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Member Highlight – Kelly Fuson

June 1, 2022 by Steve Woo Leave a Comment

Intro by Steve Woo

Some people try to avoid obstacles, while others see them as a challenge but only something they need to take on once, and never to do again. Then there’s those who choose to face the same obstacles over and over again – that’s Kelly Fuson and one of the first things I learned about her. Yes, she’s into OCR (obstacle course racing) – big time. 

While it seems like Kelly has been a part of DPMR for longer, it was only about a year ago that she showed up at the first DPMR newbies run of the season looking to get more running in, but also to connect and immerse herself in the community. Over the past year, she’s done just that, and has been among the most active first year members with her presence at DPMR events from runs to races to volunteering. I’ve had the pleasure to get to know her over this past year not just as an athlete/runner but the person she is.

As you will quickly find, running is just a part of what Kelly does to stay active. While she will drop in on anything from a 5K to 50K trail race, her primary focus is OCR and specifically Spartan series racing of which she is a seasoned veteran having competed in 36 races and counting (she plans to do 8 this year!). She’s also all in as an avid climber and snowboarder (who put me to shame for number of days we put on our passes!). 

Inside the athlete, is a genuine and giving person with a good heart who is loyal to her friends and the causes she believes in. What sticks in my memory is DPMR’s first trail clean up day last year on Brockway Summit, where Kelly was noticeably one of the few, if only newbie members to show up and volunteer. She actually reminded me about it that morning and got me to go just as I was heading out for a run!  That morning we watched her pull a giant object out of the forest – an old discarded TV!  We joked it was just OCR training for her! (google Atlas Ball or Bucket Carry). We laughed about it over lunch and then she was off to fulfill another commitment to meet up with a friend at Palisades! 

Beyond the running community and trails, you’ll see Kelly supporting other great causes and contributing to other areas within our community as well, including the Humane Society along with her pup Pixel.

When she’s not conquering obstacle courses, running, climbing, or chasing pow, Kelly’s juggling time zones as a global marketer for one of the largest companies in the world, and rallying friends for theme parties and trivia nights.

If you’re considering jumping into a Spartan race, Kelly’s our resident expert. But be careful – if you bring it up, she’ll rope you in! I had the pleasure of spectating her at the Palisades Spartan race. It was inspirational to watch her run, climb things, throw spears, and carry massive weighted objects!  (Yes, she’s holding me to my commitment to do one.)

A well balanced, dedicated, and determined individual, it is such a great pleasure to have Kelly as part of DPMR and as a friend.

Kelly doing the Bucket Carry in the Hawaii Spartan Race

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA and I feel so lucky to now be living in Truckee which was always a fun place to visit growing up.

When did you begin running and/or long-distance running, if that applies? Why?

I’ve been a runner for as long as I can remember. I loved doing the mile run in school and I was always faster than the other girls so when I was in 8th grade my PE teacher let me run the mile with the boys, which of course was an opportunity for other kids to tease me, but it didn’t stop me from loving the sport. I started running competitively in high school when I joined the XC team and specialized in the 800 meter race in track and field. I took a break from running in college but picked it back up in my twenties which is when I decided to try my hand at half and full marathons.

Do you race? Does racing motivate you? If not racing, what motivates you?

Yes I love to race! I’ve never been the fastest but I’m always the most reliable. I often have other racers tell me at the end that they were unofficially using me as their pacer. I like challenging myself and inspiring others.

Kelly on her way to clearing the Tyrolean Traverse at the 2021 North Lake Tahoe Spartan race at Palisades. Photo credit: Steve Woo

Do you have any dream races (either hoping to qualify for or get selected for)?

I would like to do more races in Europe. I’ve done the Prague and Vienna half marathons and aside from making sure I don’t trip on the cobblestone I really loved the passion that Europeans bring to the sport and the scenery that you get to run through.

Do you have a favorite on-trail food or nutrition strategy and favorite post-run meal or beverage?

For ultra running I try my best to eat “real” food and my go-to trail snack is a rolled up tortilla with peanut butter. I’ve never had any trouble eating while running thankfully, let’s be honest, food is why I run! My favorite post-run beverage is milk chocolate and you can’t go wrong with a good cheeseburger. My nutrition strategy depends on the length of the race, the terrain, and the weather, but in general I try to consume calories every 3 miles or 45 minutes. I have done a few races where I didn’t bring enough calories and there’s nothing worse than hearing your stomach growl and getting a little lightheaded when you’re just a few miles from the finish.

Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

I’m not much of a cook, I like to stick with the basics, and my favorite pre-race breakfast is hot oatmeal with a heaping spoonful of peanut butter and a dash of honey.

What was your favorite running experience this past year? 

I managed to make it back to Oahu, Hawaii for the Spartan race in August and it’s the most stunning race venue I’ve been to. It takes place at the Kualoa Ranch where they’ve filmed a bunch of movies including Jurassic Park and you run by a lot of the movie props throughout the course, including giant dinosaur bones!

What was your most challenging/ character-building experience this past year?

The Broken Arrow Skyrace is always a humbling experience. I thought that living in Truckee full time would give me an advantage, and I suppose on a small scale it did, but the course never fails to test your willpower and risk tolerance. Downhill is where I shine, but with the new course that took us down the rocky single track, I spent almost as much time on the downhill as the uphill for fear of tripping. I’ve seen people trip and split open their heads on that trail before and it’s hard to keep that visual out of my mind.

What are your upcoming racing/adventure plans?

I’m headed back to Montana in early May to do the Spartan Beast in Big Fork. It takes place on an Elk preserve and it’s very rugged terrain (I got lost the last time I did it in 2019). I’m also doing the back-to-back Super/Sprint Spartan races in Monterey in early June, which is always a favorite in California that the pros usually show up for. That should all prepare me well for a regularly-scheduled Broken Arrow 26k in mid-June, followed by a brief break before fall races.

What do you do for a living? Is it hard to fit in time for training?

I work in the field of channel marketing for Nest smart home products. It historically involved a lot of travel across the globe which made training difficult. Thankfully I’m able to bring my full self to work and my colleagues know that I’m an athletic person and are understanding when I block off a long lunch or late afternoon to get in a run before it gets dark outside. Every now and then I’m able to convince them to take a HIIT class with me as well.

What led you to join DPMR? 

I first learned about DPMR when I did the Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race several years ago. They seemed like a really fun and seasoned group that took running seriously but was also open to welcoming newcomers. It’s been really fun to be a bigger contributor to the group since moving to Truckee full time in 2020.

What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far?

The newbie runs have been my favorite experience so far because it has been a chance to meet new people and check out trails that I haven’t been to before. I also appreciate that it caters to all levels and isn’t intimidating.

Favorite local trail?

I really like the section of the PCT after Mt Lincoln, especially in June when the wildflowers are growing and you pass by all of the backpackers who have been on the trail for days. It’s fun to know that you made it that far on your own two feet and a hydration vest while they are carrying 35 lbs+ backpacks.

Do you have a mental training technique, mantra, or similar that you rely on to combat the mentally trying times of a longer run? 

When I get hit with mental fatigue or boredom I try to focus really hard on form and I pick a spot and tell myself I’m going to run to that spot, and then when I get to that spot I say, that wasn’t hard, let’s pick a new spot! And I keep that up until it passes and I’m able to take a nutrition break or catch a new view.

Do you listen to audio while you run and if so, what have you been enjoying lately?

I am hardcore about needing some form of audio while on a training run, although I’m fine without it during an actual race. I tend to listen to music on longer runs but stick with podcasts for shorter runs. For a quick afternoon ~3 mile run I’ll listen to the WSJ daily news which the morning and evening sessions are the perfect duration for that distance.

Recovery technique(s) that you swear by? 

Ice baths! I take ice baths religiously anytime I run farther than 13 miles. The only catch now is that my bathroom is on the third floor of my house and it’s a lot of stairs to haul bags of ice, in which case a quick dip in Donner Lake will suffice.

Do you have a favorite piece of running gear (sports bra, shoe, layer, sock, etc.)? 

I’m a huge fan of compression sleeves in lieu of long sleeve shirts. I heat up pretty quickly while running and I love being able to easily peel them off and roll them back up as the conditions change. Everyone should own at least a couple pairs, one thin and one thick, just like socks!

What other outdoor or indoor interests do you have?

