Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Kevin Sullivan

In this addition of Athlete Profile, I the pleasure of interviewing Inov-8 athlete, Kevin Sullivan of Massachusetts. Kevin has been running for some time, however he is fairly new to the Ultra Running world, but that has not slowed him down one bit. Kevin's a quick learner when it comes to long distances and he was kind enough to answer some of my questions before he left for a weekend of training in preparation for Western States, his first crack at the 100 mile distance.


1. What inspired or motivated you to pursue endurance running?

At the risk of sound too trite, it was the thought that I could do it. And, by that, I don’t mean just me – I mean anyone. The idea that it is a possibility so why not a possibility for me. I love running. I have always liked longer events, whether it was marathons, long backpack trips or Ironman distance triathlon. I found that I liked my long days better than any other part of my training – and often felt even better at the end of my 20 milers and wanting more. I had for a while thought to myself – hey, I know I can run further so why not try. So, I did – and then got hooked. I ran the Vermont 50 on very little training and just really enjoyed the challenge. It confirmed my belief that (a) I could do it and (b) it was fun. It was as simple as that – and it is that simple thought that keeps me pushing for more.

2. Is there anyone in particular that has inspired you?

Just all the regular guys and girls out there who do it – that is, they fight inertia to get out there and run. I figure if they can do it so can I. No excuses.

3. Do you have a favorite race and/or race distance?

The longer the better – at least for now. I am still new to the ultra stuff and still running longer and longer races. I just finished Miwok 100k which was my longest run to date, both in terms of time and distance. It felt great to push myself beyond my longest distance. I ran the Pineland Farms 50k last year – great race, great setting. They added a 50M this year which unfortunately I will miss because I will be at the WS training weekend. Vermont 50 also holds a special place for me because it was my first 50.

4. Living in Massachusetts, are there any trails in particular that standout in your mind for someone seeking to visit the state?

Good question. I think Massachusetts trail running is less about any standout trails and more about there being trails everywhere. I live in a town with about 20 parks, forests and preserves. They are each fairly short trails but you can string them together for a great run with a lot of different terrain. I think the best trails in Mass are in Western Mass. I live near the NH border to so I usually head north to the Whites or up to Vermont. To be honest, I love the mountains and for that reason really like running out in the real wild West . . . J (I’ve been to the West Coast 2x in the last 3 weeks and am headed there again next weekend. It is the mecca for me).

5. Your next big race is Western States. Do you have a particular goal (s) in mind or a game plan set without revealing too many secrets?

Well, first, I will say the obvious – it is my first 100 miler so I am just looking to get it done. Under 24 hours is definitely a goal. I would be lying if I didn’t say I don’t have a more aggressive goal (I always do!) but I am really focused on not putting too much pressure on myself. I have been very lucky/fortunate so far, but also respect that these are great distances and preparation, execution and “the day” (i.e. race conditions etc.) make all the difference. I will have a very specific plan going in but still working on that. I am talking to as many people I know who have run it to maximize my learning.

6. What does a typical week of training look like for you?

Again, this is all new to me so I have been working to develop a training plan that works for me. I have a very demanding job (60-80 hours a week) so I do all my running in the morning. I usually do 2-3 recovery runs a week (45-70 mins), what I call a marathon pace workout, some sort of tempo workout and one or two long runs. I am using the track for certain periods of training/workouts. I have been trying to be very terrain specific for WS and have been doing some long hill repeats. I’m usually between 60-100 miles/week. I have just started training by HR. I try to throw in core work 2-3x a week but I’m admittedly inconsistent. (oops)

7. What advice can you give to someone new to running?

Be smart about your running and have fun. There is so much more to running/racing than running, so do not get overly focused on just the running. At the same time, if it is not fun, then you are doing something wrong. Keep it simple. After all, it really is just putting one foot in front of the other.

8. What are your future goals or plans?

I just want to learn as much as I can about ultra running, run some good races and challenge myself. There are a lot of great races out there I have on my “must do” list. Multi-days are definitely on my short-term list. Staying healthy is my number 1 goal.

9. What is your fondest running memory?

The 2006 Mid Mountain Marathon. The MMM is a trail marathon out in Park City, Utah. It is a small but beautiful race that runs from Deer Valley to the Canyons. Most of the race is above 7,000, almost all of it is single track and there are lots of great views. I just had a blast running the race. It was a challenging race and I did well, but it was also my first trail marathon and I really enjoyed the experience. I was truly able to really soak in my surroundings and enjoy it. My kids were there and I was able to run across the finish line with them. It brought a lot of things together for me. It really was a first for me and opened my eyes to the benefits of running in some very beautiful places.

10. Injuries seem to be inevitable in sports. Are there any particular strategies or X-training methods you use to overcome an injury?

I learned the hard way, like most of us do, that one of the most critical elements of training is recovery. I am a big believer in rest/time off and the little things, like stretching, massage, core work and, my favorite, ice baths. Although I used to do triathlons, I am no longer a big fan of cycling or swimming (just too boring), so most of my cross training is strength and flexibility work – although I will do some work on the bike indoors during the winter. I also do some XC skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Still, the key is taking care of the body. We push our bodies hard and the one thing I really am not able to do is get more sleep (because of work), so I need to maximize my recovery through other methods.

11. What do you consider your strengths / weaknesses?

Greatest weaknesses – (1) going out too hard (although sometimes it is also my greatest strength), (2) sometimes forgetting to have fun/taking myself too seriously, (3) not enough time to train!

Strengths – (1) supportive wife, (2) love for hills.

12. Is there a particular Inov-8 shoe that is your favorite, and how so?

Roclite 305 and Flyroc 310. They are just light, comfy shoes that perform and go the distance. I rarely even notice I have them on.

13. What are some of your other interests besides running?

Spending time with my kids – doing anything. My kids provide me so much perspective on life. It is a treat to learn about the world through their eyes.

14. Finally, what do you know now that you wish you’d known when you first started running?

That running is more than running. That rest, recovery, the right shoes, hydration, nutrition, running partners, surfaces and weather have a huge impact on performance and enjoyment.

Thanks Kevin!