Salming Ambassador Christopher Blewett

 Meet Salming Ambassador Christopher Blewett. A great runner who manage to combine a tough work schedule as a doctor with his family and running. Christopher is also the most knowledgeable  football  fan (soccer )from US that I have talked to. Christopher supports Southampton. Enjoy this presentation blog of Christopher, and you will understand why he is a #nononsense runner!

How and when did you start running?

I started running in Kindergarten at age 5.  I was hyperactive as a kid and the teachers made me run a mile on the crushed granite track next to the playground before school and at the start of recess in an effort to burn off the excess energy.  I wasn't allowed to start class or play until I had gotten my laps in.  I started to enjoy it and found out I had a bit of talent for running which led me to enter local 5k and 10k.

 

What's your favourite distance and race and why?

Growing up I enjoyed the 10k the most  because it was long enough for endurance and training to have an impact. I was small for my age and while I wasn't the fastest I did have a good sense of pace and endurance.

Later on the marathon became my favorite distance because of the mental aspect of the race and the discipline that one has to put into it in order to succeed.  You can bluff your way through a 5k and even 10k without being fully prepared but the marathon you have to train for if you want to do more than finish. 

How many miles per week do you usually do?

When I'm not training for a specific race I'm running between 20-30 miles per week. During marathon training I would probably I increase to 25-40 miles per week. 

In 2014 I over trained and exacerbated my IT band training for and running the NYC marathon.  I also discovered I had piriformis issues, which took a while to diagnose oddly enough. 

Where do you typically run, track, roads or trail?

Mostly roads with the occasional trail or track workout.  There are a few parks and nature preserves in Plano, the city where I live now, but it's nothing compared to New Jersey, where I went to college, or Austin, where I grew up.

" I first heard about Salming through a 

Facebook Group and review for the 

Salming Distance 4 from Believe in The Run. "

What's your favorite workout?

When running by myself I love a tempo workout with negative splits. Starting out slowly then gradually increasing the pace before finishing with a burst.  

How do you plan your training? Coach, book plan or self coached?

Mostly self-coached which works or about as well as people who serve as their own attorney during a trial.  I've always done better when I've had a coach, whether an actual physical coach or an online coach.  I use my work schedule as an excuse but I just need to be more disciplined.

How would you describe yourself as a athlete?

At the moment I would say I'm a recreational athlete, trying to recapture some of the magic from the past while balancing work and family in the present.  

I played Div III lacrosse and ran cross country in high school and my senior year at Drew University.  I was above average in that I would place in smaller meets and qualified for Regionals but nothing like guys on the power D-III running schools at the time, like Haverford.

I'm not quite Uncle Rico level from Napoleon Dynamite but I might be there some day...

" I'm not quite Uncle Rico level from Napoleon Dynamite

 but I might be there some day..."

Goal race for the fall? And what's your goal for that race?

My goal race for the Fall is a half marathon and if all goes well a full marathon in the Winter.

I would be happy with anything under 1:45 with a secondary goal of under 1:40

I really want to qualify for Boston again which I will likely need to wait until I hit 45 as that gives me an extra 10 minutes 

You work as a Doctor, a job that requires long irregular hours. Do you find it hard to fit in your runs and how do you plan for it?

Early morning or late night runs are the norm, along with the treadmill when I'm on call.

It is definitely challenging trying to fit in linger, especially with kids.  My wife works full time as an OB/Gyn and it can be a juggling act with our call schedules since we try to not be on call at the same time.

When you're on call the rules are eat when you can, sleep when you can, and run when you can. There is a sign at Facebook headquarters that reads "Done is better than perfect" and that applies to runs sometimes. I may have wanted to get a long run in but sometimes you just have to get it however many miles the day or night allows.

 "When you're on call the rules are eat when you can, 

sleep when you can, and run when you can."

You live in Texas, how do you cope with the heat and humidity during your training? 

Growing up it never seemed like a big deal but when you're young and don't know any better you can get away with a lot more.

Early morning or late night runs and courses with loops that allow for water stops are key. Plus consciously slowing down the pace by 30-60 seconds per mile on runs over 30 minutes. We are also blessed to have what must be a state law to require a Starbucks to be located no more than 3 miles from an existing Starbucks.

