This is the sixth 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 grew up in Esko, MN and went on to run for St. Cloud State University. He’s another year-round runner in the Duluth area, and even likes to dabble in snowshoe racing!
I have had the pleasure of running with him several times over the years, although like most people around town, not nearly enough! And when it’s been too long, I seem to get a perfectly timed text message from him getting me jacked up for an upcoming race, or looking for a post-race recap. He currently works at Essentia Health here in Duluth…today’s guest is Sean Gaskell!
Interview
Why is running important to you?
Well I started running ‘accidently’ when I was a junior in high school. In gym class we had to do a treadmill test–run at 10mph as long as we could. Outside of sports practice (soccer, football, hockey, baseball) I never ran a mile in my life nor even owned running shoes.
I ended up wearing a pair of Brent Smith’s old worn out running shoes size 9.5 (I am an 11.5) for the test and ended up running at 10mph for 30 minutes and 2 seconds which came to the end of class otherwise I wanted to keep going. I lost a couple toenails from it as well. Then friends and the track coach talked me into Track and have been running ever since…12 years now and it has been an integral part of my life.
I find running important because although it seems simple, it brings forth a very dynamic aspect into life. It’s a love/hate relationship that provides constant challenges among myself mentally and physically. It is also amazing to embrace the passion with others as I’ve met some pretty cool cats along the way! A day honestly does not feel complete unless that run gets done.
What are the top two or three things that you do to prevent injury? Have you been susceptible to certain injuries in the past?
Still trying to figure this out! I have been getting better at incorporating strength routines which have seemed to help. Learning about ‘Tendon Loading’ has dramatically helped with Achilles issues. Also, some fancy muscle rollers which seem quite effective.
I have been prone to injury unfortunately in my lower legs/ankles and now my foot which I tweaked on our wonderful Duluth roads on a night run this winter. I rarely get recurring injuries which is good but it can be irritating coming down with a random and new twerk out of nowhere (almost always the case).
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a run?
I am a very competitive guy (just ask my wife) so I naturally always think of others as competition and figure they trained and got better today so I got to get my butt moving. I love Instagram and initially got into it so I could follow different runners around the world. Seeing the successes and hard work put in by others is always a positive motivator.
Who is in your running support group (training partners, people to bounce ideas off of, etc.)?
Duluth has an awesome running community with great support and positive vibes all around. When I lived in Esko I ran quite a bit with Greg Hexum who is a local stud with tons of good insight on the variables of running.
Currently my guy Jeff Cottrell has been my go-to training partner. From easy jaunts to mobbing intervals or tempos. He’ll usually have my back even if I shoot him a text last minute. My recent coach Brad Hudson really got me dialed in last summer and got me to some of the best shape of my life.
I am looking forward to this spring/summer of getting back after it with him once my foot heals! Also got to give a shout out to the silver-backs and the peacock…you know who you are.
When/what is your next race?
I was really bummed to have missed the National Snowshoe race this March due to my foot issue and I am also sitting out of the Garry Bjorklund Half this summer, so I am really unsure! Ideally, I would love to get dialed in for the 2019 Club Cross Country Nationals at the end of the year otherwise maybe a fall half marathon and some trail races.
Do you prefer roads or trails and why?
Trails for easy runs. Rolling gravel roads for quality days. Trail running offers a special type of serenity that make it easy for the mind to get lost on a run. Even though I swear hornets have a bounty on me. I grew up in Esko which is full of gravel rollers. There’s nothing like grinding out a 15+ miler on some back-country rollers on a crisp summer morning. Especially if you have a small squad wheelin’.
What is your most memorable race or running achievement?
Well one of my most fun races was oddly enough on the brutal course of Roy Griak when I was running for St. Cloud State. At mile 1 I was at like 300 n something place, then started giving er and finished like 60th.
Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).
The 2018 Garry Bjorklund Half marathon. I was in big PR shape, but early GI issues and mad port-a-potty stops ruined me.
What is something non-running related you would like to share with readers?
My favorite movies are the wacky Asian kung-fu movies…subtitles and all. When it comes to music, I absolutely love the classic old school stuff like Dean Martin and Bing Crosby.
Closing
Many thanks to Sean 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!