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Get to Know the Runner

4/14/2020

Hello! Welcome again to Meet the Runner. Today we hear from Anissa. Our conversation is by phone due to social distancing. She is home with her son Augie who we can hear in the background playing as they are outside in their back yard.

What are you doing during this pandemic?
It stinks that I cannot get into the gym, which has childcare, and cross-train. So, I run on the treadmill while my husband is at work. I have to cut my runs shorter when my husband is home, or I give Augie [her son] a tablet so I can run on the treadmill. I do have things at home like a treadmill, bike, weights, but my workouts are more sporadic. I can even ride my spin bike outside while Augie plays in the yard. Before this [stay at home order] we had a schedule and people could watch Augie. It is weird that I finally have all the time in the world, but I really don’t.

When did you first understand that you enjoyed running?
When I was about 12 years old, my friend talked me into [running] cross country. I did not want to do it, but she told me that I got to miss school. So, I did it and I was not good at all. But I stuck with it. Becoming good at it helped and when you no longer hurt, it becomes more fun. I knew early on that I enjoyed it. It felt effortless and eventually felt good, but not at first. I had shin splints and thought "I am never going to do this again".

What do you wish people knew about running?
I wish people would just stick with it. There are seasons when it does not feel good at all and there are seasons that you can glide through it. Nothing in life is easy. Right now, we should be sticking at home, but we [society as a whole] are struggling to stay at home on our couches. We like to quit things when they get hard. We come up with excuses to give up and not to be successful. If we stick to it, there will be a pay out of some kind. And there are ups and downs through the whole journey.

What is a unique thing about running you wish others knew?
There is a camaraderie, runners just unite in some weird way. Runners are all kind people. I have never met a mean runner. We all want others to do well. Runners are competitive, but we like seeing other people succeed.

Is there something about running specifically that you enjoy?
I do not like winter running. Right now, when the sun is out and burning your skin feels good, and crisp air. It [running] becomes very rhythmic and music is very rhythmic, and it puts you at ease and soothes the soul.

If you could run any race what would it be? Is there a bucket lists of runs?
I do not think it really matters. Neat destination races, London, Berlin, but racing is racing. I just like racing. There is no bucket list. With the way my life is right now, with a young child and husband working, I stick to choosing races where I can also visit family, or race when we are on road trips. It would be neat to do Boston and depending on what season [of life] I am in depends on what race.

What is the most unique thing you have done with regard to running?
The Women’s training group at YRC. Influencing others. Seeing the impact of helping and coaching others, it is super special. It makes me appreciate running more. Watching other people, I work with succeed, helps me appreciate running.

How would you describe yourself as a runner?
I have changed and evolved over the years. I go through different seasons of running depending on my life. I am definitely competitive and goal oriented. It is a passion and love. I do not like to lose, but I am finding a new wave in running. There is always a goal to reach for. Do you have any current goals? No. I am pregnant, so I am training through that. When pregnant with Augie I was injured, so towards the end [of the pregnancy] I could run some more. Currently, I have been running 50 miles a week for 3 months. I thought I was going to kick it. But [during this pregnancy] this is the worst I have ever felt. I am sticking to it and pressing on. Once this baby is out of me, I will continue. Right now, it is about survival and I cannot give up.

What is it about YRC?
I work there because I reached out and we clicked. We are pretty low key. You can walk in some running stores and they are so intimidating, and you feel like you cannot call yourself a runner. YRC is very relaxed. We see everyone as a runner. Walkers are full of worth. Everyone who walks into the store is of value. It does not matter what type of shoes you are getting; you matter!

What would you tell others NOT to do?
I think a mistake people make is to do too much too soon. If your goal is a 5k, you cannot do it that day. It takes months to get there. When people start running, they think they can go and run three miles, but they need to start with half mile. Do not rush it, you will get there. You literally have to take it one step at a time.

What do you wish others knew about you as a runner?
I have failed way more than I have succeeded, but I still get up and run. I hurt too, just as much as everyone else. It is hard for me too. I even find myself crying during my runs right now because of my breathing, but I stop every mile and regain my breath. I wonder sometimes, is it worth it? Yup, it is always worth it! As long as it is not physically injuring you, it is always worth it!

