that like? Did you run in high school? Or play football or some other sport?
SC: I actually started running pretty seriously in middle school and continued every year since then. I quit soccer in 7th grade because my coach told me I was better off running up and down the field as a decoy without the ball at my feet. From then on I pretty much devoted myself to year-round training for track and cross country.
In high school I had some decent success, running about 4:30 in the mile, but I never qualified for the Oregon state championships in track. In cross country I was a lot more competitive, although a certain someone named Galen Rupp was a good 50 seconds ahead of me for 5k at states.
SJ: Galen? That’s a funny name!
SC: The only other sport I seriously considered going pro in during high school was disc golf. I played in some monthly tournaments here and there across the northwest and got 6th place at State in the PDGA “throw-run-catch” event, clocking over 100 feet. Of course back then I wasn’t old enough to get a beer company sponsor so I gave up on the dream and just ran more instead.
SJ: Was your high school cross country team a meat market like mine? Guys and gals hooking up left and right? By which I mean holding hands shyly and doing homework together? And is the disc golf circuit similar in that regard?
SC:(Audible laughter!) I’d say it was more like a vegetable market, unfortunately. My college team was more down the lines a meat market though–
SJ: At Grinnell?
SC: No, Cornell. University. In the past I’ve only dated runner girls on the team and there is no way to get around the drama associated with that. In fact, one of my main motivations for starting running was to pick up a girlfriend. It’s worked out well at times and it’s worked out quite poorly at times. I can’t say the disc golf scene had very many young women to hold hands and play catch with…plus I have “speed goggles” for runner girls only! Also, just to throw this out there for the ladies: I’m currently single.
SJ: I too only started running to date a girl! Hopefully SRC can hook you up with a potential wife. How would you compare/contrast high school female runners, collegiate female runners, female marathoners, and your new experience with female ultrarunners? Are there any ultrarunners in Colorado?
SC: Now I don’t want to get in trouble here, so I’ll just say that all runners in general are crazy. Absolutely insane! And college runners probably are the most high-strung. Anyway, since crazy attracts crazy, I’m still holding out on the hope of finding that cute and fast runner-girl that will put up with my shenanigans and meager race winnings. From what I’ve seen there are hardly any ultrarunners in Colorado. I’ve seen a ton of disc golf players and roller skaters and BMX bikers though. Can’t say any of the female disc golf players have caught my eye…yet.
SJ:(laughing) I like your confidence! I’ll keep on the look out for hot women disc golfers around Seattle and report back if I find any. It’s too bad about the lack of ultrarunners in Colorado though; you’d think the state would be full of them. Can you describe your living situation there? A lot of roommates, or are you living alone? Do they have grocery stores in Boulder, or is it just one big farmer’s market on Sundays?
SC: I live off of the land…and with coffee from Starbucks. There are a lot of co-ops and communes with vegetable gardens and solar-powered clay huts. However, I try to simplify my life beyond that, with a meager existence in a 2-bed, 2-bath apartment next to the University of Colorado cross country course. I have one apartment-mate who used to cut the 10k in 31 minutes. He still jogs a bit with me. I don’t know about any farmer’s markets around Boulder, but if there were some they’d probably only sell fried rattlesnakes which I’m not interested in, being vegetarian.
SJ: Are there any training styles, theories or equipment that you simply cannot do with or without? For example, I know I will CrossFit for the rest of my life, and I will always wear Vibrams even if it means I’m always injured. I also started shaving my legs but wow that takes a lot of time so I’m not committing to it for life. Plus I bled a lot and almost fainted.
SC: First of all you need to get laser hair removal for your legs if you’re a guy. It’s just not worth the risk using a Gillette Mach 5 razor around the knees, getting a cut and losing some precious blood. I thought the Vibrams were too cushioned so I cut the heels off of them so I could have a *true* zero-drop for natural running. For my aerobic capacity I swear by the Powerlung since I have asthma and can’t breathe. Oh yeah, I also do 16 minute abs while holding a 10 lb weight across my chest. With weights, it’s not just about curls for the girls you know!
SJ: Good tips on leg hair removal! I’ll look into that. You don’t really see advice like that for guys on other running websites very often.
If you’re ready I think it’s time for the world famous Fleet Feet Fast Acting Lightning Round! Sponsored as always by Fleet Feet Seattle! We keep it short and sweet, and work as fast as we can. Ready?
SC: Let’s do it.
SJ: Ok. What are you wearing right now?
SC: Just my my whole birthday suit and a pair of shoes.
SJ: Really? Wow! What kind of shoes?
SC: The SCOTT Sports Race Rockers. They weigh next to nothing and they really rock! I feel naked when I have them on because they are so minimal. It’s good though. I like the whole idea of natural running.
SJ: If you have not yet raced in them I would highly recommend the Vibram SeeYa!
SC: …
SJ: Hello?
SC: Yeah I’m here.
SJ: Ok. How many Facebook fans do you have, and does that number satisfy you?
SC: Reading LetsRun.com posts is by far the hardest. It is such a chore because you can’t tell if people are trolling or are actually being totally serious. After that: writing a book (too many words and not enough numbers), the Olympic Trials Marathon and then the White River course record.
