This is the sixty-fifth 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.
LEAD PHOTO CREDIT: Legendary Andy Ericksen Films
Intro
“I’m Nikk Adams. I was (for the most part) raised and have lived in Solon Springs for the majority of my life. Solon Springs is a North Country Trail Trail Town, but I had no idea until my mid 20’s.
Some of the things I would consider myself are: dad, husband, son, brother, teacher, outdoorsman, adventurer.
Some things I strive to be considered are: runner, coach, role model, friend, philanthropist.
For a lot of my life, running wasn’t just at the bottom of the list…it wasn’t even on my list. I started running around 2010 just as an exercise to lose some weight. I didn’t even like it for quite a while. I was even quoted to say, “Why the hell would I pay money to run a race, people do that?” Regardless, I enjoyed a couple obstacle course races and things of that nature, and began to enjoy running.
Distances got a little longer (road races anyways). Then one day I was racing a 5k at Spirit Mountain and saw people running across (and back). Somehow I found out or heard that those people were running the Voyageur 50 mile. I decided right there that I wanted to be them. I found out about the NCT in my home town and began running trails. I haven’t done a road race since. I have also only run one race under a 50k since.
I’ve found a peace of mind in the zen of running that I didn’t know existed. I’ve found ways to make myself a better person and do things for others. Through running I have found things I’m capable of that I had previously thought impossible. To me, running is discovery.”
Interview
Why is running important to you?
Running is important to me because as cheesy as it sounds, it has made me a better person. It takes hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset. While running, I feel like I’m doing what my body was meant to do. It is important because being active, being outdoors, and not making excuses are positive things to have 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?
I think some experts might disagree, but I “streak” to prevent injury. I previously had a 5 or 6 year streak (running every day), which ended because if a herniated disc surgery, and am now 2 years into my current streak. It’s consistency plain and simple. So often, I run slow and I run easy, but I’m running. I think my body has made a lot of adaptations because of that.
My weakest link has been my left ankle. I roll it ALL the time. I do flexibility and strengthening exercises for my feet and ankles, but not as consistently as I should.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a workout?
I struggled with this years ago. A body at rest on the couch tends to stay at rest on the couch.
I remember deciding one day that I was no longer going to give myself the option of running or not running. That’s when my streak began. I might lack some motivation, but not running at all isn’t an option. Having goal races/adventures is my main motivator. They keep me focused and help me justify the time, miles, and work. When I don’t have any goals to work towards, fun is my motivation to get out and run.
Who is in your workout support group (training partners, people to bounce ideas off of, etc.)?
My wife, Jamie, because she lets me run when I want/need to. I’ve run with some friends here and there in the past, but none have really been a “training partner” until I convinced Anna Haskins to run with me. It’s a whole new thing to have someone to talk about goal races with, to talk training with, to go to races with, and to run with on a consistent basis!
Besides Anna, I have begun helping the Solon Cross Country team and am somewhat successful at making them run with me at times. I also coach Track and selfishly design their workouts (somewhat) around the workouts I want to do.
When/what is your next race?
Intermediate goals are the Frozen 4 Hour in Duluth, and Book Across the Bay in Ashland on the same day.
Superior 50k under 6 hours.
And the major goal for 2022 is a second finish at Superior 100.
Do you prefer roads or trails and why?
Trails. If you know, you know.
What do you think about while you run?
Lots of people talk about thinking through things so much while running. I’m the opposite. I don’t solve problems or think of to-do lists while running. I forget problems, I forget lists, I forget deadlines. I count my footfalls and breathe, over and over again until nothing else matters. Everything outside of the trail and my body is gone. That’s my goal anyways! Sometimes I think about everything and the void eludes me. Those aren’t the best runs.
What is your most memorable race or running achievement?
I thought this would be an easy question, but I really can’t answer it. Every achievement and race has its moments. With that said, there are a few big achievements that I’m particularly proud of, including the Grand Canyon R2R2R, Superior 100, Black Hills 100, and Leadville Silver Rush 50.
Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).
Some not so good times were had at Black Hills 50 (where I vowed never to return, but went back for the 100 the next year), and Black Hills 100 DNF in 2019. I would actually NOT like to forget those races though. I never want to forget those feelings and experiences because they have pushed me and changed me. That DNF consumed me for two years and led me to have my best race ever in 2021 at Black Hills 100. I heard or saw a quote recently that sums this question up for me – “it’s either a good time, or it’s a good story.”
What is something non-endurance activity related you would like to share with readers?
Don’t be a dick.
Closing
Many thanks to Nikk for stopping by Duluth Runner to share some of his knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!