Dave: I am a Runner

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In: Running
Is it Thursday already? I am super excited to introduce you to Dave, an amazing ultra runner from Black Diamond. (Yeah there’s really such a place. I had to Google it). Dave is not just a random runner who is happy “just to finish.” This guy has skills. In 2013 alone he won … that’s right won … the Lost Soul Ultra 100-mile race and snagged the Elk Beaver 100 km Canadian Championship title. Oh and he’s sponsored by New Balance.
Is your jaw dropping yet? I know I am totally in awe (and maybe I have a little of a runner crush.) Dave admits to having a “morbid curiosity” of seeing “how far and fast” his body can go. Read on to find out about Dave. Some of his answers may surprise you.

Name: Dave Proctor
Age: 33
City: Black Diamond, AB
Day job: Massage Therapist

Runner Since: High school

 

1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?
I used to be a decathlete in track and field about 15+ years ago. My goal was to run as fast as I can. Now, things have changed to running longer and slower. Over the past few years I’ve uncovered a morbid curiosity of seeing how far and fast my body can go. It seems every year my limits are being stretched even further, so that is what pushes me, seeing what I’m capable of.
2. What is your running/fitness routine for a typical week?
I typically do something everyday. I run about 4 days a week and cross train (strength, plyometrics, bike) the others. One speed day and three longer run days fills my week. I try not to run back to back days. My three long days will be between 25-60K each and usually at night…go headlamp!

3. Advice to new trail runners who want to get faster/stronger/better/smarter?

Start off slow. It takes years to develop a strong base to push big miles. Repetitive strain injuries come quickly and will sideline those who get a bit too greedy stashing away miles. Also, there is a perfect shoe for every runner, find them, they are worth their weight.
4. Trails or pavement? Why?

I love love love trail, but to be honest 90% of my training is done on road. It’s purely a logistics thing. I’ve got three young kids and I run when they are asleep so it’s super hard to get out to the mountains on my schedule.A mile is a mile and to be honest I think the repetitive nature of road running makes for a much more efficient stride whereas trail allows a runner to be sloppy given the ever changing strike pattern. So I guess what I’m saying is that more road running builds a more efficient stride to endure longer distances.

5. What is your favourite distance to run?
100K!!! I find its the perfect distance for me that combines speed and distance. Anything further, I find there is a “lets get through this” mentality.

6. Best running memory? Tell us about it.

The 2013 Lost Soul 100 Miler – my first 100 mile race. At the 135K mark I was running hill and abruptly told my pacer/brother “dude I’m exhausted.”Dan urged me on but not long after that I collapsed, and before hitting the ground started snoring. Dan being a nice guy let me sleep for 5 minutes. To wake me, he hauled off and smacked the ugly off my face. He told me that I’m shaking and we’ve gotta get moving because the course record that we worked toward all day was slipping.

We went on to win that race by abouttwo hours. The reason I picked this memory is that even though Dan probably smacked me too hard, he was there when I needed him most.

7. You’re a sponsored athlete. How did that happen? Do you get free shoes?

After a race last year I wrote a race report and in that report I wrote how my New Balance 890 worked out perfectly. I approached Gord from Gords Running Store and he thought the good people from New Balance would appreciate such a good review and that jointly they both could help me out with my gear and shoe needs. So yes, I get new shoes often and I am amazed with all the awesome swag I’ve received.

8. What are your current running goals?

  • Repeat as National champion for 100K
  • Sub-19 hours at Sinister 7
  • Represent Canada in Latvia in August at the IAU World 100K Championships
  • Try my hand at a 24-hour ultra (gulp)
9. What has running taught you? or What have you learned about yourself through running?
Fatigue is an emotion! Also, our minds get in the way of our little and big successes everyday.
10. If you could tell your younger (less experienced) running self something, what would you say?
Relax. It’s a long road/trail and anything worth doing
is  worth the effort.
11. Share your PRs and your biggest running accomplishments.

  • Lost Soul 100M: 21:26 1st place
  • Elk Beaver 100K: 7:51 1st place (national championships)
  • Blackfoot 50M: 6:57 1st place
  • Grizzly (Canmore)50K: 4:19 6th place
  • 10K PB: 35:30

Connect with Dave:

Strava: Dave P
Thanks for dropping in today. I love showcasing other runners on my blog every Thursday. I hope Dave inspires you to pick yourself up and out the door for a run. If you would like to be profiled, fire off an email. I would love to hear from you.Happy Trails.

4 Comments

  1. Impressive! I don't think I'll ever be an ultra runner but I also never thought I'd run a marathon!

  3. Impressive, makes my 30k in March seem like a walk in the park. I couldn't imagine running that far or for 21 hours!

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