Mike Desmond Colorado Springs, CO - PATH projects KREW
Hi! I grew up in the Northeast and spent some time down in Texas before finally settling down with my wife and three kids in the beautiful state of Colorado. I use to hate running and never saw the point in just running when you could combine it with a ball and make it a "real sport." All that changed two years ago when I turned 30 and caught the running bug. Things have progressed quickly since then. I ran over 1200 miles in 2019 and I'm aiming at 2020 miles in 2020. Happy to be on the roads. Happier to be on trails in the mountains. Happiest to call myself a runner!
Running accomplishment(s) you are proud of
I only started running 2 years ago and half of that time my races were cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. My greatest running achievement to date was my attempt on the Rainbow Trail FKT (Fastest Known Time) here in Colorado. It's a 102-mile trail with around 20,000 ft of vert. Made it 60 miles this year, and I'm already looking forward to heading back there next year to complete the entire trail and grab the FKT!
Any races or adventures on your horizon and / or bucket list?
I have deferred entry into the Eugene Marathon, Jack n' Jill Marathon, and the Pike's Peak Ascent. I will run each of those in 2021 or 2022. Also on the list for 2021 is completing the Rainbow Trail FKT. A few more trail runs and ultras will probably get sprinkled in there.
Your favorite PATH projects gear?
That's like trying to pick a favorite child. But if I had to go with one item, I would say the Sykes PX - 5".
What do you enjoy about running?
I love the challenge of staying consistent, the freedom of seeing how far your feet can take you, and the beauty you get to experience in the mountains when you show up and put in the work to get there. The fact that there are others like you that you meet on the trail and start lifelong friendships with is a total bonus. That's what I love about running.
Advice for runners looking to improve?
Running is a long process of learning your body, increasing your strength, and conditioning your cardiovascular system. Over the past year, I have developed the following running motto:
Show up. Work hard. Stay humble.
Nothing will happen if you don't show up and put in the work. But if you don't stay humble, you'll think you've "arrived" or you'll resist listening to your body or fellow runners who try to help you. Staying humble helps you stay teachable. And a teachable runner is well on their way to achieving their goals.
Social channels you are most active on?
Anything else you’d like to share?
Running in the right clothes makes every step more enjoyable!
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