Anissa spoke about how she used to define herself as a runner and through time and wisdom, which comes with age, this has changed. Beyond being a runner, she is a mom, wife, daughter, friend, couch, and much more. She states she has learned her value as a person beyond being a runner. This value is evident when you hear her speak about the Women’s Training group through YRC, her dedication to them, but also the customers who she values and gives her wisdom to as they enter the store. This value is also viewed in her love for her son, Augie, who is often with her, at the store, and along for a run and as she would say, “not in front of a screen.”

From an outside perspective, Anissa seems fearless. She seems like she could conquer anything. She is quick on her feet as she runs and outruns her counterparts. She is willing to put training sessions together and stick to them with a group of people and watch them succeed. She handles apparel inventory for YRC and can help any customer. She continues to run, succeed, and strive for a goal through pregnancy and having a young son. I am not sure if Anissa, would say she is fearless. But it looks like she does not let fear stand in her way, she just runs around it!

This is Anissa.

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Get to Know the Runner

2/20/2020

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I am sitting in the living room of someone who is a scientist, who aspires to gain his PhD, to be a professor, and to work in higher education. He currently works at a biotech company beyond his work at YRC. During your first conversation with this man you may not know it, but he is about as fast as lightening. But a quick glance at the wall and display case you can see there are numerous bib numbers, medals, awards, and ribbons. This is Cam Trinh or on Instagram as Camslamalakazam!

To break the ice, Cam begins the interview about watches. We have the same watch and it does more data recording then either one of us know what to do with.

I start by asking, “when did your first understand that you enjoyed running?”
Maybe it was when I joined the cross country team during the summer, going into my sophomore year. My second oldest brother invited me out to the trails. I did it because I had nothing better to do, honestly. Then, before you knew it, I had a good base of training for the upcoming school year. I progressed relatively quickly and started beating older people. I enjoyed the competition and beating my older brother was a plus.

“What do you wish people knew about you as a runner?”
I think that I am 5% talent. The rest is discipline and guts, a little masochism, and a glutton for punishment. I do not have a lineage in sports, I was just some scrawny kid, who built a big tank of endurance which worked well for me in cross country and track. I was not born with talent, so I had to grind it out to be on par with talented people.

“What is one unique thing about running you wish others knew?”
Running is a lifestyle. It is not a means to an end. If you run, you are a runner. Some people run to get in shape, but they are already in shape.

“What is it about running that you specifically enjoy?”
It is a sense of identity. I opted to complete my eligibility for my college sport career. I fulfilled all my years in the track and cross country team at Eastern. It is something that I valued. It helps give me validation in bigger and grander events.

“Such as?”
Large Marathons, 20,000 plus with an elite field and prize money. In college you do not get paid or get money.

“Do you have a bucket lists of runs?”
Tokyo, Athens-Greece, Honolulu, Paris-France, Disneyworld. Then the ‘World Series’ of Chicago, London, New York, Boston, Berlin, Tokyo with priority on international races prior to state races.

“What is the most unique thing you have done with regards to running?”
A proud aspect is, I may not be the best racer, I am a work horse during work outs. I help people to hit their time, their splits, and their pace. I will take charge, even if I blow up at the rest of the work out. I set my team mates up. This shows leadership, all for the greater good.

“If you could run any race what would it be?”
Western States (with a smile and small laugh). Not just to race it, but to perform well at it. I need to trust and have a strong relationships with my crew. Whoever is out there to support me and me to support them—pacing and nutrition, words of encouragement. Complete the ultra marathon that is internationally recognized. It is a pilgrimage, a journey. I cannot even fathom how long it is until I commit to something that long. I think physically I can get there, but I need to work on my mental. It is very much a mental/head game. Often times it is crushing negativity over such a long period of time. In an ultra there is more time to get down on myself.

“How does one become more positive, or believe in one self?”
Go for long runs solo. You can only rely on yourself. Which might make it easier when you do run with others. This is why I don't run with music anymore because it distracts me. This way I can be more in tune with my body and listen to my body better. I can listen to my body and feel my body, do what it needs and give it what it needs.

