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 team’s activities for the first half of 2024!
Barrett Gray
Why do you run?
I run to explore the outdoors and new places, to challenge myself, and to spend time with friends!
Where’s your favourite place to run?
I moved to Issaquah last year and now have Cougar Mountain in my backyard. The Big Tree Ridge trail has quickly become a favorite route from my door, and I never seem to get bored of it. In the summer, I love venturing further to Olympic National Park to run in the old growth forests and to the North Cascades to run up majestic mountains.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
My big goal for the year is to run my first 100 miler! I am signed up for Run Rabbit Run 100 in September.
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
The Brooks Catamount has been my go-to shoe for trail adventures and racing! I love how lightweight it is and how smooth and fast it feels.
Aaron Roche
Why do you run?
Generally: Because it’s fun! And more specifically: to explore my personal limits; to catch-up with my friends, while enjoying the outdoors; for competition; to feel connected to the community and my neighborhood; to stay fit, physically *AND* emotionally.
Where’s your favorite place to run?
My favorite place to run is along Lake Washington Blvd S, then into and around Seward Park. There are a lot of familiar faces I see on my runs there. Running among friendly faces adds to the enjoyment I have as part of the Seattle running community. If I wave and smile at you while our paths cross, it would be awesome if you waved and smiled back. If you mean-mug and side-eye me instead, that’s okay, too. Just know that a smile is more relaxed and is beneficial for better running. It’s science, bro!
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
A big/major running goal I have for 2024 is to keep the marathon PB train rolling for as long as possible! I’ll be running this year’s Boston Marathon and we’re going to find out what I’ve learned from my past two big city races. Again for 2024, I will continue to establish myself as a leader in my running community as a member of the SRC-Brooks team and as an assistant coach at Cleveland High School track and field and cross country programs. Go Screaming Eagles!
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
Having run and walked in Brooks shoes consistently for over five years, my favorite one is without a doubt the neutral, cushioned Glycerin. Hands down, as a daily trainer, this tops all other brands’ everyday trainer. I am very excited to try out the latest edition of this classic staple of the Brooks lineup. Run Happy!
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 favorite “backyard” trails are St. Edward Park and Carkeek. I also love the Issy Alps for easy access to a wilderness vibe. But the trails of Mount Rainier, Orcas Island, and Winthrop are my most sacred and special places.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
After running ultras for the past few years, I am excited to focus on middle distance trail races in 2024 (half marathon to 30K) and really work on my speed on trails! I also have a goal of breaking 90 minutes in a road half and am pumped to bring my A+ game to XC this fall. I may also have the opportunity to run across a big hole in the ground in Arizona a couple of times, which has been a dream of mine 😉
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
I’m just getting back into Brooks, but I am feeling some love at first sight for the Hyperion and Catamount!
Chris Chamberlin
Why do you run?
I run to explore mountain terrain efficiently, to spend quality time outdoors alone and with friends, and to enjoy friendly competition.
Where’s your favorite place to run?
I love to run trails in the Cascades whenever I can. The Issaquah Alps are Cascades foothills so absolutely count; Tiger Mountain in particular is a favorite training ground.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
I’m looking forward to running a hard 100+ mile race during the summer or early fall. I’m still working out which event it’ll be but I like having a big event as a training focus for the winter and spring.
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
The Ghost has been my long-time favorite for training on the road, and I like the Caldera for trail days.
Chris Hoffman
Why do I run?
I almost always run early in the morning before most people are awake and I really enjoy the peace and quiet at that time of the day. Running also helps to keep my mind and body healthy and feeds my competitive side.
Where is your favorite place to run?
I love running anywhere in the mountains, and especially anyplace I haven’t run before because it’s a great way to explore new places.
Goals for this year?
I’m planning to mix it up this year with different distances and types of events. Last year I did all trail races that were roughly the same distance so I want to explore road races, and some shorter and longer trial races. I may even dip my toe into XC races this year!
Favorite shoe?
When I am on the road, I always seem to end up in the Hyperion Max; it’s light, responsive and has a really good feel even when I’m not pushing the tempo. On the trail, I am loving the Cascadia 17. I’m not sure what Brooks did but the 17 is a big improvement over the 16 for me. Better cushioning and it just feels lighter and more nimble.
Jenny Easterberg
Why do you run?
I run to experience all of the fascinating aspects of nature and find sanctuary in it, to explore as many new areas as possible, and to make new friends.
Where’s your favorite place to run?