I ran the Disney Marathon in 2013 and it was quite warm and humid and the race director Jeff Galloway implored everyone to slow pace by about 30 seconds for every 5 degrees above 60 degrees, which was quite helpful and actually led to a pretty decent time since I went out much slower in the beginning than I would have if the temperatures were cool.

Consciously slowing the pace down helps out immensely. 

I've seen you travel a lot for vacation, what's your favorite place for a run that you have traveled to?

This summer we took a tour through Switzerland with my in-laws, which included stops in Zermaat and St Mortiz.  The strict schedule of the tour forced me to get up early and the scenery was too spectacular to pass up.  Running around the lake in St. Mortiz was blissful.  It was around 6:30 am just as the sun was coming up. The whole town was quiet and I essentially had the whole trail around the lake to myself except for one guy walking his dog and guy doing Tai Chi. The water was as smooth as glass with perfect reflection of the mountains in the background on the water.  I noticed this group of ducklings swimming in a line, with one particular duckling lagging behind.  The mother looped back around to scold or encourage the little straggler to keep up.   It was the pure essence of running.  No music, no Garmin, just the sound of my breath and the dirt beneath my feet.  Truly no nonsense running.

 

When did you first hear about Salming and Salming Running?

I first heard about Salming through a Facebook Group and review for the Salming Distance 4 from Believe in The Run.  I had been looking for a lightweight trainer similar to the Adidas Boston and DS Trainer and the Distance really fit the bill - light weight, Low but not zero drop, responsive feel for the road, and efficient design for quick turnover. 

How long have you been an ambassador?

This is my first year as an ambassador.  I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity as it's introduced me to many interesting individuals, mostly through social media, that I would not otherwise have come into contact with.

What's your favourite Salming shoe and equipment?

Until about two weeks ago I would have said the EnRoute and the Distance were my favorite shoes, but the Speed6 has really impressed me with the balance between cushioning and responsiveness, along with unique upper. 

The design platform of the 62/75 principle makes the transition from long distance trainer to a racing or speedwork shoe quite seamless.   

What does #nononsense mean to you?

Substance over style with purpose driven performance. The models have simple but effective names which precisely describe their intended purpose - Miles, Speed, Distance, Race without unnecessary hyperbole. 

 

The materials and the design of the shoes are not some gimmick, like blades or springs, but classic running shoe materials that are put together from a runner's perspective.

Salming doesn't claim their next shoe is going to revolutionize running.  They allow you to be the best runner you can be, whether that is someone who is up on the podium at the end collecting a medal or someone running with your friends. 

How does Salming Running fit in, in today's running industry?

That's a very interesting question with the way the retail industry is changing from brick and mortar stores to online and word of mouth. Growing up you went with what was available at the local running shop or the major sporting goods store at the mall. Now the choices are seemingly endless thanks to Amazon and online retailers. 

Salming is a brand for genuine runners who are serious about running and fitness as a part of their lifestyle, whether that's trying to qualify for Boston or just running to burn the stress off and stay I shape.

How do you promote Salming as an ambassador?

I promote Salming through the social media platforms I use - Instagram, Facebook, Strava, along with personal interactions at the HIIT studios that I work out at.  The colors and design, particularly with the Race5 and Speed6.

How do you see Salming grow in the future?

Salming has tremendous potential to grow in the US as word of mouth spreads and its presence increases in the running and triathlon community.  I also see an opportunity for the cross fit and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) crowd as well.

"Salming is a brand for genuine runners who are serious about running and fitness as a part of their lifestyle, whether that's trying to qualify for Boston or just running to burn the stress off and stay I shape."

Salming Ambassador Todd Baranoski

 Salming Ambassador Todd Baranoski

Recently some of the Salming Ambassadors started a Face Book group for all Salming athletes worldwide. Here I have been talking to some of Salming's  amazing talented #nononsense athletes/ambassadors world wide that I would like to present here on my blog.

First out is Salming's smiling Canadian Todd Baranoski. Todd is an amazing ultra runner, who runs crazy long races and always smiles. Todd is also a great guy who always is helpful, always take his time to answer questions regarding Ultra running and trail running. Todd is also one of the few Salming ambassadors who has seen Borje Salming play Ice Hockey live!

How and when did you start running?