“How would you describe yourself as a runner?”
Maybe a little impulsive. In high school and in college it was dampened, there is a pulse. Now I am going back to it. Some miles I speed up and some I slow down. Until I see someone. As if you see a stranger in front of you, it is not the plan to pass them, but the heart rate increases and competitiveness itches, it would be a bad sign to not listen to your body when it says to pick it up.

What is it about YRC?
I think I just called the shop when I was a junior and I was looking for a part-time gig to help supplement tuition. It made sense, I ran for Eastern, I was a partial scholarship athlete, I was okay at grades, and as it turned out that Mike and Alison talked the night before about hiring someone. I picked up the phone the next day. I got hooked on the group runs and when people come into the store I get to talk about running. I get to listen to people’s woes and help solve a problem. Maybe give advice, which can be valuable to someone’s running journey. I love this small local business. What it does for the community around us, athletics, but it also maintains Frog Island. This way people can go down there, they sponsor events, and give out certificates for local events. We support Ypsilanti as a community, our shirts are locally printed, we host free group runs. I do not see YRC as working, it is promoting health and wellness for runners and non-runners alike. Or runners and runners to be. I also liked that YRC was new, I could use my systematic mind. I used excel spreadsheets to help with data recording, to help build a foundation of infrastructure. I get to help a local shop be successful.

“What would you tell runners to NOT do?”
Go too hard too fast. It is easy for news runners to get caught up in the excited-ness. They are trying something new and being adventurous. Really listen to your body. Try to gauge yourself. Do not over extend. It should feel different. But after a week if you feel overly strained, ease up. Do not spread butter to thin over toast, this comes with experience. When people over extend they get hurt and do not enjoy running anymore.

Cam says to me that running gives him motivation. It is a competition that helps fulfill his untapped potential. It allows him to appreciate the easy-going things in life; suffering on a long run often gives him this transformational thought process. Beyond his full time job and running pursuits, Cam continues to use his gift of running at YRC and helping others. He is a kind and gentle spirit. One that you want to be around. A runner that is fast and quick, but not an elitist that you can't catch up to. He is someone that you want to be friends with, no matter your experience or level, he respects your commitment and effort. He never looks down on another, but admires others for their running, energy, and effort. He says to me that he wants to be a reliable dude and a friend, but I can attest to you all that he is already those things. This is Cam.

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A 100-mile Epilog.

6/28/2019

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I write ‘siting’ within my holy sacred space. A place that is a sanctuary. I am at Ypsilanti Running Company (YRC), flooded with emotions of love and support from the YRC tribe.

On Saturday, June 1, 2019, I started the Lighthouse 100 ultramarathon race. The race began at 6 am at the Old Mission Lighthouse, Traverse City, MI.

Cam (a YRC member) drove me from downtown Traverse City to the lighthouse at 5:15 am, mind you he just arrived to Traverse City the night before about 9:30pm. Now at that hour neither one of us had much to say. So communication is not always as clear as it could be and I confirmed that we were headed to Old Mission Park. However, agreeing to this, Cam and Google got us to some rustic camping area that needed an all-terrain vehicle to leave. For those who know me and my lack of appreciation for trails, this had me concerned until I pulled up Google for the light house. Upon pulling into the parking lot at 5:45 for a 6 am start, I proclaim to Cam, “There is Dave. Our Dave.” Dave was to be my mile 41.2 – 57 pacer, but here he was hours early to see me take off.

Miles 1-10. Not much to report. I purposely started as the last person out of the gate. This allowed me to be slowed down, someone else to follow and worry about directions, and to not have the pressure of being in the lead or needing to stay in the lead. I had sadly forgot ear buds for music, so I started up conversations with a few runners. One from Wisconsin. We did not stay together long, but I recall waiving at his wife who was in his crew car often in the miles ahead. Then there was Tyler. We seemed to have similar time, stride, and age. Come to find out he works in sports with psychology of athletics. This led to conversation about psychology and PhD programs etc. Interesting how the universe conspires and puts likeminded people together.