SJ: I recently dropped my phone in a public toilet and had to use a pay phone. When did you last use a pay phone?
SC: Hmm. What is this “pay phone” device you speak of?
SC: I have no idea who or what these people are. I’ll just go with Lisa because she sounds kinda hot.
SJ: Saved By the Bell man! You’re not *that* young are you? (singing) “When I wake up late for class, the teacher’s gonna be mad, nuhhh nuhhh NUH…cause I’m Saved By The Bell!”
SC: Oh really?! Well, I guess you must be really old then! I’ve heard the title but can’t say I’ve ever seen that show. I grew up in the backwoods of Oregon and our TV only had 3 channels so I didn’t really even bother watching it as a kid.
SJ: Wow. Ok. Well, so you know, you picked the rich spoiled one so good luck at your next few races! Umm. Where was I…oh. Usain Bolt: Inspiring or annoying?
SC: Annoying! He may be the fastest man in the world at sprinting, but he could probably win by a larger margin and set better records if he didn’t celebrate so much.
SJ: You wanna go halves on a pie? I only have enough cash for two toppings, what you got?
SC: At first I thought you meant a dessert pie, so in that case whipped cream and chocolate chips. But now I think you actually mean a pizza pie, so I’d go with extra cheese and extra cheese (they used to call me “Plain Cheese Canaday” at Hanson’s).
SJ: That’s crazy, a friend of a friend of my brother only liked sausage on his pizza. So I hear they called him “Sausage Party Paul”.
SC: Well, I think that’s kinda gross because I’m a vegetarian.
SJ: Oh I know. Totally gross! Back to you though, has Sage Canaday ever been to Canada, eh? lol get it?
SC: Not all all. I think you are making fun of my accent and that is not very funny to me!
SJ:(pause) Who, aside from Dean Karnazes I assume, inspires you as a runner more than anyone else?
SC: The Penguin.
SJ: What course record (any distance, any terrain), aside from Dean Karno’s South Pole Marathon course record I assume, is the most impressive to you?
SC: I’m not even sure what the time was officially, but I’d have to go with that sort of recent video of someone setting a world record in the beer mile. That is one tough event that requires a really special talent!
SJ: That was NickySimmons Symmonds and it was just a Oregon state U.S. record. But still, 6:31 5:19 was his time! If you have his home address phone number, I’d love to have it, or his social security number.
SC: I don’t have his digits, but maybe you could ask Paris Hilton for them?
SJ: Finish this sentence: If I wasn’t a runner, I’d be ___?
SJ: Cool! Finally, we have to ask…Pretty Woman or Dirty Dancing? And explain.
SC: I don’t remember seeing Dirty Dancing all the way through, so I’d have to go with Pretty Woman. They say that money can’t buy you love, but this movie seems to be hard evidence that money actually does talk, and it wins the heart of Julia Roberts.
SJ: Mark a yes vote for Pretty Woman, its first one so far! That does it for the Fleet Feet Fast Acting Lightning Round…nice work, Sage, and over the phone too! Enhanced degree of difficulty! Did you have fun?
SC: Thank you! And, it was ok.
SJ: I’m probably going to be fired from my non-paid position if I don’t ask you about White River, seeing as how it’s an SRC-related race and one of our most exciting times of the year. But you absolutely destroyed that course in your first 50 mile attempt and I was wondering if any aspects or parts of the course and race stood out as particularly enjoyable….maybe beside crossing the finish line of course! Or any parts of the course particularly unenjoyable?
SC: First of all, I’ll say that I’m really glad that I chose White River as my 50 mile debut. My Pacific Northwest roots really enjoyed the wooded trails and views of Mt. Rainier. It was a great crowd to run with as well as the race director put on an awesome event! I’d have to say my low-point in the race was in the middle of the big climb around mile 32. I had to make a pit stop in the bushes and before that I had started walking because my legs felt numb. It seemed like I had forever to go still and I was sure that I would be hitting some sort of wall. Then, the next aid station near the top of the climb, I felt great again because I got some Coke in me and the friendly aid-station volunteers snapped a picture with me; that was a high point. After that I was able to rally and I felt more confident as the downhill miles clicked off and I stayed under course record pace.
SJ: And recently you got 2nd at UROC (the Ultra Race of Champions), finishing about 15 minutes behind Max King. This was your 100k debut, yes? Was it hard to have such a disappointing race following your Chuckanut and White River 50k/50 mile ultra debuts? You seemed to handle Max easily at Chuckanut. Was it just an off day for you?
SC: Yeah, it was my first 100k. Max ran really strong and I was with him until about 35 miles when I felt the sudden calls of nature. That cost me a good 60 seconds or so. After that it really just turned into a matter of survival and I turned my focus from trying to win to just trying to make it to the finish line without walking. The parasites I had in my gut from Europe had curtailed my training and strength for ultras. I averaged only 60 miles a week for the previous 6 weeks. All I could do was muster up a weak jog for the last 20 miles. Max pulled away quite convincingly at a high rate of speed.
SJ: Aww man, that’s a shame. I had to pee during a 10k once and it definitely affected my race. So I can sympathize.
