The SRC-Brooks Team is comprised of ten current Seattle Running Club members who exemplify a commitment to MUT (mountain, ultra, trail) running and racing, volunteering, and leadership within the local running community and the Seattle Running Club as well as being positive ambassadors for the club and Brooks.
Check out the 2025 team’s activities in the 2025 year-end report!
Kristi Williams
Why do you run?
I run for a myriad of reasons. The most important being to maintain a level of zen and bliss in my harried life. I am a full time kindergarten teacher with a four and a half year at home, so quiet and tranquil moments are rare and few. Running enables me to escape and find quiet and get the break I truly need in order to feel sane! In addition, it provides me with an opportunity to catch up with fellow running friends and find connection through movement. Additionally, I am frankly way too competitive with myself. I do love the challenge of a hard workout or the persistent burn of effort based running which provides me a happy endorphin boost needed for my busy days. I love to run because it enables me to connect with my environment and truly take the time to observe things whether physical or mentally derived. Running is my homeostasis and enables me to be the best possible version of myself!
What is your favorite place to run?
My favorite places to run usually center around local parks. I love the connection with nature and community. Nothing brings me more joy running on paths and trails that are so engraved into my neural networking that little thinking is needed to run. In addition, I love seeing familiar faces and friends who are like minded in the sense of truly appreciating what our beautiful state has to offer! My favorite running haunting grounds include Lincoln Park in West Seattle, Dockton Forest Park on Vashon Island, and Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma, Wa. Lincoln Park, Dockton Forest Park, and Point Defiance Park all offer old growth forests, amazing views of Puget Sound, soft and manageable trails, and a myriad of wildlife if you are lucky! I love that we have such amazing places to run within our city of Seattle and surrounding it!
Major goals for 2026?
My major goals for this year would be to try some new trail races around the area. I do want to attempt another 50k or something of similar distance, but I need to find something new that is within my wheelhouse (mainly I don’t want to get lost or get hurt). I am planning to race the Run the River Marathon, The Honeywagon Half Marathon, and potentially the twenty miler (or 50k) of the Vashon Ultra. There will also be a sprinkling of 5ks throughout the year to remind what it truly feels like to be in pain with a quick sprint of 3 miles! I am not super strict on my training, so I am flexible with what I do. As long as I have a good base, I am up for anything!
What’s your favorite Brooks Shoe?
My favorite Brooks shoe is the Brooks Glycerin. I adore Brooks Glycerin so much! It is so comfortable and its longevity is hard to beat! I love the cushioning aspects of the Glycerin and though it is a neutral shoe, it feels very solid under my feet. The Glycerin is my go to shoe everyday, but if I am hitting the trails it is the Brooks Caldera or Catamounts. In addition, for those days that I need to be more nimble and quick on my feet, it is hard to beat the Brooks Hyperion Elites. The Hyperion Elites make you feel as if you are flying and feet turnover feels effortless.
Zach Szablewski
Why do I run?
I have run 70,400 miles since I began running in my freshman year of high school in 2004/2005. My goal is to hit 150,000 lifetime miles before I die. The 150,000 mile goal is incidental, because I believe running is less about the ends and more about the means. There is so much in this world to explore and I run to efficiently move long distances through the wilderness in order to experience as much of my surroundings as possible. In addition to exploration, I run to push my body to the limits. I want to run as fast and far as my body will allow. I run to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Where is your favorite place to run?
I live in Ravensdale so my closest mountain is Ravens Ridge, which I can summit in 5.5 miles and 2400 vertical feet from my front door. If I want to run quickly, I typically head the Cedar River trail. I also think that Kanaskat Palmer State Park is the most underrated state park in Washington. I used to live in Old Town Issaquah bookended by Squak Mountain and Tiger Mountain, so the Issy Alps will always be a special place to me. However, my favorite place to run is Greenwater Lakes in Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. It provides a high country feel that is runnable year round.
What’s your big/major running goal for 2026?
As with previous years, my goal is to race every distance from 1500 meters to 24 hours. I like to race on every possible surface: track, mountain trail, road, and cross country. I am starting the year with the Orcas Island 100 miler and will likely finish with USATF 24 Hour championships and XC championships again this year. I would like to break 4 minutes on a downhill mile, break 15:30 in a 5K, hit the USATF standard in the 100K (7:15), run under 14 hours in the 100 miler, and hit over 150 miles in the 24 hour discipline. I hope to improve my Olympic Triathlon time this year by sharpening my swimming technique. I’m getting old, so I am trying to focus more on utilizing every last bit of speed I have left.
What is you favorite Brooks shoe?