Mile 10. Cam Slam Ala Ka Zam! There he was. My pacer. My friend. Cam was the first person I ran with after being adopted a few years ago and taking the first name of Erik. Cam was the person I jogged with when I found out a university was going to interview me for a PhD. Cam was the person who jogged with me when I found out I got accepted into the Ph.D. program. And here was Cam, my first pacer for a 100 mile race, full of energy, positive vibes, and a giant smile. We faced other pacers, rain, and the hunt for a bathroom. We conquered 23 miles together with music and without, with cooperative technology and without. We also faced the Holiday Hills together. Let me tell you. There is nothing holiday-ish about those hills. I surprisingly got a few steps ahead of Cam on the hills. I was surprised when we got to level ground and cruising speed again Cam said he was exhausted and was not going to run his race the next morning. Finally, I found out Cam is not super human. But he proved me wrong. He did run the next day. He ran a 13.1 mile race with 5:55 pace. Cam also told me that there was going to be a change in my pacers. I thought about this change in pacers and figured, well I can run some miles alone and find my thoughts. However, Dave had other ideas, for which I am thankful.

Mile 33: Here is Dave again, who happened to be at a previous aid station with drinks, food, and Gu. Dave stepped up to the plate to start his miles early and even started carrying my hydration vest. I am unsure of what mile we were at, but it was hilly and nice out and Dave would start singing to me to keep my mind occupied. “Hey now, you’re an all-star. . “ and much more. Did you know that Dave likes Backstreet Boys better than N’Sync? I do now. Mile after mile you get to know a lot about each other. I would tell Dave I was going to walk up a hill and then just jog my way through it and then Dave would report how proud he was and through it all he had a tone of excitement within his voice. I recall I also finally stopped wearing sun glasses with Dave (and still to this day, I do not like putting those sun glasses on. Apparently a whole day with sunglasses on a person gets sick of how they feel). I recall giving them to him to carry and never wanting them back. What surprised me most was when I would look next to me some 40 or 50 miles in, there was Dave. A friend, next to me. Someone I knew and cared about me. But we were in the middle of nowhere far from home. This may have been the start of the emotional journey of running an ultra-marathon and the transformative process that this type of race offers.

While with Dave, I also needed to find a bathroom. We found one. It was beautiful. Dark wood doors. Nice tile floors and clean. Luxury at its finest. Upon getting back on track I heard someone yelling and ringing bells. I presumed it was other racers crews, so I smiled and waved. We moved on and the car caught up with us. It was not just any one’s crew, but more YRC friends. This time it was Kim, my next pacer, and Darsh her husband who are also my neighbors. Windows down, screaming, bells ringing, music going, and cameras. Kim was so excited she got out of her car, jogged to us, and jogged a few feet with us for some pictures. Dave and I pressed on and Dave not only stepped up to start his pacing early but completed all of his assigned miles too. 15 miles turned into 25+. I also recall at one point telling Dave how much I appreciated him and thanked him for his love and I got a hug mid jog. He also made sure to snap pictures as I passed racers. We stopped at mile 58 and he gave Kim her instructions about feeding me, hydrating me, singing, and I could hear how much he did love and care for me. I was surround by YRC love and care. I changed my clothes, got some stretching, tried relaxing, but my heart rate came down and I got cold and began to shiver, so Kim and I were off to the races again.

Mile 58. Did I mention how excited Kim was? She ran ahead of her assigned meet up point to catch Dave and I and jog us back the next quarter mile. To Kim’s GREAT appreciation there were woods and nature to look at. Kim and I run regularly together beyond the YRC running group. Kim is always talking me into running to a park and woods and of course I told her I ordered this part of the race just for her. Just as I told her when she took me out for a training run a few weeks prior and I conquered 30 plus miles and we went to the botanical garden trail. I told her we were doing that trail just for her, despite her being on her bike, walking up at 6 am for me, and riding 30 miles, carrying a wet hydration pack for me, and spending her Sunday morning with me. Kim (and Darsh) hold a special place in my heart, we are all social workers, but we are more than neighbors and friends, we are family. Kim is a bundle of positive energy. Just happy. Wanting to help others and do what she can. I feel bad for her as I was not in a good head space with her. My eyes struggled to focus on things in the distance and I did not want to do any more math, as I was constantly doing math all day. How many more miles? When is my next check in? When do I change pacers? If I run an 11 minute mile, when will I finish? Etc. etc. Etc. And then the course had changed the day before so Kim was not ending at 68 but 72. So our math, our technology, no cell services, and my crabby attitude, Kim ‘carried’ me to mile 72 as we were trying to out run the sunset. But the sunset was beautiful and I got to experience it with a beautiful spirit, leading me along.