SC: Oh if it’s pee, I just let it flow. No use in losing 20 seconds when you can just wet yourself, get more chafeage, and test the fluid drainage in your shoes. This was a number 2 pit stop, which, in my book, does require an actual break from running. As a matter of fact right now I feel something brewing in my intestines so I’m going to have to hang up on you soon!
SJ: Ok, no problem! One last question then! In ten years…you’ll be 34 or 38 or…wait, how old are you?
SC: If years were miles in a marathon…that’s my current age, although I turn 27 in a few days.
SJ: Ok, so you’ll be 35. Wait, how many miles in a mara–36! Sorry! Lol. Anyway, what kind of accomplishments would you like to have achieved in this sport? Like, if we’re reading a biography about you in 2022? What is your “accomplishment bucket list,” I guess is what I’m asking.
SC: That’s easy! Of course, first I’d just like to still be alive in 2022 as that sounds like the very distant future. Athletic goals are easy to come up with though: Obviously a sub-6:00 in the beer mile and a sub-27:30 in the Kripsy Kreme 8k Challenge. It’s going to take a lot of dedicated training and a little bit of luck, but those are the two big ones I have in mind for the rest of my career.
SJ: Well I may as well throw in a plug for a race that sounds like it’d be right up your alley Sage, the 2013 SRC Fat Glass 50k! Six 5.2 mile trail loops, chug a beer before each loop! The Balanced Athlete’s Eric Sach is the defending 2-time champ. You keep improving as quickly as you are and I bet you could take him! There’s no prize money but there’s a potluck afterwards. You can stay at my house and I’ll give you a ride to the race! Are you allergic to cats? I have seven.
SC: Sounds like a good time as long as the beer is nice and hoppy! I’m all up for provided food and lodging at a race too. Not sure about staying at your place though; I’m kind of more of a dog person so I think I’ll pass. Anyway, I really gotta go! Last time I took my cell phone into the bathroom with me it drowned in the toilet!
SJ: Been there, done that Sage! Before you go…any questions you’d like to ask me?
SC: Yeah, I guess I just have just one question, and I’m only asking you this because it’s really important. When are you going to get that laser hair removal for your legs that I recommended earlier? You can tweet your answer to me @SageCanaday if you need more time to think about it! That’s all, I’m hanging up right now!
SJ: Ok Sage, thanks, just one more–
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Many many thanks to Sage for letting me call him on his friend’s phone! Sage will be winding up his 2012 season at the uber-competitive NorthFace 50 Mile in San Francisco, a little over two weeks from now, and as one of the contenders he will most likely be interviewed by irunfar.com. You can also enjoy his blog at sagecanaday.com and his running-related media ventures at vo2maxproductions. And like many people his age, he twitters and facebooks in lieu of watching Saved By The Bell!
Call for Comments (from Joe)
Which SBTB character have you fantasized about going steady with?
Isn’t Dean Karnazes great?
Are you a single female who would like to date or marry Sage?
Call for Comments (from Sage)
Do you like beer?
A lot?
What is your favorite type of beer?
What is your favorite brewery?
Any single ladies?
Call for Support (from Joe)
If you thought this was at least “ok,” please consider either becoming a member of Seattle Running Club or renewing your membership. Sage said if he lived here he’d totally do so himself. Fast slow and everyone in between, please join our community of running nerds!
It’s finally time for the 2nd Shoeless Joe Interview! I apologize for the delay, and appreciate all the warm words of encouragement from people who enjoyed my first one, with Uli Steidl!
Greg Crowther is a well-known Seattle-based runner with an incredible amount of accolades on both the roads and the trails, on both short and long distances. He can win 5Ks and he can win 100 milers. He’s represented the United States numerous times at the 100k World Championships. And to top it off, he served as the Seattle Running Club president back in 2011. More of Greg (and less of Joe) can be found at GregCrowther.com, his twitter profile, and SingAboutScience.org.
Unfortunately Greg has long been sidelined with an Achilles injury. He was out of commission for nearly two years, but is now getting back into the running saddle. And after a number of months spent tracking him down, he finally agreed to stop running for a few minutes and sit down with me. Enjoy!
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Shoeless Joe: Welcome to a new edition of the Shoeless Joe interview! Today I’m blessed to get to speak to the head honcho himself, Greg Crowther! (mispronounced as “kroh-ther”). I spoke to Greg one time after a Cougar Mountain race, but this time we’re going to get real! Greg, how are you doing?
Greg Crowther: I’m fine, thanks. How are you?
SJ: I’m great! I had a small cyst near my butt that I got removed recently, but otherwise I’m fantastic. It’s an honor to be speaking with the Seattle Running Club President!
GC: Well, former president. Win Van Pelt succeeded me in November.
SJ: Oh cool! Win Van Pelt…that’s an interesting name. No offense but he does sound a bit more presidential than “Greg Crowther.” (mispronounces name again) I’m sure you were great though! Speaking of great, I hear you’ve had a great injury that has kept you from running for many weeks. What has that been like?
GC: The injury to my left Achilles tendon has been great in that it has been an important influence in my life, for better or worse — great in the sense of the Great War or Great Flood. I haven’t trained seriously or raced since August of 2010. I was pretty bitter and upset about this for many months; then my marriage ended, which really put running in the proper perspective. I dream of getting fit again, which might happen in a year or in a few years or never. For now I am mostly a “social runner.”