Because my favorite style of running is vertical heavy mountain races, I most like the Brooks Cascadia. I am looking forward to racing some road focused races like the 100K and 24 hour in the Hyperion Elite. In college, I raced in Brooks Draft XC and would like to revisit these in the cross country season this fall.
Trisha Steidl
Why do you run?
I run for health, to challenge myself, to explore new-to-me places, to spend time with friends, and to be out in nature. Maybe a better question would be why wouldn’t I run?
Where is your favorite place to run?
I enjoy running everywhere. I’m so lucky to be able to run along Lake Washington regularly and see so much beauty: Mt. Rainier/Tahoma, Glacier Peak/Dakobed, Mt. Baker/Koma Kulshan, and the Cascade mountains. We’re also fortunate to have so many in-city trails to enjoy as well as have only a short drive out to the Issaquah Alps. There’s a reason so many people want to live in the greater Seattle area.
Major gunning goal for 2026?
I still dream of making a US World Championship team. I don’t know whether that’s in the cards for me anymore, but I’d like to give it a try. I feel like my best shot is trying for the 24hr team. I have a couple of National Championship races on my schedule, too.
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
There are a handful of Brooks shoes I wear on a weekly basis and I can’t pick a favourite because they each play an important role in keeping me healthy and prepared for any type of training. Adrenaline, Glycerin, Hyperion, and Cascadia are my go-tos.
Roselle Kingsbury
Why do you run?
On the day to day, running gets me out of my own head and back in touch with the world and my 5 senses. On a longer term basis, it also allows me to set, work towards, and achieve goals. As I quickly approach 40 (what I now know is a GREAT age for racing), I deeply value the motivation, sense of personal achievement and connection running has brought to my life.
Where’s your favourite place to run?
As someone who grew up half a mile away, I have to say Seward Park. It’s got the best of Seattle — trails, hills, lakeshore, and more — all in one tight 5-mile radius. But the beauty of running is that you can do it almost anywhere, discovering the joys of each location as you go. This is doubly true of trail running. I look forward to learning more trails in 2026.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
Become a smarter runner in terms of nutrition, training and recovery (i.e. run smarter, not harder) while deepening my experience at trail running. Last year was my first year to compete in trail races, and I hope to build on that experience, and, just maybe, update some of my times.
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
Even when I was living in Japan, I was an avid Brooks Ghost user. It feels like the right level of cushion, and as someone with wider feet that have changed post-partum, it’s been great to be able to wear the same model over the years without pain.
Dave Messenheimer
Why do you run?
As I’ve gotten older, I think running has become a bit of a compulsion (I hope in a good way?). When I don’t/can’t run, I’ve found I don’t connect with the places I’ve lived as much. It gives you such a neat perspective and allows you to have a more intimate knowledge of where you live. I really need that mental stimulus of being outside, and love the places I’ve gone and people I get to meet through running.
Where’s your favourite place to run?
Somewhere with someone. You can make any route a good one if you’re running with the right people (I’ve been saying this for years, but it still feels 100% true). Growing up in a city with a net elevation difference of 10 feet, I really like anywhere with hills. A decent water and/or mountain view is a good option as well.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
See if I can turn back the clock on what has felt like a long, slow decline in performance (with help from physical therapy). I’d like to finally get that longer race (50mile?) in this year. I’d like to balance my training more for specific goals than the mental maintenance-running I think I’ve been doing the last 3-4 years.
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
Adrenaline GTS: Class trainer that soaks up the miles and gets the job done for those of us who need some support! Glycerin GTS: Love the extra cushion it provides for lots of training miles. Catamount: Lightweight trail shoe that just feels like it wants to race. This is the BEST shoe for Tiger Mountain, great on the rocks and prevents me from almost ever slipping, as well as spring-y up the climbs.
Madeline Mason
Why do you run?
I run to be outside with my husband, dog, and/or friends. I run because we have a saying in our household that you never regret a run, and you always feel better after a run no matter what is going on in life or the world (and it’s SO true!) I run because running has taken me to some of the most beautiful spectacular places in the world.
Favorite place to run
This is super specific, but I absolutely love the Wallace Falls to Wallace Lake loop (Gold Bar area). It’s about 15 miles. Everytime we run it, I feel completely at peace and a part of nature. It’s the perfect amount of challenge and ease; populated at times so you can say hi to people and feel in community with other trail lovers, and then completely serene at other times. Also, every time we run it, the weather seems to be absolutely perfect. Oh and of course the water falls, lakes, endless trees, and mountain views.
