Training for a Marathon: Mitchell, our Runner in Residence
Posted by JB Smith, Co-Owner on
Our Runner in Residence, Mitchell Darnell, talks to us about his love for running and his upcoming participation in the Seattle Marathon.
SNF: So, Mitchell, you're racing in the Seattle Marathon, which is right around the corner on November 25. Impressive! Tell us about your very first race.
Mitchell: My first race was one of the 10Ks the Magnuson Series puts on periodically. The Magnuson Series is a great way to get introduced to racing. All levels of runners are represented in a very fun and open atmosphere. All the races are held in Magnuson Park in Seattle on Lake Washington. My race happened to be on a very cold and blustery day. I ended up running into a head wind for half the race so it was a little more difficult then normal. I had a wonderful time what the Seattle running community is all about.
SNF: How have you trained for the Seattle Marathon?
Mitchell: I typically run 25 miles a week with shorter mileage in the beginning of the week with a longer run on the weekend.
SNF: Where's your favorite place to run?
Mitchell: I live in issaquah near Beaver Lake. There is a road that runs around the lake through a wildlife preserve that is very scenic and quiet. I enjoy that road even more during the night. Its so dark that it feels like you are flying over the pavement underneath your feet.The route is a little over 7 miles which is the distance I like. Around the 10K.
My favorite place to run is outside on the unpopulated trails. I like the serenity and solitude of the mountain trails. However, for daily running those trails aren't the most easily accessible. I find myself running more often on tree covered streets.
SNF: What's your favorite thing about running?
Mitchell: My favorite thing about running is the escapism. Running those longer distances frees you from your daily stresses and worries. When you are in the midst of a run there is only the road and you. Nothing else matters. It is such a pure and primal activity the world gets left behind.
SNF: What advice would you give people thinking about running a marathon?
Mitchell: Running a marathon is no small feat. Its not a small commitment. If you are serious about doing it find a marathon training plan and stick to it. You will need around 16 weeks to prepare.
SNF: If you could run one race in the world what would it be?
Mitchell: I would run the Leadville 100 UltraMarathon. Its 100 miles through the mountains around Boulder, CO. Its a very famous race in the running community. All the big names have run it and its got quite the reputation. I am no where near capable of running it at this point. But maybe one day.
SNF: Do you have anything lucky, like a good luck charm?
Mitchell: Haha, no I am not a person who believes in luck. I don't have any special rituals or lucky charms.
SNF: What is your favorite thing about SHOES-n-FEET Running?
Mitchell: I love being able to share my passion for running with other people. When a customer comes in who is excited about their upcoming race and I can assist them in their preparations I get a lot of joy. Its fun to share the love of running.
Although I have been an employee here less than one year I have already learned so much through the training SHOES-n-FEET provides.