SJ: Oh, my source did not mention anything about any marriage ending. I’m afraid I don’t have any follow ups on that topic.
You say you might be fit in a year, a few years, or never. Can you narrow that down? Will you be racing the White River 50 mile this coming weekend? I’ve raced that one a few times; I think you would enjoy it!
GC:(Sigh) No, I’m afraid that I cannot “narrow that down.” To any hypothetical Greg Crowther fans out there who are breathlessly awaiting an announcement on my return to competition, I’d say, “Thanks for your interest, but please find something more worthy of your attention.”
Regarding White River, I’ve been smitten ever since 2002, when I crewed for defending champion William Emerson. Watching that race had a huge influence on me. Up to that point I had thought that ultramarathons were really long, dull episodes of power-walking over ridiculously hard, poorly-marked courses. White River showed me that an ultra could be a well-organized, runnable race contested by athletes who are fast as well as tough. The 2002 race was an epic battle between Emerson, Scott Jurek, Karl Meltzer, Hal Koerner, and Nate McDowell. Nate is probably the least well-known of those guys, but at that time he was as good as any of them, and when he came whipping down the Sun Top road, 43 miles into the race, at sub-6:00 pace, leaving Jurek and the others in the dust, I was super-impressed.
Since then I’ve been back to White River almost every year to race or volunteer.
SJ: That’s awful kind of you! Do you think you have a good shot at winning White River this year?
GC:(Sigh) My chance of winning is 0 because my chance of racing is 0, as I tried to convey earlier.
Are we working through a bunch of questions that you prepared before the interview? You should feel free to modify the questions as we go so that, in the context of my answers, they actually make sense. Otherwise people might conclude that you aren’t very smart or aren’t listening to me, or both.
SJ: Huh? Oh yeah, I agree! I remember my first White River, in 2009. I said “Hi” to Scott Jurek but I don’t think he heard me. Did you know he’s vegan?! I saw that online. It’s crazy that he’s able to run all those 50Ks and 50 milers without any protein. Do you have any dietary…umm…tendencies? Are you vegan…or paleo or something?
GC: I abide by a strict meat-based diet. Perhaps that’s why I’m 6-0 lifetime against Jurek.
SJ:(Laughter) Greg Crowther (mispronounced) getting feisty! I love it! Alright let’s keep the feistiness going with the Fleet Feet Fast-Acting Lightning Speed Round, sponsored by our good friends at Fleet Feet Seattle! Greg, I’ve brought this mask. If you dare put this over your eyes, you’re telling me you’re ready to throw down!
GC: Um, can’t I just say, “I am, in fact, ready to throw down”?
SJ: You may say you’re ready but that face says otherwise! Put the mask on! If you want to show as well as Uli did, you’ll need to block out all distractions!
GC: Hold on. What IS the “speed round,” anyway? Do I have to answer quickly? Or are all the questions about fast people?
SJ: Oh I’m sorry, did you not check out my interview with Uli? Yes, the game is I ask you a question fastly, and you answer fastly. Lightning fast! See, because running is about being fast. (trailing off) Well, for some people…
GC: Well, trying to keep up with Uli is generally a bad idea. I’m going to give you back your mask so that nothing catastrophic happens to it.
SJ: Sorry Greg, I will have to insist!
GC: No, I’m serious.
SJ: Well alright, maybe next time! Ok, here we go! What is your favorite brand of hot dogs?
SJ: I…suppose, yes! I’ll allow it!
You and I are heading to a karaoke bar tonight…what song are you planning on rocking?
GC: “Hold On.” In the style of Wilson Phillips, of course. My backup choice would be “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads. “This is not my beautiful house!” and all that. Sorry, am I being too long-winded for the Fleet Feet Lightning Blah Blah Blah Speed Round?
SJ: Not at all! Would you mind singing a few bars of “Hold On?” Just to prove you’re not one of those poser Wilson Phillips fans?
GC: Sure! In fact, I have my own backing track right here with me. (Actually does pull out phone and plays a karaoke version of “Hold On.” Greg and Joe sing together for a verse and a half.)
SJ: Awesome song, reminds me of VH1! Moving along, I see you brought a bike helmet with you. Do you play any bike polo?
GC: Uh, no. For me, biking isn’t really a sport, it’s just a way to get around.
SJ: You have been convicted of murdering Fleet Feet’s Brian Morrison. You’re on death row and nobody likes you because everyone loved Brian. What is your last meal?
GC: Fried chicken. I wouldn’t enjoy it, though, because I’d be upset about Brian’s death — I was framed, obviously — not to mention my own impending demise.
As an aside, you’re doing a marvelous job of working Fleet Feet into every other sentence. Didn’t they once give you a free pair of socks?
SJ: Yes!
GC: I think you’ve paid your debt to them at this point. We should also be sure to mention the Seattle Running Club’s OTHER distinguished partner store, The Balanced Athlete. Whose owner, Eric Sach, was cleared of all wrongdoing in the Morrison case, by the way.
