Sunday, 04 March 2018 09:06

Desert RATS Bio 2018 – Chris Ward

Stage Race Sunday! Who’s coming to play in the desert this year?

From Like A Bigfoot podcast fame, Chris Ward hops over the Continental Divide to join the fun!

Marital Status: Married

Number of Children: 2

Occupation: Self-Employed

Years running: 10

Years running ultras: 5

Ultras I have done: Monument Valley 50 Miler Mount Masochist 50 Miler Quest for the Crest 50k Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock 50k Table Rock 50k Mountain RATS 50k Grayson Highlands 50k Holiday Lake 50k

Favorite race and why: My favorite race was the Quest for the Crest 50k in Asheville. There was an insane amount of elevation gain (12,00ft) and we were traveling through some extremely rugged trails. Halfway through the race to me it seemed to turn out to be less of a race and more of an adventure. I also LOVE adventure racing. A mixture of rafting, orienteering, trail running, and mountain biking with your buddies. We competed in an awesome one in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

Best results in races: I got 9th in the Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock 50k after being lost for 40 minutes of the race. Definitely my best ultra! I also won a trail half marathon in Danville, Virginia three years in a row with a time of 1:35.

Tell us something about yourself, running related or other: I started an outdoor sports and adventure podcast called “Like a Bigfoot” a year and a half ago and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I’ve been lucky enough to hear stories and training advice from elite athletes and well worn adventurers.

What’s your favorite way to train for Desert RATS: The thing that is driving me through training is using the time to explore all the beautiful trails out here on the front range of Colorado. Though I have to say the greatest way to train is to plan to have “Pizza Day” as the same day as “Long Run Day”.

What are your goals for Desert RATS: Finish. Survive. Enjoy. ….in no particular order!