With years of trail running experience, I find I love both Western Washington and Eastern Washington equally, but for very different reasons. Both are immensely beautiful in their own way. Tiger is my go-to anytime of the year!
Goals for this year?
To try some new races to challenge myself and explore new terrain. I certainly have my favorite races I do every year, but new ones are a great challenge to get me out of my comfort zone.
Favorite shoe?
I just love the Hyperion Tempo. I have run in it on every kind of terrain and it holds up super well despite all I ask of it.
Dave Messenheimer
Why do you run?
To relieve stress, to explore our awesome city and regional trails, to feel myself getting better (or at least not getting worse), and because I still can!
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. Otherwise some hills and some dirt (Tiger Mountain if I have to be specific).
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
Get back to 2022 form. Keep running something new whether that be a longer distance race or an all-day trail adventure.
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
Adrenaline. Class trainer that soaks up the miles and gets the job done for those of us who need some support!
Kristi Williams
Why do you run?
I run to explore the world around me, to relieve life’s stresses, and to challenge myself. Running enables me to become a better person by taking care of my mental and physical health through the activity. In addition, I love how running enables me to connect with others who value the same benefits that running provides.
Where’s your favorite place to run?
My favorite place to run is Point Defiance State Park in Tacoma. I love the old growth forests, the various cries, squawks, and growls from the neighboring inhabitants of the zoo, and stellar views of the sound. As if the park wasn’t enough, Ruston Way provides amazing water views as well as a fun, fast, and flat sidewalk to cruise on.
What is a big/major running goal you have for this year?
Since I dipped my toes into the water of the ultra scene last year, I plan to try and fully immerse myself in another ultra this year. The difference this year will be the knowledge I have gained from my first ultra, a better plan of consuming food/calories during the race, and having more confidence in myself knowing that I am fully capable of handling such a distance! In addition, I am excited to join the women’s masters team this year and rock USATF Club XC Nationals in Seattle!
What’s your favorite Brooks shoe?
My favorite shoe will have to be plural since I find myself running and racing on all kinds of surfaces ranging from track, trail, and road. For track and roads, I love the Brooks Hyperion Max. I loved the added cushioning to ensure that my feet are well supported and protected for all those miles! For trail racing, I am still drawn to the Catamounts, but if I have a trail run with a lot of descents, I like to run in the Calderas due to their squishy and cloud-like feel. It is nice that Brooks offers so many different types of trail shoes. It makes sense with all those amazing mountains and trails that surround our beautiful city!
Erik Barkhaus
Why do you run?
It keeps me physically and mentally fit . When I’m not running with groups or socially, it’s a great time to reflect on things and keep a positive outlook on life.
Where’s your favourite place to run?
Cougar Mountain, specifically from Redtown trailhead. Since college I’ve been doing long runs there and I know the rhythm of the trails. When I have a good run there I know I’m fit and the confidence builds.
What’s a big/major running goal you have for this year?
I’m running US Snowshoe Nationals again and I’m hoping for another podium finish. I’m also really excited for USATF Club XC Nationals to be in Washington so I’ll be coming up with a more concrete goal around that at some point….for now it’s just to toe the start line with my teammates, happy, healthy, and fit.
What’s your favourite Brooks shoe?
I have to go with the Ghost. It’s my go to running shoe for a typical run but I can still do speedier sessions and long runs when needed. It was honestly hard not to pick Hyperion or Hyperion Max, but that’s how much I love my Ghosts.
Trisha Steidl
Why do I run?
I run because it provides me a sense of freedom, exploration, and the opportunity to challenge myself and see what I’m truly capable of doing.
Where is your favourite place to run?
Wherever I’m running at the moment is my favourite place to run. I’m currently enjoying exploring new-to-me areas in and around the North Cascades.
Goals for this year?
I’m focusing on short distances early in the year, then going for my second 24hr race. After that I’ll be in the mountains for some exciting adventures. In the second half of the year I’ll be focusing on the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Spain and then moving to the XC season. SRC will have a great women’s masters team this year and with Nationals being hosted in the greater Seattle area, I’m excited to see what our team can achieve! It’s going to be a fun and full year.
Favourite shoe?
I’m still a big lover and pusher of the Hyperions. They continue to improve. It’s been exciting to be involved with this shoe since its inception. I still rotate my Adrenalines and Glycerins for my easy training days and enjoy the Cascadia 16s (will be moving to the 17s this year) and the Catamount when on the trails.