SJ: Yes, I agree. Everyone, go to The Balanced Athlete…tell them Shoeless Joe sent you; they’ll hook you up!
Keeping with the food theme, favorite type of M&Ms: Regular, Peanut, Almond, Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Coconut, Mint, Grape, or Pretzel?
GC: The green ones. Those are home runs, right?
SJ: ? How many tattoos do you have?
GC: None.
SJ: If forced at gunpoint to get one, what would you get?
GC: Whatever the gunman wanted me to get, I suppose. How many do you have?
SJ: None, too scared! But if Vibram Five Fingers hooked me up, I might be willing to get their shoe tattooed on my leg or chest or something.
GC: I agree; if you have to get a tattoo, you might as well get some free product out of the deal.
SJ: Totally! You’re doing great Greg, stretch run coming up. Who is your favorite character on The Cosby Show?
GC: I identified with Sondra because she was the most academically inclined of the Huxtable children. So her, I guess.
SJ: I liked Denise’s Army husband.
If you could run only one more race–any distance, any place, your fitness level at a place with which you’re happy–which one would it be?
GC: Hmm…good question.
SJ: Thanks!
GC: Assuming that I was able to train properly, I’d probably do another flat 100-miler, like Rocky Raccoon. Since I’ve only started two 100’s and only finished one, that’s a distance where I could still PR. (Pause) Plus, if you only get one more race, why not make it last as long as possible?
SJ: Good point, I agree! The following question was submitted by an SRC club member and fan, and it seems appropriate given your presidential status in the club. Boxers or briefs?
GC: If you must know: briefs.
SJ: Briefs, me too! Thanks to Patrick N. for that question!
Final question: Dirty Dancing or Pretty Woman? And show your work!
SJ: I agree! Plus Swayze looks like he’d easily best Gere in an ultra.
Nice work Greg, if you had worn it I would say you can take the mask off! It wasn’t a World Championship 100k, but I bet completing the Fleet Feet Fast Acting Speed Round was just as satisfying.
Getting back to the serious stuff, I’m fascinated by your time spent as president of the Seattle Running Club. Do you have any stories from that all-powerful position? Backroom deals with Brooks? Shady compromises with Nuun?
GC: Yeah, it’s a shame I can’t tell you about our super-secret contract work for the Department of Defense. Let’s just say that the future of the U.S. border patrol involves fewer guns and more runs.
I wasn’t entirely comfortable in my role as president, but I did have a few “It’s good to be king” moments. One was when I got an email from a guy working on ads for an upcoming exhibit on horror films at Paul Allen’s Science Fiction Museum. He needed to get some pictures of runners being attacked by a zombie and wanted to use SRC members as the runners. Vice President Van Pelt wasn’t so keen on the idea, but I thought, shoot, what’s the fun of being president if you can’t feed some of your constituents to zombies once in a while? So I encouraged club members to sign up.
A somewhat more serious example was the Fat Glass 50K last August. The idea grew out of a board meeting discussion about Beer Miles — those track races where people drink a beer every lap. We thought, well, *any* running group can hold a Beer Mile, but it would take a special bunch of loonies to put on a Beer Ultra. And, with the SRC kind of representing the lunatic fringe of the Seattle running scene, we figured that it was up to us to create such an event. And things blossomed from there, thanks mostly to the incredible generosity of SRC member Peter Kline, who hosted the race at his house.
SJ: Yes. I think the Fat Glass 50k may prove to be your shining legacy, I hope SRC can bring it back for a second round! If I may be so bold, could the Fat Glass 50k be the race Greg Crowther (mispronounced) returns to racing, if only for a day?! Could you handle six pints of craft beer in 4+ hours?
GC: At this point, I have neither the legs nor the liver to handle the Fat Glass 50K.
SJ: Yeah, maybe I won’t do it either. I see on your facebook profile picture, you look like you’re wearing some kind of lab coat. Are you a doctor?
GC: No, I’m a research scientist.
SJ: Ohh, a scientist! Cool! Can you answer this then? How did you get into being what you are now? I mean, I’m guessing if I asked 8 year-old Greg Crowther (mispronounced) what he wanted to be when he became adult Greg Crowther (mispronounced), the answer wouldn’t be “research scientist.” When I was 8 I wanted to be a pro baseball player. When I was 18 I wanted to be a pro baseball player. When I was 28 I wanted to be a pro baseball player. A few months ago I gave up on that dream and have since settled. But I don’t get the feeling any scientists have “settled” into their profession, despite the fact that their field of work is really hard and confusing and boring and hard and you gotta go to college and stuff.
GC: When I was 8 I wanted to be a pro baseball player too. The idea of becoming a scientist didn’t really take hold until college, when I realized that different academic disciplines have fundamentally different ways of exploring the world and figuring things out, and that the approach taken by the natural sciences–the scientific method–was especially compelling to me. In history, for example, there is no shortage of fascinating questions, like “What caused World War II?” But trying to answer that question in a rigorous, conclusive manner is really hard, because you can’t go back and re-create the world as it was before the war and experiment on it. I don’t recommend that, anyway. But science has this elegant cycle of devising a hypothesis, performing empirical tests of the hypothesis, refining the hypothesis, doing additional tests, etc. It’s a rigorous and powerful way of discovering things, but it’s also simple in a way. Even if you aren’t a genius, and can’t answer any of the big questions that everyone cares about, you can work on smaller questions that relate to the bigger ones, and make progress in that way. A distance runner’s “one step at a time” mindset is definitely helpful in science.
