Dan Hall has been a part of Running Riot pretty much non-stop from Year 1. One of the many amazing things about Dan is that he is almost always up for a race/run no matter how challenging. Believe us- we've put together some pretty gnarly group runs and he isn't afraid of any elevation, distance or terrain. Through the years we've gotten to know Dan, it is clear he possesses a genuine passion for running and specifically, trail/ultra running. This passion is highly infectious and has inspired many of us to explore our limits and to spit in the face of self-doubt. Dan exemplifies a key tenant of Positive Mental Attitude (and therefore RR): WE CAN ALL DO HARD THINGS!
-------------------------- The Chat:
1) How did you become a runner? Dan: I bootlegged my first W2W in 2009 and got hooked.
2) What keeps you running? Dan: For quality of life and fitness mainly. I’ve been an athlete my whole life so my athletic and competitive nature is also why.
3) Can you describe your funnest run? Dan: Oh man! There's so many! One that stands out was when we ran during the Santa Cruz Ironman and we ended up on the course with the competitors as they were in the running portion of the race. The aid station people kept handing me hydration as I ran by….that was a pretty fun day of running.
4) Have you ever felt defeated as a runner? Dan: Oh Yea! Back in 2017 I ran the Ford Ord 25K….well, that's what I was registered for anyway. During the race I ended up hitching my vibe to 3 other runners and unbeknownst to me, they were running the 50K. I ended up following them on the 50K course and missed the transition for the 25K. I went 6 miles off course until I was notified then doubled back to get back on the right course. Long story short instead of 15 miles I ran 26. My spirit and motivation was stopped.
5) What is an interesting non-running related fact about you? Dan: I smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 10 years.
6) Do you have a bucket list or long term goal planned? Dan: My short term goal for next year is to run a 100K and long term would be the Leadville 100.
7) What advice do you have for new runners or runners who are losing motivation? Dan: For new runners I’d say doesn't matter how far or long you go just getting any miles is a step in the right direction in your running journey. The “far” and “long” come in the natural progression of running.
For those losing motivation I’d say things of that nature are temporary and it will pass. Don’t look at it like its “work”. Running should be a fun activity with fitness and mental health benefits. I also would say finding people(s) to run with is also a good motivator to get you jump started again.
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Thanks Dan!
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