This is the sixty-fourth 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
“Hello! I am Anna Lundberg-Haskins and I am first and foremost a mom to two beautiful girls, Parker and Sawyer. After that I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 10 years and we run 3 businesses. On the side, I coach the Northwestern High School Dance Team and organize a couple community events in our hometown. I am a complete yin and yang. I love finance and numbers, but also need to express myself through physical movement. (Hence, one of my jobs is a Dance Studio Owner).
My personality is pretty intense. I am extremely stubborn, driven, and a dreamer all at once. Really a perfect combination for a runner. I started running later than many, have only done a couple of real races, and frankly I am just out there winging it as I go! But I love to inspire people to try new things and to put their health and happiness first. So here we go!”
Interview
Why is running important to you?
The importance of running for me has evolved over the past couple of years. When I was in my early twenties I ran, but only as a supplement to my workouts. That means going out for two miles on the road and hating every minute of it. Then one day my friend Nikk asked me to go for a run on the North Country Trail (NCT). I ignorantly agreed, not knowing what trail running entailed and we did 7 miles, again on the NCT…for the first time! It was painful, it was mentally challenging and it was everything I enjoy in life! I was hooked and haven’t really looked back since.
Today running is what keeps me centered and grounded. It is what allows me to be present with my girls everyday and somewhat keep it together for my businesses during a global pandemic. I am sure I am not alone when I say without running I don’t know how I would have made it through the past two years.
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 lift weights and stretch depending on the season. So in the summer when the trails are more inviting I lift maybe 0-2 times a week. In the winter when the trails have 3 feet of snow on them I lift more often, around 4-5 days a week. I also stretch almost every day. It’s easy on days that I am teaching a dance class. As far as injuries, I rarely, if ever, get injured. That is why the lifting and stretching is so important!
But just to be clear, I fall A LOT! I tend to daydream when I run. It’s my escape time and often I go deep into my thoughts and the next thing I know the ground is plunging to my face. I don’t think I have ever ran without a trip, slip, or fall on the trail. My last race (Wild Duluth) I think I fell about 6-7 times. I walked away with LOTS of bruises from that event! But because of my training (thank you Kyle) I felt fully recovered the next day.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a workout?
If I know I am running on the trails that day there is hands down no hesitation to get me going. In fact, I am always itching to leave. If I am running on the roads there is often a blocker, that’s where my husband comes in. On days that I want to hit snooze in the morning for a road run my husband will force me out of bed. Reminding me that running sets me up to handle the day’s challenges with grace and understanding. Or when it was almost race day he would remind me of my goals and I would begrudgingly agree. You don’t reach your goals on race day. It’s about every single day leading up to it that makes the difference. Consistency, consistency, consistency.
Who is in your workout support group (training partners, people to bounce ideas off of, etc.)?
My running group only consists of two people really. I run with my buddy Nikk almost weekly and then of course I started using Duluth Runner Coaching. I was trying to do training plans on my own and wanted to see if a coach would help. (Hint: It has drastically!)
I have a pretty chaotic schedule, which doesn’t fit most people. My running hours normally consist of 4:00am or 9:00pm. So its more solo runs than anything. Nikk was the one who got me started into running and I have been the annoying sister tagging along ever since. I recently got to pace him for 48ish miles on the Black Hills 100. It was so much fun and I really think I have a future in pacing people! He went into the pain cave and ran like a beast. I ran along side him and enjoyed the food at every aid station! It was glorious!
When/what is your next race?
My next race should be the Frozen 4 Hour Duluth Winter Trail Series. I did that for the first time last year and had a blast. It really challenges you to change your mindset. I am extremely competitive and when you do a 4 hour run you aren’t sure where you are in the standings. The people you are coming up behind might be a lap ahead of you or a lap behind you. It forces you to only look at yourself and your own capabilities. Something I am not good at, so I loved the challenge!
However, the two things I have coming up that I am most excited about is a 50 miler through Zion. This isn’t a race, but just a fun adventure on my bucket list that my friend and husband have to come along for. In fact, I am not sure if I have gotten around to telling either of them yet. Oh, and of course breaking the 6 hour mark for Superior Spring 50k next year…it has to happen!
Do you prefer roads or trails and why?
I think it is pretty clear by now that I LOVE the trails! First I love being outside and being able to experience things in a way many people can’t, or frankly, won’t. I feel that nature gives me more life and energy and allows me to decompress and re-evaluate what is truly important. What I find funny is my lack of fear in the woods compared to the roads. Many people tell me they won’t run in the woods because they are scared of the “wild”. When I run on the trails I feel safer and more protected. When I run on the roads I feel I am constantly on the look out for unleashed dogs, texting drivers, and of course…humans. The trail is where my heart wants to be.
What do you think about while you run?
Everything and anything. As I said, I love to get lost in the woods. Sometimes I literally do if I am so deep in thought I forget to watch for trail markers. But in all seriousness, running is my time to create, decompress, analysis, come up with new ideas, and evaluate everything. I have created new business events, choreographed full dance routines, and thought up new ways to get my kids to eat veggies. However, if you ever adventure out with me you will find that I also LOVE to talk on my runs. When I run with a friend or stranger it is my space to question everything and chat your ear off. The chatting part helps me keep my pace and stay in a comfortable range. So if you hit me up for a run, get ready!
What is your most memorable race or running achievement?
All of them! Every run provides me with something that I didn’t know before I started. I will forever remember running the Grand Canyon Rim2Rim2Rim in April 2021. It was roughly 47 miles of pure adventure with my buddy Nikk and my husband acting as crew. I want to take my husband and girls across it someday. Being able to see the ENTIRE Grand Canyon up close like that. Just another example of something running provides you that you can’t do any other way. I also love NCTRaces 1/2 marathon as its on my “home” trail and I am so confident on that route I can run it in my sleep.
Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).
I have limited races to pull from, but honestly I have loved ALL OF THEM. Again, every time you are on the trail is a time to learn. There is no experience I haven’t walked away from that I didn’t say I am proud I did it. My competitive nature does hinder me a bit when I reflect. I can see all the areas that I can improve. When I look back at Wild Duluth 2021 50K I think to myself “Did you really give it everything you could have.” The answer is no. I could have pushed harder. I could have run some of the climbs, I could have done more. I could have walked off the pain a little faster from a couple of the falls. But again, living and learning.
What is something non-endurance activity related you would like to share with readers?
This is such a hard question. I guess only that the Northern Minnesota/Wisconsin area is truly the most magical place in the world. The lake, the people, the area; truly has my heart. About 6 years ago my sister and I through hiked the SHT. As most know that is 310 miles along the North Shore from Canada to Duluth. One of the best experiences ever. Being able to experience the North Shore that way was something truly unforgettable . If you are considering it – DO IT!
Closing
Many thanks to Anna for stopping by Duluth Runner to share some of her knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!