I first started running around age 7-8 in Northwestern Ontario where I went for the summers working at my Uncle’s tourist camp.  We would go to his private cabin in the summer when there wasn’t a lot of people in camp for a couple days to relax, or into minnow lakes where we would trap minnows for the guests to use for fishing, or what we call walk in fishing lakes, these were the only accessible by a walking trail a few miles long.  Sometimes I would run the trails that were for the quads to bring in supplies as it was in the middle of nowhere on a remote lakes with the closest civilization a couple hours away.  There was only so much room on the quads and that was taken up by supplies.  So who was ever with my uncle would have to walk.  Or in my case I would run sometimes.  I would race myself each time in and out.  

Running the trails in the heart of the Canadian Shield to Randy Lake in the big Jack and Spruce Pines, no underbrush except some blueberry bushes and ferns, the rest a very barren green moss covered landscape under the canopy of trees, going over all the rises and coming out at the peaceful lake, no one around waiting for everyone is still some of my most vivid childhood memories.  

I ran through school and the Army the odd time after but really started in July 2013 at 41 years old with my first ½ marathon in the early fall of 2013 and running with my first Ultra(50k) in May 2014.  So I’m relatively still new to running compared to most people.

What's your favorite distance and race and why?

Currently 100k is my favorite distance, type is single track trail, point to point with some good gains.  I think I like it because it seems to be my current level I can comfortably run the entire distance.  I can really push myself at that distance without having to worry about keeping a big reserve of energy. My favorite race so far is Cruel Jewel(did the 56 mile this spring) in Georgia.  I loved the incredible trails, tremendous amount of gain(17,000 ft of gain) without going over 4500ft in elevation, very well organized with incredible people volunteering at the aid stations.

How many miles per week do you usually do?

Typically anywhere from 45-60 on average miles of week with a peak of around 70-80 with different types of runs.  That seems low but because some of my runs I do are not long runs but goal runs.  As an example for hill training my goal for that day will be 1500ft of gain which is about 3 miles where I do my hill training.

My goal is be able to run 100 miles/week consistently I’m hoping I can get there by this time next year.

Where do you typically run, track, roads or trail?

It’s typically around split 70/30 trail to road.

How is Ultra running different from regular running, how does training difference?

That’s hard to explain because everyone is different and have access to different terrain to train.  

#1 the distance of the trail races or Ultramarathons is a guideline not an absolute distance.  A 10k trail will be over by a km.  If it’s a 50k it may really be 55k, a 100 mile race may really be a 106 miles.  The RD don’t apologize for it. lol.  It’s a guideline but never shorter.

 " Nothing will end your race

 earlier than not being prepared

 for hills."

I live in the prairies of Canada. I don’t have easy access to running mountains or large hills.  So a lot of my training involves hill training in one form or another.  The ability to run up and downhill (downhill running is harder on your body than uphill) is incredibly important.  Nothing will end your race earlier than not being prepared for hills.  I train a week at a small ski hill( I mean small) with 50% grade close by and I believe tire drag with a 50 lbs tire also helps me with hills and speed.

Running trails for long runs to me is next on the list but just as important as hill work.  Learning to run on uneven rocky, rooty, muddy trails that go up and down efficiently is a skill that must be mastered.   Everyone that starts to run trails trip and fall a lot at the start.  Learning to pick up your feet especially when you’re tired is a hard transition from road running.

 Speed work is just as important as with road racing.  The ability to run fast is directly influences time on feet for both road and trail on what you require of your body.  Fast though is proportional to each type of running.  But why be out there for 30 hours when you can be out there for 24 hrs.

Finally, Fuel and Hydration is big.  On road marathon a person has to worry about 2-5 hours of hydration and fuel.  The needs are required for road, it is different in comparison to someone that is doing 50k-100 miler, depending on the race and where it’s held can be 18-24 hours of on your feet for the first place finisher.  A person needs to learn how to maintain their energy for that many hours.  It’s a lot of trial and error process because everyone is different and how their GI will handle it over a long period of time.

What's your favorite workout?

If you mean gym I don’t work out or strength train except maybe in December when I take a little break from running but that’s mostly to tone up and don’t really take it serious.

If you mean running, my favorite and most dreaded is Tire drag runs.  I think it has a real benefit to hill running and to my overall speed.

How do you plan your running? Coach, book plan or self coached?