SJ: Interesting. Though didn’t we conclusively prove that the New Deal caused World War II? And I think the scientific method can definitely be abused by scientists with agendas, but I don’t want to get into that right now even though I’m sure you agree with me 100%. Moving on, what position did you want to play?! I wanted to be a first baseman who hit lots of homeruns at Candlestick Park.
GC: My childhood idol was Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox, and he played first base in his later years, so I liked that position as well. And I liked pitching too. I was told that, as a lefty, I had a “natural curve ball,” though I don’t think it was unhittable or anything like that.
SJ: Yastrzemski? First off, how old are you?! And how could you be a Red Sox fan living in Seattle as a child as I presume you did?
GC:(Sigh) You presume incorrectly, as usual. I grew up in Vermont. I’m 39. Yaz retired in 1983, when I was 10.
SJ: Ohhh, ok! Vermont is pretty far away; did you move out here because you really love running in a 54-degree drizzle 11 months out of the year?
GC: I much prefer that to running in 5-degree snow and ice, but my main reason for moving here was to go to grad school in physiology at the University of Washington.
SJ: I agree! I think we’re about done here Greg, but I wanted to talk about one more thing. (Reads from card) Have you ever considered minimal running? Learning to run free with Vibrams? Thanks to the generous folks at Vibram Five Fingers, I can get you a pair of Vibrams to try–free!–for a whole week. I’m confident you will notice the difference, and join the revolution. Are you interested in taking your running to the next level?
GC: No, I’d prefer to stagnate at the current level. Thanks, though!
SJ: Ok, fair enough. I also have a couple 10% off coupons for an upcoming Tough Mudder. Would you be interested in being on my team?
GC: I’m afraid not.
SJ: Hmm. Ok. I’m sure I can find someone. Are there any questions you wanted to ask me?
GC: Not especially.
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It was awesome of Greg to hang out with me at his work and let me interview him. Thanks Greg! If any of you want to hang out with Greg in the immediate future, I have learned he will be at Crystal Mountain this coming weekend volunteering at the White River 50 mile (not racing, apparently). Tell him hello and maybe he’ll sing a couple bars of Wilson Phillips with you! You can also enjoy his blog at GregCrowther.com. He also twitters!
Call for Comments (from Joe)
What’s YOUR go-to karaoke jam?
Do YOU have a favorite Huxtable?
Does anyone want to be on my Tough Mudder team?
Call for Comments (from Greg)
Who, if anybody, should Shoeless Joe interview next?
Call for Support (from Joe)
If you thought this was not-at-all offensive, please consider either becoming a member of Seattle Running Club or renewing your membership. The club is much more than some self-unaware schmuck interviewing his local running heroes. Join a community of like-minded running enthusiasts!
Welcome to the first installment of the Shoeless Joe Interview! I say “installment” assuming this will a) not be discovered and deleted by higher-ranking board members and b) I’m allowed to make this a recurring feature here.
For my first interview I wanted to go big, and when it comes to Seattle running, you can’t go much bigger than Uli Steidl! He and his wife Trisha Steidl form a sort of royal union in the local running scene, with countless wins and accomplishments between them at a wide variety of distances. Both also extend their expertise to coaching collegiate running talent at Seattle University, where Trisha is the head coach and Uli is an assistant coach.
After his great performance at the 2012 Boston Marathon (1st Masters, 5th American, 15th overall), and his excellent first pitch at a recent Mariners game, I had to sit down and get to know more about the man(ly) Seattle legend. With an awesome view of Lake Washington in front of us, we had a great time. Enjoy!
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Shoeless Joe: First off Uli, thanks for taking the time to speak with me! I don’t know if you know me, but my name is Joe Creighton and I’m on the Seattle Running Club board. So you could say we’re like teammates.
Uli Steidl: Joe, of course I know you. I’ve been to several board meetings. And you text with my wife Trisha all the time, and meet her for track workouts every Thursday afternoon. At least that’s what she says.
SJ: Oh cool! I didn’t know Trisha was your wife. That actually clears up some confusion I had. And explains why you live in her house.
Before we get too deep into this interview, let me say congratulations! It’s not every day someone gets invited to throw out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game. Was that one of the biggest thrills of your life?
US: Oh, definitely! Growing up in Germany, almost every boy dreams to someday play in the Major League. Baseball is our national sport, almost a religion.
Speaking of thrills, the biggest thrill in my athletic career was running in the 2007 IAAF Marathon World Championships in Osaka, Japan. And more recently the 112th Boston Marathon, where I finished 15th overall, 5th American and 1st masters.
SJ: Wow! That was actually my next question, if Boston was your first marathon. But it sounds like you’ve run two total. Any racing plans for the rest of 2012? Perhaps a third marathon? Ever thought about trying out one of those “ultra” marathons?
