This is the thirty-seventh 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
Hi, my name is Harper Brickson and this is my story…as one of Carlton County’s Okay-est Runners!
My journey with running started twenty years ago and like most things in life…hasn’t been easy…with its fair share of UPS and DOWNS – or is it the Post Traumatic Hill Repeats (PTHR) I am thinking of!
Growing up, I was the female version of the asthmatic character from The Goonies – asthma inhaler within reach, Kleenex in pocket or tucked in my shirt sleeves, frequent visits to the ER for the occasional asthma attack (as they used to be called) and nightly nebulizer treatments until my early adult years when new medication helped to better manage my asthma – to which I was diagnosed at a very young age.
When asked to share my story as a local runner, I initially laughed and responded “oh that is nice, thank you for considering me…but I am NOT a runner”!
But then I considered a number of “you may be a runner if…” scenarios and came to the following conclusions:
1. I have participated in a variety of race types and distances over the years.
2. I do wake up at insane hours and in most seasons/conditions to run.
3. I have lost toenails and have ugly feet that no pedicure can repair
4. I do run with TP in my running pack for unexpected moments of urgency
5. I do enjoy food and drink way too much – not to be a runner!
So there you have it – “I…Harper…AM a Runner” and this is my truth…not as an elite, but as an okay-est runner!
Interview
Why is running important to you?
My personal health and well-being would be the obvious answer, but for me…I run to maintain balance in my life!
What are the top two or three things that you do to prevent injury? Have you been susceptible to certain injuries in the past?
As an accident-prone person with a proven track record, I try to be present when I am running – mindful of my body, obstacles around me (those darn roots get me every time) and what my limits are for that particular day (how did I sleep the night before, what does the rest of my day look like, am I running on a full tank of energy, half tank, etc.). Outside of the common occasional aches and pains, I’ve only had one significant injury that took me out of commission for some time.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a workout?
I am blessed to have connected with a tremendous group of ladies from my community that don’t mind my “on again – off again” relationship with running. I’ve been nicknamed the “Ghost Dame” of our group, as you never know if/when you’ll see me for a group run – now you see me…now you don’t…for days…weeks…and sometimes months!
I purchased a Peloton a few winters ago and sometimes I elect to crank some tunes and enjoy a virtual ride and other times…I just simply want to sleep in…or dare I say it…be LAZY and do absolutely nothing!
Who is in your running support group (training partners, people to bounce ideas off of, etc.)?
I have an amazing group of running friends that let me chase them through the woods, without it being weird. Social distance running has not been difficult for me, as I am always far behind the pack and the proud caboose of our group.
Although they are all far superior runners than me, they have pushed me to accomplish training runs and races that I wouldn’t have ventured to do on my own. I am in constant awe of how they can carry on a conversation, power up a hill like it is minor speed bump…some even while smiling.
One thing that I love about being the caboose is that I always have a cheering section waiting for me when I finish a race, if my family is unable to attend.
When/what is your next race?
With COVID-19 many events have been postponed or cancelled, so I am enjoying “leisure” running with no formal training program or upcoming race at this current time. My last race after the Harder ‘N Heck Half Marathon last year was a 5K fun run at the Buffalo House Deer Dash.
A running friend and I ran it together on a whim and it was the first race I’ve participated in that offered jello shot “aid” stations along the route (more races should offer this form of refreshment…just sayin). Although we did not stop to partake while running…we did first thing at the finish line after placing 1st and 2nd and it was a sweet treat and fun way to celebrate! Maybe jello shots are the new GU!?
Do you prefer roads or trails and why?
Trails hands down! Even as someone that has spent my life avoiding the woods and nature in general to combat a lifetime of allergies, I would double up on Zyrtec, fill my nostrils with Flonase and drench my eyes with allergy Visine over running on the road any day (although I still do on occasion).
What do you think about while your run?
I try extremely hard to focus on the sights, sounds and beauty of this amazing place we are fortunate to call home. Living close to Jay Cooke, with quick access to remarkable trails, we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful spots on the planet to engage in outdoor recreational activities in Northern MN.
Of course the occasional thoughts of life’s distractions attempt to distract my mind – laundry to do, groceries to buy, errands to run, etc. – but I try very hard to honor my ME time with an attitude of gratitude that my body is able to run, that I live in a beautiful part of the country where I can run freely and that I am surrounded by some amazing women – my running tribe.
What is your most memorable race or running achievement?
In 2002, I ran the Honolulu Marathon with a small group of coworkers, as a part of a larger team of runners raising money for the Arthritis Foundation. After running the race and prior to leaving the island, I tripped walking back to our hotel from a Luau (remember when I mentioned being accident prone). Well…I landed myself in the ER with a severely broken toe – like a tree branch that snapped. Memorable, to say the least!!
Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).
During my 25-kilometer Superior Spring Trail Race on the North Shore in May of 2017, I was a few runners behind a Minnesota man who collapsed on the trail between Moose Mountain and Mystery Mountain near Lutsen. We were only three miles from the finish line at that point in the race and I, along with a group of runners performed CPR and attempted to resuscitate him, but were unsuccessful.
He was pronounced dead at the scene when first responders finally arrived with an AED. I carried his cellphone with me to hand over to emergency personnel for safe keeping and I will never forget the personal photo he had as his screensaver. I continue to run in his memory and that of another dear friend that lost his life earlier that year, as a constant reminder to be thankful for each day – as it is truly precious and can change in an instant.
What is something non-running related you would like to share with readers?
As a mom of three and bonus mom of two, the amount of heavy lifting by way of the groceries I carry in and out of the house weekly is insane (four of the five are boys – the jugs of milk alone could be considered a strength training class). Unfortunately, that is the only non-endurance strength training I currently do for myself. As for flexibility training – just the daily pivot, pivot again and pivot once more, to get through life in its current state.
COVID-19 impacts are hard, bouncing kids in and out of school is hard, balancing work/life is hard, political unrest in our country right now is hard, etc. We all need something – could be walking, biking, hiking, running, skiing, etc. – just find a way to dedicate time to a healthy YOU…just like I have found for myself, as an Okay-est Runner – something I can’t imagine my life without!
Closing
Many thanks to Harper for agreeing to stop by The Duluth Runner and share some of her knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!