Mile 72. Maddy. It was dark. Maddy’s husband Nate gave me his gloves as it was getting cold. Maddy even put calve sleeves on me over my shoes. I had discovered I needed mile markers. Maddy was in charge of pace, time, and distance. We would walk half a mile and jog 2 miles. This got me into a great head space and maybe it helped to be out of the 60’s and into the 70’s and also to be at 72 not 68. I was starting to enjoy myself again. And surprisingly it was Maddy who was most nervous that I would be delirious and would not know what to do with me. I recall checking in to mile 80, feeling like it was no big deal. I was happy, she was happy. We had found our groove. I remember I had to ask her what time of the day it was. If my memory is right she saw me into midnight and into the next day. We ran through what I believe was the prettiest part of the run. We ran through downtown Charlevoix. We had the streets to ourselves, besides those at some bars. There were Christmas lights on the trees and I was ecstatic. Not in nature any more, but back in civilization. Then as we approached 83, there was Dave in his car leading the way. And Nate ready for his turn.

Mile 83. Nate had never run a half marathon before, but he had enough excitement for both of us and can haul when he needs to, he is built like a runner. I felt great, some tightness in my right leg from behind my calf up my knee, but only 17 miles to go. Here goes nothing. I felt so close to finish that I did not want to eat anything anymore. However, my leg got tighter, I had no fuel for running, and I was starting to get tired and need my eyes closed. We tried 2 mile jogs and .5 miles walks but it was not working. We slowly got to .25 jog and .25 walk. Those quarter of mile jogs just felt like they were taking a very, very long time. I started to get cold and was not able to stay warm despite my layers. We had stopped and Nate took his coat off and put it on me. I remember standing there on a trail just wishing the whole thing was over, but Nate was encouraging and gently put his coat on me, zipped me up, put my lights and reflective gear back on, and we started for aid station mile 92.

As we approached mile marker 92, I thought to myself, I am not finishing this race. I just cannot. There is nothing within me to give. I have no more fuel. It hurts to walk. I can’t jog without energy. If I walk I am cold. I do not have to be perfect. There is no shame in not always succeeding in everything I do in life as I had signed up for this race as a distraction from my PhD in Clinical Psychology application process. I got into the program, I have run 91+ miles in 22 hours. It is okay to not be ‘perfect’. I did not want to disappointment my friends, but my body had found its limit. 4:13 am 92 miles I had found my physical ending point or as Darsh would say I “found enlightenment.”

I have cried many times from the love of my YRC tribe and husband. My husband was in the car ready and willing to help however he could at all times and at all miles. He helped change clothes, encouraged me, was there to smile and love me. He also kept my friends updated through many texts and pictures. He drove me back to the condo, walked me up to our room, and ensured that I was showered and safely in bed. He even drove the whole way home the next day as I slept in the car. I have gotten many texts of love and support throughout the race and the following days. I think this was the hardest part. Not because I did not finish the race, but that everyone was proud of how far I had gone and they continued to share their love and support. Mike Nix, YRC owner and fellow running friend, had supported me with many a training jogs and wisdom, knowledge of running equipment, texts, and hugs. I had found a place on this planet where I belong, a member of the YRC tribe.