US: Joe, you have to qualify for Boston, so it can’t be your first one. You call yourself a runner and you don’t know this? I’m not sure how many marathons I’ve run. Thirty five to forty. Fifteen of them under 2:20. I am planning on running another marathon this year. Twin Cities, in the fall.
And yes, I have done a few ultras.
SJ: Wow, thirty five to forty…I was a little off! LOL! If we can move back to your beginnings in Germany, what initially got you interested in running? For me it was a woman. Was it a woman for you? If your wife will get mad at you, just make something up.
US: My initial interest in running was there because there was a race that started half a mile from my home. I was 17 at the time, did a lot of biking–about 20 miles a day–but NO running. Entered the race and won.
No, women (or a woman) had nothing to do with me deciding to start running. But running has since strongly influenced my interest in women. I have never dated–or even kissed–a woman who wasn’t a runner. It would be hard for me to imagine being with someone who doesn’t share this part of my life.
SJ: I think I know what you mean. Women can make good things even better…like how Facebook does with life. Speaking of, I saw on Facebook that you went to college in Portland. What was the transition to living in the states like, compared to life in Germany? Food, music, bros, etc?
US: I’m not so sure I would put “women” and “Facebook” in the same category. You can’t hug or kiss Facebook. On the other hand, you can ignore Facebook for a month without serious consequences.
SJ: ?
US: Moving to the US was not that dramatic of a change. Lots of changes that American freshmen also experience, like moving out of your parents’ home and living with a roommate in the dorms; cafeteria food, new coach, new routines. I spoke English fairly well before I got here; good enough to get a 4.0 my first semester at University of Portland. But then again, I took familiar subjects such as chemistry, physics and calculus. I did, however, have to learn some fine nuances of the English language, such as “Uli, you don’t HAVE a shit. You TAKE a shit!”
SJ: LMAO! Can we say “shit”? Oh well. And that’s true about Facebook, but you can “like” Facebook on Facebook’s Facebook profile. Just like a woman!
Speaking of, on Facebook, as well as Myspace and Friendster and LinkedIn and this pro-wrestling message board I post at, I asked people to suggest any questions they think I should ask. Are you ready for the Fast-Acting Lightning Speed Round, which I should mention is sponsored by our fast friends at Fleet Feet Seattle? I will ask a question fastly, and you reply fastly. Like, lightning fast. Oh, also…you wear this eye mask to make sure you’re focused. Ready?
US: Sure. Shoot.
SJ: …can you put the eye mask on, please? US: [puts the mask on]
SJ: OK, buckle your seatbelt, here we go! And remember, if you think any of these questions are dumb, it’s because it probably came from one of my MySpace friends.
US: Just start, please.
SJ: Ok. How much ya bench? US: I did 115 once in college. Pounds, not kilograms. Bench press max is irrelevant for distance running.
SJ: What’s something any American tourist should eat at least once while in Germany? And please don’t say Head Cheese. US:Schweinshaxen und Sauerkraut.
SJ: Favorite flavor of Vitamin Water? US: I don’t drink Vitamin Water. I try to avoid bottled water in general. Tap water costs 2 cents per liter in Seattle. Fruit juice, milk, chocolate milk, water, tea. And once in a while a beer.
SJ: I know he’s not German, but close enough — best Arnold Schwarzenegger movie: “Kindergarten Cop”, “Pumping Iron”, “No Really, That Guy Was the Governor of California?!”, or “Twins”? US: Arnold is Austrian. Not German. Not even close! What’s next, you call a Canadian “almost American”?
SJ: (laughing) Touché! I was curious, what newspapers and magazines do you regularly read — to stay informed and to understand the world? US: Seattle Times. I used to read the PI, but they went out of print. As far as magazines, Northwest Runner, Running Times, Ultrarunning. Oh yes and Fox News.
SJ: Is the Boston Marathon like the Olympics for marathoners? US: (sigh) Not exactly. It’s the oldest continuously run marathon in the world. And the fact that you have to qualify for it makes it intriguing for many people. You actually have to be a decent runner to qualify. But the Olympics is a whole different level. You have to be world-class to make it to the Olympic marathon, and even that is not enough in many cases as only three athletes per country can run in the Olympics.
SJ: Oh, whoops. I suppose then that the Olympics are the Olympics for marathoners. What pair of shoes did you wear for the Boston Marathon? US: A new racing flat from New Balance. It’s not available in stores until June 1st, and I only got my hands, or feet, on a size 10.5 when I really need a 10 or even 9.5. But it felt better on my feet than anything else I tried out. I did most of my training for Boston in the Scott eRide Trainer, though.
SJ: Do you think you could beat Ichiro in a marathon? US: Yes.
SJ: What if it was just a half-marathon? US: I think I can take him.
SJ: C’mon…a 5K? US: Yep. I’d bet some money on me. Now, in the 400m, it might be a close race.
SJ: What’s your favorite spot to run in the general area, not including Cal Anderson Park, of course? US: General area?! I like running along Lake Washington Boulevard to Seward Park. But really it’s not so much the place you run at, it’s the company you run with.
SJ: What would you do with all your free time if your legs fell off tomorrow and you could never run again? US: What free time? I’d have to get a real job.
SJ: Is it true that Dirty Dancing is your favorite movie of all time? US: Who told you that?! It doesn’t even come close to Pretty Woman! But I thought this was an interview for a running website, not ET.
