Posted by & filed under 2018, Contender.

This spring we are profiling the 2018 ENDURrun Ultimate Contenders with Q&As in this blog.

Related: Full blog series | Full list of Contenders

Here’s Jack, who has run ENDURrun a few times. 

 

“Hello, my name is Jack, and I’m addicted to running.”

 

What is your runner profile? 

I have been running since 1996, when I did my first 5K and sprint triathlon. In 2004 I ran my first 50K, and fell in love with ultras. I completed 117 ultras between 2004 and 2016. 2014 was my best year of running. During that year I won the Ontario Ultra Series, and completed a 100-mile run on the Friday-Saturday before starting the ENDURrun on the Sunday. I run on a mixture of pavement and trails, and try to include hills in my routes.

 

How is your training going?

Trying something new this year.

 

How will your ENDURrun 2018 compare to previous years?

Hopefully it will be better than last year.

 

What are your ENDURrun 2018 goals?

To improve on last year’s times, and hopefully get back under 14 hours.

 

What are you most looking forward to about ENDURrun 2018?

Seeing a healthy Lloyd Schmidt running a stage or part of a stage. [Lloyd ran 5k last week!]

 

What are you nervous about, if anything?

The 3 longest stages.

 

Can you share any details of your training? 

My focus since developing OTS has been on shorter distances. I don’t have any simulations planned, although that might change. My weekly mileage is currently 80-85 km. I hope to get that up in the months to come.

 

What are the key pieces of advice to Rookies that you’ve learned over the years?

You can push yourself everyday if you utilize good recovery techniques, like ice baths, and lots of sleep.

 

For someone who has never been to ENDURrun week, what should they expect?

A unique experience that they will always cherish.

 

What is the most important part of the ENDURrun identity that appeals to you?

The community.

 

What about ENDURrun keeps you coming back?

The people and the food 🙂

 

What else would you like to share?

I love trail running.

 

Look for us to follow up with Jack in August on how he’s dealing with the longer stages.