Rock climbing is my other passion and how I like to crosstrain. It has a lot of similarties to running in terms of the meditative state you can enter and the flow that happens when your training is paying off. And because my focus over the past 4-5 years has been on OCR (obstacle course racing) it’s really helped me become a more well-rounded athlete with a combination of endurance and strength.

Any interesting facts about yourself you would like to share?

I got a tattoo on my foot of XXVI.II to commemorate my second full marathon. I told myself I had to do at least two before getting it, and thankfully I did three more after that!

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2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

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DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
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Hello runners! Greetings from our Pt. Mariah Marat Hello runners! Greetings from our Pt. Mariah Marathon race director, Chris Cloyd! Chris wants you all to know that DPMR is busy gearing up for this year’s event. One of the guiding principles of this race (and our club) is creating an inclusive environment for all, and we’d love to see all of you out there on August 5th to celebrate our sport. Whether you’re interested in running the full marathon, running with a partner to split up the 5 legs however you’d like as a relay, putting together a group of 5 to run the course as a team, or volunteering at our aid station or start/finish line we’d love to have you out there. Each runner on a team relay will only have a 5-6 mile segment, so runners of all ability levels and enthusiasms are encouraged to sign up! If you’re excited to join in but not able to run for whatever reason, you can come help as a course marshall, aid station supporter, or start/finish line volunteer and enjoy all of the energy of the event without lacing up your running shoes. 
This year’s course will feature more singletrack, zero pavement (yay!), and all of the best views and mountain summits from last year’s course. Of course, the course will include a trip out to the swing at Point Mariah and our whiskey-only aid station at that location. 
To learn more about the various options for running or volunteering at the event, check out the link in our bio.
Regardless of how much or little (or none) you want to run on August 5th, we very sincerely hope to have your company out at Soda Springs as we celebrate running, friends, and life in the mountains. Thank you all for making this event as special as it is.
Last call for the DPMR Member Summer Picnic! RSVP Last call for the DPMR Member Summer Picnic! RSVP by 5/31 using the link in our bio!
 
Join us for some fun on the trails before the picnic! We have two optional group runs planned. The first will be an 11-mile route starting at 8 am, and the second will be around 5.5 miles and start at 9 am. 
 
If you are interested in volunteering to help with the picnic, you can sign up now! Look for the signup genius link in our bio.  
 
Last but not least, if you're not yet a member, consider joining now for just $20 a year! This would give you access to fantastic events such as the upcoming picnic, as well as other benefits, such as discounts on races. Head to our website to sign up today!
 
#DPMR #unafraid #weloveourmembers #summertime #bbq
Meet DPMR Board Member Angela Stark.  Angela's pa Meet DPMR Board Member Angela Stark.  Angela's passion for running blossomed in her early years and has remained unwavering ever since. Her true bliss lies in trail running, particularly within the scenic Truckee-Tahoe region, which has hosted her most cherished events. While residing in Livermore with her husband, three daughters, and their goldendoodle Gigi, Angela and her family take every opportunity to come up to the mountains. Initially, Angela joined DPMR to connect with fellow runners in the area and subsequently became a board member in 2022. She derives immense joy from contributing to the cultivation of a strong sense of community and belonging through her involvement with DPMR. Amongst various activities, group gatherings hold a special place in her heart, and she eagerly awaits the upcoming picnic next Sunday, where she hopes to see everyone in person!
 
#dpmr #unafraid #community #summerpicnic #trailrunning #goldendoodles
RSVP for the DPMR Member Summer Picnic by 5/31 usi RSVP for the DPMR Member Summer Picnic by 5/31 using the link in our bio. 
 
If you're not yet a member, consider joining now for just $20 a year! This would give you access to fantastic events such as the upcoming picnic, as well as other benefits, such as discounts on races. Head to our website to sign up today!
https://donnerpartymountainrunners.com/join-now/
 
#DPMR #unafraid #weloveourmembers #summertime #bbq
Now this is one good looking group of runners!  I Now this is one good looking group of runners!  If you haven’t had a chance to come out yet, make sure to mark your calendars and join us for the LAST DPMR Newbies Run on Tuesday, May 23rd! Demos start at 5:15 and the run starts at 6pm.  Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event is perfect for you! We welcome all fitness levels and backgrounds, so don't be shy. It's all about having fun, making new friends, and celebrating our love for running.   
 
