Chris Rubesch – Fitsok Ambassador

What is your running history?

I began running in 5th grade, racing middle school cross country.  I kept running through high school and college competing in track, cross country, and cross country skiing at the D3 level, including winning several cross country and track conference titles.  After college, I began to explore trail running and ultrarunning and have enjoyed the adventure and challenge.   I continue to push myself to run further and faster than I thought possible.

What running groups/communities are you involved with?

I run with the Duluth Running Company in Duluth, MN, and I am coached by Jason Kask of Superior Performance.  I have also been involved with the Upper Midwest Trail Runners (UMTR) association for the past several years and am currently the group’s Board President.  UMTR is a group that promotes and advocates for trail access, promotes trail running and racing, and encourages active healthy lifestyles.

What is your favorite running experience?

I have two favorite running experiences.  The first was at the 2014 Superior Trail 50 mile race.  It was one of those perfect race days that keep us all coming back again and again.  The conditions were ideal, the race course is second to none, the volunteers are amazing, and everything flowed perfectly for me.  I was 1st at the race in one of the fastest times run on that course. The second experience is very different.  I was 22 and had just graduated from college and decided I would run rim-to-rim-to-rim (about 44 miles) at the Grand Canyon.  I had just run a trail marathon, then got in the car and drove through the night to get there.  I finished the run, but had a lot to learn about nutrition and training. It was the adventure and challenge of that run and beauty of the canyon hooked me on trail and ultrarunning.  I would love to go back and run another rim-to-rim-to-rim someday soon.

What events are you running/racing in 2016? What are your goals?

My big 2016 events are the Boston marathon and the Bighorn 100 miler.  I am also hoping to get a lottery entry into the Leadville 100 miler and looking at returning to the USATF 50 Mile Road National Championships.

What do you talk about when you talk about running?

I usually talk about the latest runs I’ve been on, favorite trails, and the cool races I hope to do someday.

What is your favorite Fitsok sock and why?

The ISW Isolwool.  Its got cushion, I’ve never had a blister while running in it, and it is more durable than any other wool sock I have tried.

What are your major running accomplishments (races completed, PRs, awards won)?

2014 USATF MN Mountain-Ultra-Trail runner of the year 2014 Superior Trail 50 Mile winner 2015 Ice Age trail 50 Mile 3rd place 2015 USATF 50 Mile Road National Championship 8th place 50 Mile road PR of 6:37:00 50 Mile trail PR of 6:53:00 100 Mile PR of 16:47:00. (From my college days, I have a 5K PR of 15:48, 10K PR of 32:49, a UMAC Conference Cross Country title, and UMAC Conference 5000M Indoor and Outdoor titles.)

If you were a professional baseball player, what would your walk up song be?

Timber by Kesha

Do you prefer burritos or burgers?

A wild rice veggie burger, with sweet potato fries of course.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Bradley Cooper

What’s the number one race on your bucket list?

The Leadville 100 or Zion 100….though I hear the Bay to Breakers is an awesome party.

What is your favorite distance to race?

50 Miles

Anything else we (and the world) should know about you?

I shamelessly nerd out on all things National Park and geocaching, and will never turn down a road trip. You can find more Chris on Instagram at @chrisrubesch.