I was invited in early 2015 to join the MPF/RNR team, a joint venture between two amazing running companies. Mountain Peak Fitness is a coaching/training/adventure services company owned by Elizabeth and Joe Azze, two unbelievable folks who are incredibly giving of their time, energy, and considerable expertise. Red Newt Racing is a race direction/promotion service company headed by the tireless Ian Golden, responsible for many iconic trail races in the Northeast, including the Cayuga Trails 50 Mile (the US trail championships) and the Whiteface Skyrunning Festival (a lynchpin of the US Skyrunning circuit). The team is jammed with incredible athletes, among whom I am solidly in the mid-pack; but more than the collection of sheer talent is the camaraderie and the family atmosphere among this amazing group. Running with this team in 2015 was a great joy for me and I couldn't be happier to keep mixing it up with this group.
In addition to the two companies at the forefront of our team, we're fortunate to receive support as well from GU, Merrell, Ultimate Direction, Finger Lakes Running Company, and Run On Hudson Valley.
inov-8: Home of the Committed Athlete
I've had some excellent relationships with shoe sponsors (including the fine support I receive from Merrell via Team MPF/RNR, and the strong relationship I built with Salming in 2015), but in my nearly ten years of ultra running, I have not found a consistently better brand of shoes than inov-8. Well-regarded across the pond as one of the greatest fell-running brands in the business, inov-8 has branched out into road running and Cross-Fit shoes, but their bread and butter remains the trails. This is the only brand of shoe I want to train and race in, and representing them will be a great privilege for me.
Orange Mud: Ultralight Hydration
I'm lucky enough to have support from two great companies when it comes to solving my on-the-run hydration and fueling needs. Ultimate Direction has given the MPF/RNR team great support, but I also value my relationship with Orange Mud, an innovative company on the forefront of the running-gear scene. Their signature product, the HydraQuiver, is a brilliant, no-bounce, insanely light hydration pack. They also make bags, apparel, and life hacks like the Transition and Seat Wrap. I’m happy to be included in the crazy world of this fun-loving outdoor company!
Dr. Greg Cecere, the owner of Momentum Physical Therapy, is a brilliant PT who specializes in running injuries, pain, dysfunction, and injury prevention. I'm honored to support Greg and work with him to help promote a healthy, injury-free lifestyle for the residents of the Hudson Valley.
Yard Owl Craft Brewery: Wisdom by the Pint
Everyone else gets to have a beer sponsor. Why shouldn’t I get a beer sponsor? And Sage, you can keep your Maharaja DIPA. I’ve got the best beer in the world: world-class, hand-crafted Belgian-style ales right here in New Paltz, NY.