Winning the Mount Washington Road Race which was a U.S. National Championship earning me a spot on the U.S. Mountain Running Team in 2008. I represented the U.S. in Switzerland, was the 1st American and 11th overall—5 seconds out of 10th! I also won Pike's Peak Ascent in 2008 and was voted U.S. Mountain Runner of the year. I recently won the U.S. 2009 Snow Shoe Championships at Mt. Hood.

Anything with the words: ascent, climb or uphill!

I have worn New Balance shoes since I was 12 years old. (Actually I was 11 the first week of practice.) I was born with bunions and had/have always had a difficult time finding shoes that fit and don't cause blisters or other problems. New Balance has been the one and only shoe I have been able to wear all 20 years of running. (Knock on wood) I have only had one major injury within that time frame. That has to say something about the shoes! They are awesome!

Also, being from northern MN, Dick Beardsley is a known legend up there. I have read both of his books Staying the Course and Duel in the Sun. New Balance was the company that put their faith and support in him.

I love New Balance! I feel honored and privileged to be part of such a team. I believe in the product 100% :-)

I love quotes. I actually have notebooks full of them. My favorite quote before a race is, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." –Philippians 4:13

I also like Steve Prefontaine's Quote, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."

One other quote I really like, I think it is from Oprah, is "Temporary setbacks are opportunities in disguise, opportunities to improve."

I love running for so many reasons. I love the sense of freedom, adventure and accomplishment. I like staying fit and spending time outdoors as well as meeting new people and places. Running in the mountains and on trails gives me a chance to explore and see things I wouldn't otherwise. I feel running is a gift and I want to use my gift to the best of my ability and push to my ultimate limits to see how far I can go. I also hope to use my experiences and accomplishments to reach out and inspire others.

My motivation comes mostly from within. I believe dedication, hard-work, a positive attitude and perseverance are the keys to success. Talent will only take you so far. If I ever wake up lacking motivation, I have two labs (Ches-E and Fischer) who like to run as much as I do; all they have to do is give me their puppy dog eyes. Being a special education teacher, I also realize how fortunate I am to have the ability to run. I thank God every day for the ability and never take it for granted.

Pray, work hard, listen to your body, believe in yourself, set goals and NEVER, ever give up!

Making the decision to pursue my passion.

100 mile mountain races…I guess the Leadville 100 has been my favorite event so far just because of all the excitement surrounding it; plus, Hope Pass (12,600’ pass that is ascended at both miles 45 and 55) is always a good time.

For the most part, we exist in a numb, dead society. I’m doing my best to be alive and running in the mountains is the best way I’ve found to do that. And because I love the effortlessness that sometimes occurs while cruising down a cushy pine-needle singletrack or even while grinding up a switchback above tree line. I love how I can run up and into a mountain cirque or over a pass and be completely dwarfed and humbled by the sheer immensity and grandiosity of the landscape and I love flying down the other side with the breeze in my hair and the gravel in my shoes and the burning in my quads and the branches in my face and then when I'm finally all worn out there's nothing like peeling my shoes off and just sitting. Just being at rest. Running sharpens the focus on life and intensifies the emotions. Is there any better reason to do anything?

Take the time to figure out why it is you are doing what you’re doing and draw on that most essential, most basic motivation when you get tired during training or racing and realize that—even if life seems a bit uncomfortable now—you will undoubtedly feel better, about yourself, about life, if you press on and finish instead of giving up and quitting. Doing well in ultras is largely about perseverance, perseverance in the consistency of your training and perseverance in the face of race hardships. The more often you persevere, ultimately, over time, the easier and more effortless your running will become.

“I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gratitude. Gratitude that a company exists that is willing to manufacture products that withstand the demands I require of them and gratitude that that company is actually willing to support me, thereby making my pursuit of highest-level performances and a satisfying lifestyle possible.

Winning the Quad Dipsea Trail race in 2008 and setting the course record. The 2008 Gore-Tex TransRockies Run also ranks high on the list.

Mt. Ashland Hill Climb and the Quad Depsea

As a member of the NB Outdoor Ambassador Program, I have a unique opportunity to work constructively with a company who has expressed a sincere commitment to develop mountain and trail running. Actually observing product designs that have been heavily influenced with ambassador input is quite refreshing. Through this dynamic relationship, NB should only continue to refine excellent trail and mountain products they already produce.

“Yeah, I walk that last hill.”–Max King, after winning the SOB50K, setting a CR and beating me by five minutes. Knowing Max walked simultaneously gave me pangs of hope and fear.

I run in the mountains simply because it is really enjoyable. Motivation, for me, is derived from the desire to push my body to the physiological limit and then determine if I am mentally tough enough to continue . . . which may not sound enjoyable, but it actually is. Also, winning races is quite motivation and enjoyable.

Anyone who is running in the mountains probably has it figured our already. Although, sage advice has been dispensed in my general direction on various occasions from the marmots on the summit of Sante Fe Baldy, the Maldrones of the Siskiyou Mountains and the ubiquitous Mountain Chickadee.

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Wasatch 100 course record holder, Wonderland Trail speed record holder, alpine lake swimmer extraordinaire.

Any event in which I get to run up and down a mountain or two.

Mountain running is one of the keys to my happiness. I feel most alive when running at my physical limit high above treeline in spectacular terrain. While I train in preparation for racing against strong competition, the daily pull of a mountain summit or alpine lake provides even more motivation.

The key to success in trail running is to Have Fun! The pure joy achieved through running in the mountains, canyons, and forests is the greatest measure of accomplishment.

“Life begins at 10,000ft” - Willi Unsoeld

Being a member of the NB Outdoor Ambassador Program ensures that there are no barriers between me and the trails I run. NB provides me with the best trail products available – allowing for my optimal performance, and I provide feedback on how the shoes and apparel perform – helping NB meet the needs of trail runners.

2007 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 3 x Canadian National Freestyle Champion

Freestyle

My passion comes from people and places. Kayaking has provided me with a vehicle for seeing the world and along the way I have made lifelong friends on the river and on the road. I’m motivated by the drive to explore my limits: new rivers, new lines and tricks. I’m constantly pushing my boundaries and learning how to deal with surprises. Kayaking is my expression.

Kayaking is like yoga; you move at your own pace based on your body and your mind. You are in control of your own destiny so stay positive.

The Joy is in the Journey

I’ve dedicated my life to kayaking and since it is a relatively new sport being accepted as a NB Outdoor Ambassador is ultimately recognition for the sport of whitewater kayaking!