This is the twenty-fifth edition of The Duluth Runner Interview Series, where I get in touch with (mainly) local runners and athletes to share a bit of their story while inspiring others to pursue an active lifestyle.
Intro
Today’s guest loves being outdoors and is involved in a host of activities that ensure he spends plenty of time getting fresh air. During the winter he enjoys getting out cross country skiing – a passion he’s had since high school.
He can be found on area trails year-round so be sure to say hi if you see him 🙂 He is currently a family medicine doctor at Essentia Health…today’s guest is Adam Swank!
Lead Photo: Skinnyski.com
Interview
Why is skiing important to you?
Skiing is important to me because it has connected me with my natural environment and also is a release valve for pressures in life. Skiing allows you to embrace winter storms and realize they are an opportunity to play in soft, powdery and forgiving snow! Being able to listen to singing birds, observe animal tracks and smell the evergreen trees give me respect for our natural world and the delicate balance we all exist in.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a workout?
On dreary days it can be difficult to get out the door even for a passionate outdoor enthusiast. If I am able to keep the positive thoughts of how energized and refreshed I will feel after a workout, then it becomes much easier to get out the door. Having a large cohort of friends who share your passion also helps, and I am very grateful to be living in Duluth for this reason.
In addition to the active running community in Duluth, there is also a lot of energy in the nordic skiing and mountain biking arenas. Recent fundraising events that bring in inspirational people (such as past Olympian and cancer survivor Kikkan Randall) or show entertaining films (Banff Mountain Film Festival) have the dual purpose of motivating people to get off the couch and raise money to improve our local outdoor access.
Do you prefer classic or skate skiing and why?
I prefer old school classic skiing as it feels more intimate and relaxing. It also is fairly similar to running with a long glide at the end of each step making it easy to transition between running and skiing. Skating is fun and allows higher speeds but often the trails are so wide you feel like you are on a freeway and lose the intimacy.
What is your most memorable race or skiing achievement?
My most memorable skiing moment occurred during the largest skiing event in North America. Thousands of skiers from around the globe come to Wisconsin every February to compete in the American Birkebeiner. Among the crowd of spectators that were cheering the finishers down the final stretch on Main Street in Hayward were my parents.
The race finished in a mass sprint and I finished 3rd place in this exciting finish. This was my highest place ever (yet) in this prestigious event and it was also the last race my mother was able to spectate. She passed away from ovarian cancer one year after this race and the memory of the event his will always be cherished.
What is something non-running related you would like to share with readers?
I am constantly seeking out new memories and adventures doing other activities such as fishing, camping and traveling with my family and 3 dogs. Our adventures always begin with a bold cup of coffee brewed at the family-run coffee shop – Amity Coffee.
Closing
Many thanks to Adam for agreeing to stop by The Duluth Runner and share some of his knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!