This is the fiftieth 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 has gone on some amazing running adventures over the years, with more to come (hopefully) in 2021! An animal lover and mother of two, she still finds time to get out and log the miles amidst life’s craziness.

I’ll let her tell the rest of her story, today’s guest is…Heidi Hasapopoulos!! (Yeah, I had no idea how to pronounce her last name properly either, don’t feel bad: Hasa-pop-o-lis)

Interview

Why is running important to you?

Because when I run is when I feel my best. It’s a “freeing” feeling to me. I feel at peace when I’m running. Some may say running can’t be classified as a form of therapy, but I would disagree – I will say it’s the best form of therapy and what works for me to simply feel good and work through whatever life may throw my way.

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

Oh boy I’m horrible at this but getting better. About a year ago I started trying to dedicate 2 days a week for a strength training sessions and am attempting to remind myself I don’t need to always run. Hopping on my Fat Tire can be equally as rewarding so I’m trying to do more cross training. I’ve had plantar fasciitis (now mild) for over a year and routinely deal with knee pain but 100% self-inflicted for lack of injury prevention work.

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

The fact that I know I will feel so much better if I just lace up and get my butt out the door. Also, who can forget my loyal 4-legged running buddy named Harper. He’s a Golden Retriever who also deals with anxiety. He holds me accountable most days as if he doesn’t get out, I get to deal with an obnoxious whine for a good portion of the day. We make a great team.

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

90% of my runs and training are solo but locally I have a few great friends who share the love of the trail and always are a supportive workout group (Sabrina, Dan, Brett, Daniel, Christie). I also love making a last-minute trips to the metro to catch up and share the trail with Julie, Amy and Laurel. They are wonderful friends and great support for me that goes far beyond running. Lastly Jason my “partner in crime.” He’s amazing, pushes me in new ways and is always supportive when it comes to working out, training and ideas.

@TheDuluthRunner

When/what is your next race?

Due to Covid my last race was the Superior 100 in 2019. As of now I have the Denali 100K and Twin Cities Marathon on my calendar for 2021. Much lighter than normal but guessing I will squeeze more in and am hoping to spend more time volunteering and helping support other runners at races.

Photo Credit: Cole Peyton

Do you prefer roads or trails and why?

I enjoy both but would have to pick trail. There’s something so therapeutic and peaceful to me being out on single track, in the middle of the woods. The sounds, the smells, the feeling it gives me simply can’t be had on the road.

What do you think about while you run?

Some days everything, other days not a damn thing (and those days are the best). When my anxiety is high, I tend to think about everything under the sun. It’s those days that running is such a release for me as it really has a calming effect and again allows me to work though things on the trail. It’s the long runs that give that brain numbing feeling when you get home and it feels like mush 🙂 I enjoy that!

What is your most memorable race or running achievement?

There are so many so I can’t pick just one. Racing in Nepal is a moment I will never forget. Completing Boston and running my 1st 100 miler was something I never in a million years thought I was capable of but if I had to pick just one it would be running Spring Superior 12.5k with my son who was 10 at the time. Being able to share what I love with one of the most important people in my life is something that I will never forget (and I have a shitty memory).

@TheDuluthRunner
Photo Credit: Mile 90 Photo

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

Honestly, I don’t have any. I ended up getting hyponatremia and DNF’d my 1st Superior 100 attempt in 2018 at mile 72. Had you asked me this question that day with tears rolling down my face I would have said I wanted to forever forget that race. Honestly, though it was a blessing in disguise. I learned so much about myself and racing at that distance. I learned it’s ok to not always complete what you set out for.

Also learned I could sit and stew in it or dust myself off and go back for redemption and learned just how many freaking amazing people I’m surround by who were there for me before, during and after. I remember Kurt Decker pulling me aside giving me words of encouragement and telling me that race didn’t define who I was. So much power in that statement. Running truly doesn’t and will never define us as individuals.

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

Hmmm…well those that know me best know I love animals more than most humans. I have 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 amazing boys Brysen and Brody.

I love the smell of lilacs and coffee brewing. You can often find me darting to an open location to take in the sunrise or sunset. I love the feeling of sunshine on my skin and hate being cold but enjoy running in the cold. I have also been a vegetarian for 32 years.

@TheDuluthRunner

Closing

Many thanks to Heidi 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!