Intro by Andrei Soroker, DPMR Member
The Newbies run on April 30, 2024 (along Alder Creek and 89) had one of those switchbacky routes where you occasionally get to encounter the folks running wa-a-ay ahead of you on their way back, and that’s exactly what Will was doing when I first saw him, and he waived!
It took me ages to work up the courage to actually meet him though, since he appeared to be so hopelessly out of my league. To my surprise, he turned out to be a down-to-earth, super friendly guy, and we even bonded over totally regular things like startups and cars.
On a more serious, somber note: when I grow up, I want to be just like Will.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I grew up in Menlo Park down in the bay area and spent my summers in a family cabin near Soda Springs. I moved to Truckee at the start of Covid as I’d always wanted to live up here but had been tied down by work.
When did you begin running and/or long-distance running, if that applies? Why?
I hated running growing up. I grew 6 inches in one year of high school and had terrible growing pains from that so that really made me even less into it. In college at Boulder I finally felt comfortable running and was inspired to go longer distances given how enjoyable the scenery and running paths were around there.
Do you race? Does racing motivate you? If not racing, what motivates you?
Not seriously but I enjoy doing a few races per year, my first race ever was the San Francisco Half Marathon which some friends and I did it because it was suggested on Groupon. I surprised myself by putting up a competitive time and ever since then I’ve done some type of running race or triathlon at least once a year. I’m not motivated by chasing times anymore but finding longer distances and unique routes that are more of endurance challenges or fun adventures.
Do you have any dream races (either hoping to qualify for or get selected for)?
Not races specifically but there are some longer hikes/trail runs such as the rim to rim to rim that I would like to complete at some point.
What was the best running advice you’ve received?
To slow down, I used to only run at a near race pace everytime I went out and would feel weak if my strava time wasn’t at a certain pace after a run. DPMRs social runs and trail running have taught me to slow my pace down to be able to go further, enjoy the run more, and not sacrifice my race times either.
Do you have a favorite on-trail food or nutrition strategy and favorite post-run meal or beverage?
Honestly I’ve found Uncrustables to be great sized nutrition for me on triathlons and longer runs but I haven’t been doing ultra distances where proper nutrition/hydration matter more.
What was your most challenging/ character-building running experience?
Probably the half ironman I did in Cabo, my road bike had been stolen the year before and I had not properly trained for the race at all. By the time I got to the run I thought about stopping every mile and couldn’t sustain even a jogging pace for more than a mile at a time.
What are your upcoming racing/adventure plans?
I plan to do a long local hike encompassing the major peaks around the old soda springs valley encompassing 8 peaks and about 45 miles this summer. It’s an old route that my grandfather was the first to do as part of the cabin community I’ve grown up going to. While it’s not a published trail as parts of it go through private property lines I’d be happy to have others join me for parts or all of it.
What do you do for a living? Is it hard to fit in time for training?
I’m lucky to have a flexible job where I run an online affiliate business and live right next to the trails around Coldstream Canyon so I probably should be training much more than I am.
What led you to join DPMR?
The newbies runs about two years ago. I’d mostly run alone with headphones before that and have enjoyed meeting people who are all so positive and adventurous.
What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far?
Volunteering and participating in some of the DPMR specific events like the racing gnome and point mariah.
Favorite local trail?
I tend to head up coldstream canyon given that it’s right in my backyard so I don’t need to drive to it. I appreciate how uncrowded it is out there so I can run with my dog and enjoy heading up the mountains there for some elevation challenges and views.
Do you have a mental training technique, mantra, or similar that you rely on to combat the mentally trying times of a longer run?
Just focusing on whatever is the next obtainable goal ahead. Sometimes it’s a runner ahead that I can catch up to, a hilltop/waypoint I feel that I can make it to, or when I’m struggling just focusing on taking a few more steps. It allows me to keep going and find confidence and energy for the next goal rather than be overwhelmed by how far the finish is and quit.
Do you listen to audio while you run and if so, what have you been enjoying lately?
Yes, but I’m all over the place and tend to listen to nostalgic music from high school and college. When trying to go fast I often listen to movie scores that have slow builds to them to motivate me to keep going.
Recovery technique(s) that you swear by?
Cold plunges and the roll recovery rollers typically help me feel better the next day. I’ve always felt best when doing yoga regularly but have not been consistent with that in the past few years.
Do you have a favorite piece of running gear (hydration system, shoe, clothing layer, sock, etc.)?
Whatever Dave at Tahoe Mountain Sports tells me to get.
What other outdoor or indoor interests do you have?
Too many to be good or consistent at any of them, mostly skiing, road and mountain biking, swimming and tennis these days, though I’m also trying to get back into climbing.
Any interesting facts about yourself you would like to share?
Hoping to start or buy a local business in town so I am always happy to share ideas and chat with people about the local entrepreneur scene and various ideas.
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