See you there! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 
 
#DPMRNewbies #JoinTheFun #dpmr #unafraid
Meet DPMR Board member Renee Jacobs (the unstoppab Meet DPMR Board member Renee Jacobs (the unstoppable one in the photo)! Renee is a Bay Area transplant that has lived in Truckee since 2010. She and her husband (boyfriend at the time) moved to Truckee to be closer to the mountains they both loved! She joined the board in 2019 shortly after quitting her job as an architect and structural engineer to become a full-time mother. Joining the board has not only helped her rebuild a new community after a huge life transition, but it has also connected her to some amazing mentors in the DPMR community that have inspired and positively developed her athletic goals!
#dpmr #unafraid #onetoughcookie
Have you been on the lookout for an inclusive and Have you been on the lookout for an inclusive and welcoming trail marathon? Well, search no more because the Pt. Mariah Marathon is here to fulfill your dreams! This incredible event is happening on August 5, 2023, and it offers a multi-loop course that will take you through five enchanting segments of the breathtaking Royal Gorge terrain. And guess what? You have options! You can tackle it alone like a lone wolf, or bring your friends and form a relay team of two or five! The choice is yours! So, don't wait any longer. Lace up your running shoes and register today for an unforgettable experience! Link in bio. #TrailMarathon #dpmr #unafraid #royalgorge #getinspired
The DPMR Member Summer Picnic is just around the c The DPMR Member Summer Picnic is just around the corner! RSVP today! If you're not yet a member, consider joining now for just $20 a year! This would give you access to fantastic events such as the upcoming picnic, as well as other benefits, such as discounts on races. Head to our website to sign up today! Links in bio.
Meet DPMR board member Aude Hofleitner! Aude is a Meet DPMR board member Aude Hofleitner! Aude is a Parisian who went from strolling the streets in Paris to discovering road running in her 30s before getting the trail buzz! While she used to be a "city girl" she has completely fallen in love with the mountains, the trails and the DPMR community. She loves to read and has been featuring a Book of the Month in the newsletter (reach out if you have book suggestions!). She also helps with social media on Instagram (tag us if you want to be featured in our stories!). She loves the weekend Run & Brunch, because brunch is the best meal and it tastes even better after a long adventure! #dpmr #unafraid #bookclub #brunch
Last call for volunteers for THIS WEEKEND! Join us Last call for volunteers for THIS WEEKEND! Join us at the DPMR Canyons Endurance Runs aid station on April 28th and 29th.  We welcome all volunteers but we especially need individuals who are willing to stay up late and help provide crucial support to our runners during their toughest moments.
And that is not all!  When you volunteer at a DPMR aid station during any race, you’ll be entered to win a complimentary race entry for that event in the upcoming year.  But wait, there’s more!  The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into our grand prize drawing - Gratis Racing!  The lucky winner of the drawing will receive the  ultimate prize: free race entries for a whole year, valued up to $1000.  So why wait, sign up today!
Link in bio for more info. 
#dpmr #unafraid #volunteer #canyonsenduranceruns #gratisracing
Come join the fun at the Newbies Club Fun today! T Come join the fun at the Newbies Club Fun today! Tahoe Mountain Sports has arranged to have demos from The Northface and Oofos for the run today, Tuesday, April 25th that will take place at the Farad exit off I-80. Demos start at 5:15pm and the run will start at 6pm.  See you all there! 📸 Krissi Polentz
Meet Kathy Slocum, a member of the DPMR Board for Meet Kathy Slocum, a member of the DPMR Board for the past three years. Kathy is a versatile runner who enjoys both dirt and pavement, and recently ventured into triathlons 🏊🏻‍♀️ 🚴🏻‍♀️ 🏃🏻‍♀️, completing her first full Ironman last year. This year, she's set to tackle a half Ironman in Oregon and another full Ironman in Canada later in August. She’s running the Salt Lake City Marathon in April as a warmup 🤯. With all the snow this season, she’s spent a considerable time in the pool and on a bike trainer. No matter how many triathlons Kathy crushes, she always dreams about and looks forward to trail running. Last August, Kathy ran the inaugural Pt Mariah marathon which she described as "a great course, great people, and great fun." At the end of the day, Kathy’s biggest goals are to have fun, stay healthy and try new things. #yolo #swimbikerun #badass #dpmr #unafraid #ptmariahmarathon
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