Major running goal for 2026
I have never really cared about “placing” or being “fast.” I mostly just show up to a run or to a race and see how I feel. Placing, competing, or PR-ing is always secondary, and a large part of me likes it that way. This year however, my goal is to be a bit more intentional about when I want to compete and try to beat some of my PRs and maybe even earn a few more podium finishes! Through this intentionality, I think I can learn more about my body and my running style and grow significantly as a runner. That’s a big reason I wanted to be on this team too. Finally, it’s a dream of mine to run the Leadville 100, fingers crossed!
Favorite Brooks shoe
I can’t live without the Caldera! Especially for longer distances. I have super sensitive feet and need the extra support and cushion. But, I absolutely love going back and forth between the Cascadia and Caldera. Cascadia when I want to be faster and more agile, and Caldera when my feet need some extra love!
Dane Butts
Why do you run?
I run because I love being outdoors on local trails and exploring new areas in the mountains. Running is a way to keep myself strong and push the limits of what I’m capable of. I also love that running can be something I do on my own which gives me time to reflect, but it also provides a strong sense of community when running with others.
Where’s your favourite place to run?
I spend a lot of time in the Issaquah Alps, specifically Tiger and Cougar Mountains, and I really appreciate the extensive trail network being so close to home. It’s easy to feel totally immersed in nature on these trails year round. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is another favorite of mine. The vastness and beauty of this area make for some truly incredible running.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
My big goal for the year is to continue pushing myself to have stronger finishes in all my upcoming ultras. I want to build off my first 100M finish last summer and keep improving my performance in longer races. I’ll be running the Gorge Waterfalls 100K in April and other 50K/50M races later on this year.
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
My favorite Brooks trail shoe is easily the Cascadia. This shoe is perfect for so many different things and I love that I don’t have to think twice about wearing them when I’m out on a training run or at a race. They are light enough to keep me moving quickly and have enough traction to tackle most trail conditions. If I’m running roads, I really like the Ghost for many similar reasons. It’s comfortable, durable, and holds up well for many miles on the Burke-Gilman Trail.
Jesse Lambrecht
Why do you run?
It’s a good mental break from work and life and allows me to slow down and enjoy nature. I enjoy physically challenging myself and pushing my limits.
Where is your favorite place to run?
I live near Discovery Park so it’s my favorite weekday running spot to get on some trails. During the weekend, I like to get out to cougar or tiger.
What’s your big/major running goal for 2026?
Move up in distance in ultras. I got some trail race experience but haven’t raced longer than a 50k. Looking to get a few 50 mile to 100k races this year.
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
Brooks Ghost is my go-to trainer. I enjoy the Cascadia’s when hitting the trails.
Emily Brain
Why do you run?
To feel free and powerful, to challenge myself, and to connect with nature.
Where’s your favorite place to run?
My most favorite trails are on Orcas Island, but for more everyday purposes I love Tiger Mountain deeply, along with Cougar, Carkeek and St. Edward Park.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
In 2026 I am excited to challenge myself with the Big Alta 100K in March–I hope to apply some learning from past experiences and perform my best yet at this distance! I also have a goal to be speedy at the Leavenworth Trailfest 27K in May as well as other subultra races throughout the year (i.e., the Cougar Series!).
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
It is so hard for me to choose my favorite Brooks shoe. For trails I love the Catamounts when I want a little more pep and the Calderas for longer distances. I have lately been obsessed with the Hyperion Elites for speed on roads, I wish I could wear those all the time!
Erik Barkhaus
Why do you run?
It brings balance to my life. It’s something I can look forward to every day whether its a social run or solitude on the trails
Where’s your favourite place to run?
Seahurst Park! It’s close to my neighborhood and I can create a fantastic loop with a mix of road, gravel path, and trails. There are some challenging hills but you’ll be rewarded with views of the sound and quiet forested loop. My favorite time of day to run through is sunset so I can enjoy the sights as I stretch my hip on the picnic benches by the water.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
I’d like to debut at 50 mile + in a race or big adventure run! I’ve been experimenting more with nutrition and figuring out how to avoid the “bonk”. Beyond that I plan to do a range of different distances as low as 5k on the road. I hope to get back to a place where jumping in races for fun happens more often. Having experienced some disappointing race cancellations in 2025 I’m thankful for every little opportunity I get to make it healthy to a starting line.
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
Hyperion Max for the roads and it can for be long run or short intervals. Definitely my do it all road shoe choice. On the trails I always reach for the Catamounts when it’s time for going fast in a 50k or a 5 mile trail race. Looking to find it’s distance limits in 2026,it’s fared well as far as I’ve been able to run!