Kinda self-coached for now.  Currently I take a lot of information off the internet of what the elites do and try to incorporate into my training schedule.  I’ll make a schedule up in the beginning of each year from what I’ve learned on what I need to work on and then try to put my weaknesses into my schedule.  Even with that it’s always changing and adapting during the year to what I feel what my body can handle.

I know to get to the next level I will need to get a coach that fits into my running attitude and philosophy.

How would you describe yourself as a runner?

Driven-Dedicated

Goal race for the fall? And what's your goal for that race?

If haven’t picked on yet one yet but getting close on deciding, It will be 100 miler.  My goal is to run a sub 24hrs.  

When did you first hear about Salming and Salming Running?

Great story.  Early winter of 2015 I was looking for new trail shoes.  They ones I was wearing where to minimum and just didn’t feel right.  I researched for months.  I went to all the running and outdoor stores in Winnipeg trying on shoes that were available to try.  The usual suspects Saucony, Brooks, Altra’s, Hoka, etc etc.  Each one didn’t feel right.  Especially the Altra’s and Hoka’s.  I looked on line and reads hundreds of different reviews on shoes and comparison charts.  I came across Salming in a review for trail shoes.  They were reviewed with a bunch of shoes.  I read the review and thought what the hell.  They are everything I’m looking for.  I called customer service, Laura was awesome as always, and explained that I would love to try their T1’s but wondered if there was a discount available. I explained that with the dollar difference and shipping charges I was worried that they would be another shoe that I wear for 100 miles and put in the closet with others that just doesn’t work for me.  Laura said no problem I can give 20% off to help. 

 " I read the review

 and thought what the hell.

 They are everything I’m looking for."

 I said that’s awesome thank you.  This was December 22nd 2015, I still have the emails and it’s hilarious how happy I was for the 20% off. January rolled around and a new training schedule started.  I ran every run on the one pair them.  Inside, outside -30C, treadmill, stairs, speed. etc. for the month of January. They were incredible. Been running in Salming Shoes ever since.

How long have you been an ambassador?

February 2016

What's your favourite Salming shoe and equipment?

For road hands down is the Distance 5.  Best shoe all around.  Perfect combination for lightweight for speed but still have enough cushion for long runs.

For Trails has been the Trail series of shoes.  Each model gets better and better and more versatile for different terrain and types of trials.

I wear the most is the Grey Salming running jacket.  Perfect for everything.

I like wearing the short racing shorts but mostly for shock effect. Lol  

The Salming Running Long Sleeve tee shirt is awesome.  Makes for a great middle layer in winter and great spring and fall shirt.

I know I would love the Salming running Beanie.  I would cut off the pom pom.

What does #nononsense mean to you?

Don’t train half assed.  Train to improve each time. Leave everything you have on the road or trail.

How does Salming Running fit in, in today's running industry?

I see Salming as a no gimmick running shoe company that make high quality shoe that lasts longer than the competitors.

How do you promote Salming as an ambassador?

Interactions on line or in person.  I try to post a lot with races and what I use to race in, that seems to go a long way to promoting.   I try to finish well on all my races to help a lot to promote them.  I will get asked for my opinion about running or if someone is having injury issues I will suggest trying Salming shoes.  I find it key that is if someone is have issues with their shoes to get them to see they have nothing to lose in trying them.

How do you see Salming grow in the future?

I see Salming becoming a mainstream shoe over the next 5 years as it become more widely known.  Especially in Canada.

You have actually seen Borje Salming play hockey in person, what do you remember and what can you tell us about the experience?

When he played for Toronto Maple Leafs in the mid 80’s, not exactly sure what year, they played against Winnipeg Jets(my team) in the old barn. My dad took me for my birthday present and Winnipeg happen to be playing the Leafs.  I was pretty young at the time.  Even though the game was played in Winnipeg there is always a huge Toronto following in the arena when they showed up to play.  I remember him being cheered on a lot during the game from the Toronto fans.  I remember looking up his number up in the program and asking my dad how to pronounce his name. lol he wasn’t sure either.  When I saw him playing in person he certainly stood out on the ice.  You need to have some skill to see it on the ice with a lot of great players out there.  

Funny how 20 years after first learning of Borje Salming from hockey and respecting his hockey skills I’m an ambassador wearing his shoes.