LEAD PHOTO by Mike Wheeler

This is the forty-ninth 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 is all about taking in life’s amazing moments…which just so happen to occur while running or hanging out with people who run for her!

She has a wonderful zest for life that is most certainly contagious, loves to race/pace trail events, and is a self-described “literary geek.” If you run anywhere within a 30 mile radius of the Twin Cities or make your way north for the Superior Trail races in Lutsen, odds are you’ve seen her having a blast racking up the miles!

Today’s guest is…Amy Clark!!

Interview

Why is running important to you?

For over 40 (!!!) years, running has been the #1 way I’ve met people, discovered new communities, and seen the beauty of new places. I’ve moved around a lot in my life, and running has been the most consistent thing throughout all of it (well, that, and having a pet cat).

What are the top two or three things that you do to prevent injury? Have you been susceptible to certain injuries in the past?

I’ve been extremely lucky, in that I’ve experienced very few overuse injuries. Mine have tended to be of the acute, unexpected type, which is an occupational hazard of combining beloved rocky, steep trails with being a very klutzy person.

That being said, I find that keeping up with weight training (thanks to Mark Johnson at the amazing Performance Running Gym) really helps, as well as consistently doing the maintenance exercises and foam rolling routine that a certain coach from up north recommended to me. 🙂 I also have started taking one day off a week, which is really, really unusual for me (my default is always #letsjustrunmore), but I have to say, it’s making a big difference.

What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a workout?

This sounds very odd, but I literally almost never don’t want to run. I also have many wacky friends who will get up at any crazy time and meet me, if need be. Thanks to my current work from home situation, I’m totally willing and able to drive even 30-35 minutes on a weekday to go run with somebody where they live, if it’s easier for them; the benefits of running in new places and having company far outweigh a little traveling.

I use the mantra that “once you’re vertical, it’s all good.” I tend to pop out of bed in one quick motion, and then there’s no more room for debate. If I’m ever not feeling it for whatever reason, I tell myself I will just do one mile, and turn back if it doesn’t feel good. I’ve never yet turned back! Oh and coffee. Pre-run coffee cannot be emphasized enough. Current faves are the Coltrane and Carver’s Dream blends from Red Bay Coffee in Oakland, CA.

Who is in your running support group (training partners, people to bounce ideas off of, etc.)?

I have been blessed with so many wonderful running soulmates—I don’t want to make a list because I don’t want to accidentally leave anyone out. Suffice it to say that I have the OG/Forever Lakes Squad, Runner Hy, TRECs, the Monday Night trail joy, November Project/Casual Fridays, the Weekend Update crew, the Shoreview shenanigans, the TCRC race team, and anyone who has slowed down enough to let me talk your ear off for a few miles over the last 15 years in Minnesota. Seriously, runners are extraordinary humans.

When/what is your next race?

I just finished the Zumbro 17, and my next endeavor is pacing my friend Jeremy Knaus, who is doing the Black Hills 100 with his partner Megan Gannon in late June. I actually love pacing way more than racing myself, and have often said I would do it as a side hustle if there were an actual benefits structure there. Then I’m kind of open until Goosebumps 6-hour in September, and Tunnel Hill 50-miler in November. I was considering FANS, but now that it’s in August, it’s pretty close to Goosebumps, and I am trying to adhere to my new Let’s Try and Actually Be Well-Rested Before Doing a Race protocol, so we’ll see. 🙂

Do you prefer roads or trails and why?

Definitely trails. I’m not very speedy at either one, but being out in nature is healing on so many levels. You know what John Muir said (and if you don’t, you’re going to): “Keep close to Nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”

What do you think about while you run?

Literary quotes! Songs! (I sing out loud and in my head, depending on oxygen requirements at the time.) Book and movie plots. Stuff I’m writing for work. Stuff I’m writing for Ultrarunning. My children. My life and where it’s at, and how I feel about that. Quite often I acknowledge that, even though I fervently wish I could be faster and more agile, I am so privileged to be able to do this virtually any time I want, in all of these beautiful spaces. I’m kind of a sappy runner when I’m by myself.

What is your most memorable race or running achievement?

Pacing Kelly Jensen at the Mines of Spain 100 last fall. She worked so hard, and we got to run 40 miles together, in the dark, over hills, through two very challenging loops full of camaraderie and celebration. My boyfriend Steve was the crew, and Kelly’s son and his girlfriend drove down for the big finish. It was hands down the most emotional and satisfying thing I’ve experienced to date. Really, all of my pacing stints have been incredible. I’ve been witness to some of the strongest, most fearless humans on the planet pushing on through all kinds of challenges to achieve their goals. Getting a front row seat to that is the best thing ever.

In addition, being named UMTR Trail Person of the Year in 2019 was a huge honor. I was extremely humbled and thrilled with that.

Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).

I can think of two. One was actually before a race even took place. I had been training hard for 4 months for the Zumbro 50-miler in 2015. In late March of that year, just 2 weeks before the race, I tripped over a branch on a trail and tore my soleus muscle. I literally had to be carried off the trail by my amazing friends. Needless to say, Zumbro was out, and I spent the day volunteering in a boot (which was good for the soul, actually). When I could finally race again in December of that year, it was in Northern California where I have lots of family. I remember practically crying as I ran among the redwoods in a 35k race there; I was so incredibly happy to be doing it again!

The second was one year, during the fall Superior marathon, when my body literally shut down with about 10 miles to go, and I had to do this pathetic walk-jog thing the whole way back. I was passed by everyone and their cousin, and several people yelled out cheerfully, “Good luck, 100-mile runner!” I had to tearfully keep telling them, “No, I’m just a marathoner who’s having a Really Bad Day…” It seems sort of hilarious now, but at the time I definitely didn’t think so. (I will give myself half a point for never having DNF’d a single race to date, despite many less than stellar finishes.)

What is something non-running related you would like to share with readers?

I am a literary geek and love to listen to NPR and re-read classic books. I have a lot of cats (4). I love iced coffee and peanut butter more than most things after a run. I can spend a LONG time in a bubble bath with no guilt.

In fact, my perfect post-20-miler scenario combines all of these: In the tub with bubbles, a nerdy podcast playing, a large iced coffee and a spoonful of peanut butter on the side of the tub, with a curious cat looking on. To make it even better, I could be talking with any of my 3 daughters on the phone (one in Minneapolis, and two in California). If there were a magic global camera that could find me at about 11:30 on any Saturday morning, this is legit what you would see.

Closing

Many thanks to Amy for agreeing to stop by 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!