SJ: Wow, great job Uli with the first-ever Fast-Acting Lightning Speed Round! Especially as our guinea pig. And yes I too am furious with my friends’ non-running questions. Although I already have a myriad of Pretty Woman questions I now want to ask…but I’ll wait for a 2nd interview.
Moving on, I wanted to expand a bit on something. You mentioned the New Balance and Scott shoes you wore leading up to and during that marathon in Boston. As you can see I’m wearing Vibrams. The cool white ones. Bikila. How long do you think it’ll be before the top marathoners such as yourself are racing in Vibrams and/or have you already raced in Vibrams? And before you answer, yes Vibrams paid me to ask this question.
US: I hope they paid you a lot of money! It tells you something when African runners who often grow up running barefoot all run in regular running shoes and racing flats. Personally, I will run in Vibrams when Christmas falls on the 4th of July.
SJ: (nervous laughter) Hmm. Well. This is awkward. I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree. I think these have helped make me a much better runner. Maybe not faster. Maybe not less injury-prone. But better.
US: If not faster and not less injury prone, in what way are you a better runner now?
SJ: Umm. Let’s switch gears, huh? The five-part Cougar Mountain Series trail races are starting up soon, in just a couple weeks. I remember one of my first-ever trail races, a number of years back, was the Cougar 10 miler…you won and I came in 2nd. It was real close; you out-kicked me. I don’t know where you went, but you weren’t at the awards ceremony afterward, so the 1st place prize of free shoes fell into my lap. And to this day that’s the best prize I’ve ever gotten.
US: You’re welcome. But what is your question?
SJ: Umm. I guess I didn’t have one. Heh. Hmm.
[rifles through papers]
Have you ever done any other Cougar races besides that one 10 miler?
US: Yes, I have done quite a few of them. In the first 2 years there was a guy who was opposed to those races and he would come out and change the course markings, directing runners onto the wrong trail. So sometimes I would run the course ahead of the runners, starting 10 minutes early and running with a can of spray paint and a roll of tape. But I also did a few of them officially, starting with everyone else.
SJ: If I see that guy at the 5 miler, I will give him a piece of my mind. I find the 13 miler to be the hardest, but the 5 miler to be the most frightening. Any thoughts on the progression of races? Do you have any advice for anyone who’s signing up for this year’s races?
US: Why is the 5 miler the most frightening? Do you have a lot of endurance but a lack of speed?
SJ: More or less.
US: The progression in distance of those races is ideal for beginning trail runners. Jumping from a road half marathon to a trail half marathon can be quite a surprise in terms of difficulty and the time it takes to complete the course. Starting with a 5 miler and working your way up gives you a good idea of what to expect. None of the Cougar Mountain trails are very technical by trail-running standards, but they are also not simple gravel paths either, so they are ideal for beginning trail runners.
SJ: That’s great advice, I agree! Maybe we’ll see you out there this year…and I can avenge my loss to you from that 10 miler!
US: I will for sure miss the 5 miler as I will be in Houston with the SU track team. So it’s your lucky day, as nothing stands in your way to win. Don’t know yet if or how the other races will fit into my racing schedule, but I will likely be at a few of them.
SJ: Awesome! I agree you will be out there!
US: …
SJ: Well, my girlfriend is going to kill me if I’m not home soon, so I think we should wrap this up…did you have any questions you wanted to ask me?
US: Sounds like your girlfriend is wearing the pants in your relationship! How do you feel about that?
SJ: (laughing) Well, it’s either she wear the pants, or I live alone in a dirty apartment, eating Chef Boyardee. I mean, Chef Boyardee is ok….but I’ll take the curfew if it means a few more dining options and a cool roommate.
US: I was also going to ask you if you know of a good way to stop hair loss, but it looks like whatever you’re doing isn’t working either.
SJ: (frowning) I dunno, wear trucker hats? No, I don’t know a good way, but I know a good silver lining. Me and you, we’ve got way more testosterone than other guys. That’s why our scalp betrayed us. Physically we may be repulsive, but in actuality, we are manlier.
US: I don’t know…you should get Trisha’s and your cool roommate’s opinion on that one! Or just solicit feedback from the readers of this interview.
SJ: Ok, I will! But what do women know about being manlier? I’m sure we’re manlier. And I think that’s a good way to end this. Thanks Uli, you’ve been very generous with your time! Congratulations again for Boston, for the amazing thrill of the Mariners first pitch, and good luck in all of your manly pursuits!
I want to thank Uli again for letting me into his house even though I was wearing Vibrams, and being the inaugural subject for what I hope will be a recurring installment here at the Seattle Running Club website. Both he and his wife Trisha are running ambassadors for our city. I was a little nervous interviewing such a talented and decorated runner, but I think I did a pretty superb job.
Call for Comments (from Joe)
Is Uli manly? (show your work!)
Are you bald?
Dirty Dancing or Pretty Woman?
Call for Comments (from Uli)
Is Joe manly?
Call for Support (from Joe)
Did you enjoy this? Are you already a club member, like Uli? If not, consider becoming a member, like me, and help support us! Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to do a second interview!
