Peter Dawson Bend, Oregon. - PATH projects KREW

Originally from Seattle, I’ve spent most of my time as a runner in Los Angeles, but recently moved with my family to a little slice of outdoor paradise known as Bend, OR. I’ve been trail and ultra running for about 9 years. Running began as a solo pursuit for me, but I’ve found a wonderful community of fellow artists, creatives, and eccentrics who are drawn to running for similar reasons.

Running accomplishment(s) you are proud of

I'm a dad of a two-year-old and honestly am proud to just continue running even as life's responsibilities increase and time becomes more precious.  I'm proud to have a family that supports my passion and, in turn, to share a love of the outdoors and adventure with them!

In terms of racing, I won the Leona Divide 50 mile and it was one of those days where all my training, prep, and strategy came together. It was the first time I consciously decided “I’m going to take the lead and go for the win.” Just attaining that mindset was an accomplishment for me.

I was extremely proud to crew and pace my friend to a finish of the Bigfoot 200. I’m also very excited to have fused my mountain running with my fine art landscape photography...using my feet to explore the beauty and mystery of the natural world with my lens.

Any races or adventures on your horizon and / or bucket list?

I think i will most likely be racing locally in the Bend and Portland areas over the next year or so, with an eye on the Oregon Cascades 100 and the Gorge Waterfalls 50K. I'd like to take a crack at the Joshua Tree Traverse FKT and also establish a Yosemite Traverse route.

Your favorite PATH projects gear?

I absolutely love the Sykes 5” short. Super lightweight, ample storage and no bounce even when the pockets are fully loaded. I could instantly sense that the shorts were thoughtfully designed by fellow trail runners.

I have really come to love the Shasta HX Full-Length Base Liner in fall/winter, and the Lynx PD Ultralight base liners in spring/summer. Where I live in Bend, in the high desert, we have pretty extreme temperatures, so with these pieces I know I'll be running comfortable and chafe-free year round on any adventure.

What do you enjoy about running? 

I see running as an extension of my life/work as an artist. I am often at my most creative while running and am able to easily envision new ideas and images. I am the least critical of myself when I run. Running opens up the literal and figurative elements of exploration, and I view a well-executed race or adventure run as a work of art rivaling anything I’ll hang in a gallery.

* Read Peter's PATH blog: "Running and Art, The Parallels". 

Advice for runners looking to improve?

The key to improvement is consistency. Just show up and keep going! Enjoy yourself and never give up.

How can people buy your photo prints?

For print inquiries contact peter@peterdawson.net. Also, I do make these printed journals. 

Where can people find out more about you?

My website PeterDawson.net, Strava, Instagram and my KREW bio page. 

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