Team Pocket Food (?!) Here we come Squaw

Kyle running Transrockies with Steve & Victoria

Yup. It is almost go time for Western States Endurance Race 100-miler. Folks call this race everything from the “Granddaddy of 100s”, “the most iconic and historic hundred”, the “the Super Bowl of 100s.” I call it an amazing opportunity to get out on some gorgeous mountains and by far the most challenging course I’ve run. And I am ready for said challenge.

I’ve put in significantly more miles than I did when training for my other 100s including Vermont, I’ve focused on quantity more than quality, and put up some big weeks along with taking the needed rest to recover. A huge thanks to my wife and daughter Lucy for supporting ALL of my training and time away from the house.

I am thrilled to be running with a sponsor bib provided by Clif and incredibly thankful for their support. They are putting me in a tremendous position to succeed and allowing me to roll into Squaw with the absolute best team I could assemble. A quick note to say thanks to everyone who reached out offering to guide, crew, pace-your offer and support will be at the front of my mind come race day. I would also like to thank my peers in the running community who have cheered near and far since I secured a bib.

Now back to that crew. Check out their below mini-bios and you will quickly see how we have an all-star team. In my best Perry Farrell voice, “here we go…”

Sighted Guides (in order of their guiding)

Steve Fredericks is an accomplished thru-hiker and outdoor enthusiast. He has dedicated his professional career to working with non-profit and outdoor organizations. Steve guided Kyle every day of the Transrockies 6-day, 120 mile run.

LR: Krissy, my blazing fast friend Matt, & Scott before CIM

Scott Jurek has won a few races and written a few books! Running and author accomplishments aside (look them up), Scott has been an incredibly supporter of the blind/visually impaired community. He has guided numerous times at the Boston Marathon and California International Marathon as well as trail runs. He is a true ally and obviously knows the Western States course pretty darn well.  

Sablle & Kyle at Western States training camp

Sablle Scheppmann grew up outside and has carried that passion into her professional life working for Fleet Feet, Nathan, and currently as the National Sales Manager for Mountain Hardwear. She is an avid trail runner and outdoor enthusiast who has also completed the TransRockies 6-day Run. She has guided Kyle during the 2017 and 2018 California International Marathon as well as the Western States training camp.

Chris and Kyle during the Trail Animals Running Club Spring Classic

Chris Knighton comes to trail and ultra running after completing both the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. His race resume includes winning the TARC Spring Classic Trail Half Marathon and competing at the USATF Mountain Running Championships - both in 2018. While he loves the simplicity of running in the woods, he is also an accomplished road runner having qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2020. Hailing from Boston, Chris has guided Kyle for several years and crewed for him at the Vermont 100 in 2017.

Amy Rusiecki is an elite ultra runner, coach, and race director including the 7 Sisters Trail Race and Vermont 100 Endurance Run. Amy led the process to create the first ever ultra trail Athletes with Disabilities Division for the 2017 Vermont 100 and has become a strong advocate for and supporter of Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. She has guided Kyle during numerous races including his first two 100-milers and acts as his informal coach and mentor. Amy has agreed to create a Facebook account if Kyle wins Western States and upgrade from a flip phone if he sets a course record!  

Amy & Kyle during Vermont 100

Crew & Pacers

Dave Daley lives in LA and is an accomplished road and ultra runner. Although he and Kyle have never met, they did attend the same college and share a passion for supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities. Dave has crewed and paced top-10 WSER finisher Sally McCrea during three of her WSER races. He will crew and pace Kyle at WSER.

Jayson & Kyle during CIM 2017 PC: Sablle

Jayson: Kyle’s big brother will be in Squaw supporting the crew and helping with transportation in his newly retrofitted van. He will also likely be the first person to crack a beer (although Steve may beat him to it). Jayson and Kyle crew up sharing a love of sports and frequently played on the same baseball teams (Jayson was a great pitcher, Kyle is a natural lefty with a sweet Will Clark like swing).

Jill Kimmel wife, chief supporter and motivator. Has crewed and pushed Kyle at all his ultras including his three 100-milers. After yelling at him to get up and stop worrying about running into tress, Jill no longer guides Kyle during trail runs (we also no longer use double kayaks!) but will crew and keep him moving forward at WSER.

Krissy Moehl is one of the most accomplished and recognizable ultra runners in the world. She has over 100 ultra finishes and a growing list of victories including Hardrock 100 and UTMB. She is a writer, author, coach and for the past 17 years has been the race director of Chuckanut 50k. Krissy also has three top-10 WSER finishes including 2^nd in 2009. Krissy guided Kyle during the 2018 California International Marathon and will be part of his crew and also pace him.

Lucy Kimmel Robidoux is an experienced crew member who has crewed Kyle during most of his ultras and all three of his 100-milers. She specializes in getting him pickles (while not eating all of them!) , ice bandanas, and anything with chocolate on it. She is a triathlete, gymnast, and soccer player who recently finished her first 10k trail run. She is also the first person to pop into Kyle’s head when he needs to keep pushing.

Victoria Fredericks is an avid snowboarder and hiker. She spends time exploring the local trails of the San Francisco Bay Area and hiking and camping throughout CA. She ran the entire Transrockies Run and guided Kyle throughout it.

Pretty dynamic team, right! These type of races are a team effort and I am honored and very grateful that each team member is taking time away from work, their family, and other commitments to help support me.

A special thanks to Clif, Topo Athletic, Nathan Sports, Foreseeable Future Foundation, and Squirrel Nut Butter for supporting this adventure and making sure I have the best gear and fuel possible to get me to the Placer High track. 

Let’s get after it! See y’all in Squaw.

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