As I recovered at home and engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions from love, achievement, support, and care, I took to my piano. I played the song that I played when I was previously terminated from my career for being who I am, and when my grandmother (my spiritual confidant) passed away. I cried as I played as I heard all 6 plus feet of the instrument ‘sing’, “I am lost, if you take your hand from me; I am blind without light to see . . . . lead me, guide me, along the way; for if you lead me, I cannot stray.” This is what I had felt with my friends, the YRC tribe, and my husband. With these people by my side, 92 miles seemed like nothing and the next time 100 will be obtained.

So after running a minimum of 5K a day, today on what would be day 626 of my running streak, I did not run. I did not put on running clothes. But I sign off as,

Erik Hutchison, Runner.

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If I Only Knew... by Anissa Angelosante

10/16/2018

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It all started 18 years ago with a pair of cheer leading shoes. As they were the only pair of athletic shoes that I owned at the time. It didn't take long before my mom took me to our local running store, RPM Sports, where we purchased my first pair of real running shoes. A pair of New Balance shoes ….. They were white with a neon green N stitched across the side of the shoe. In the late 90s running shoes were are not nearly as flashy as they are today, but I remember thinking these shoes were the real deal...they were real running shoes for a real Runner.

If I only knew where this pair of shoes was going to take me.

Running was the first thing I truly fell in love with. I put my whole heart into the sport - every ounce of passion and desire came out with every step I took. Some people would say I was a driven, others may have seen it as neurotic. At 14 years old I had my alarm set for 7:45 p.m. every night as a reminder to get ready for bed. It was time to stop what I was doing take my shower, pack my bags, and get ready for early morning practice the next day. My routine was flawless and my training runs were perfectly executed to the best of my ability. My sights were set high. Goals of State championships, scholarships, and if I played my cards right a post collegiate running career.

It all started with a pair of New Balance.
My first pair of running shoes gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

I have accomplished great things in my personal running career. I've won a handful of races. I've set impressive PR’s and honestly I could name many other personal feats. But one of the accomplishments I cherish most is being able to share my love of running with others.

A few years ago I was given an amazing opportunity to work with Ypsilanti Running Company (YRC). At the time I was just over four months pregnant with my first child. Honestly, I figured I would only be able to work for the store until the baby was born. To my surprise, Mike and Alison welcomed me aboard with open arms encouraging me to continue working for them with my son in tow.

With my son on my hip I showed up to work with a vision of creating a women's training group. Within my first year of working for YRC, I kicked off a women's specific 5k training program. My vision was to create a safe place for women to come together, to feel supported and encouraged to run. An environment for a woman to pursue herself, to take charge of something fierce and run with it. I want women to be fearless!!

It all started with a pair of New Balance.
My first pair of running shoes gave me the confidence to be fearless!

We recently completed our third women's training group. We partnered with Epic Races and trained the women for the Detroit Women's American Home & Fitness half marathon, 10K, 5K. For 10 weeks a group of 14 women met every Tuesday night. Depending on the individual's fitness and racing goals a 10-week training plan was provided. The training runs varied, easy runs, track workouts, and even a few hill sessions. Every week was a new surprise. Some of the workouts were repeated to provide a comparison to help the runners gauge effort and progress. Brooks Running, UCan, 361 degrees and various other of the running industries’ best companies came out to join us on runs and provided the women with the latest running sensations.

We all stood on the starting line on Bell Isle on September 16th. As the gun went off, the women put their training to the test. We came away with age group winners, personal bests, surprises and disappointments.

You are going to have good days and bad days, but no matter what kind of day the women had we were all there together. Working together in spirit to run the best race we could run on that given day. We were a team!

It all started with a pair of New Balance shoes.

I strongly stand by the quote by Billy Mills, ‘Every passion has its destiny.” We might not ever know where our passions will take us but if we follow it willfully it will lead us to Great Destinations. Currently, I am so fortunate to be a part of a wonderful running store, a wonderful running community, and a wonderful group of women. I couldn't ask for a better destination. So whether you're in the market for your first pair of running shoes or you are a veteran, we would love to have you drop by the store sometime or even participate in our next women's training group. Till then, Run happy!

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Get to Know the Runner

Get to Know the Runner

A 100-mile Epilog.

If I Only Knew... by Anissa Angelosante

Erik Hutchison

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