Camp Coaches
Liza Howard
San Antonio, TX
I come from a military family. My father, grandfathers, brother in-law, uncles, aunts, cousins were all in the military. Connecting veterans and their families to the wonderful trail running community and sharing the joy that can be found on the trails is one way for me to express my gratitude for our veterans service and thier families' sacrifices. It's a way to make my running useful and to be useful myself.
Favorite trails and/or races to run?
I train mostly in the Texas Hill Country in and around San Antonio. I've run the Leadville four times, so that might be my favorite race.
What do you prefer to eat during races?
My stomach doesn't like much when I run. I usally rely on Tailwind and soda.
Trail gear/kit you can’t run without?
Does my phone loaded with running podcasts count?
Most useful running advice you’ve ever received?
Pretend there's a competition for happiest runner coming through an aid station. And try to win it. It'll change your race.
www.lizahoward.com
@lizahoward1
Joe Prusaitis
Austin, TX
I'm an old soul who fell into trail running some 25 odd years ago. Ran some 100+ trail races, directed a few more than that, and now spend my time coaching people for more of the same.
I have never been an elite level runner, known more for my bull-headed persistance. I tend to over-analyze all facets of a race well before hand and then attempt to run the race with the joy of a 10 year old on race day.
My preference is for longer, more technical, rugged, terrain, but still enjoy every other type of race just for the variety of it. In my 60s now, and not as fast as I used to be, which was never that fast to begin with, but the joy is still the same.
Pam Smith
Salem, OR
The Band of Runners mission really resonates with me because I love being able to share my passion for the trail with others and seeing the joy it brings them. Running creates community and I love making connections with others through this activity. Band of Runners gives me an opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful new people, including many Veterans, who I admire for their service to our country.
I run in Salem though I frequent nearby McDonald Forest, Silver Falls State Park and the Cascade Mountains for long trail runs. Pacific Northwest trails are a joy to run because the trails are generally quite runnable and the surrounding forests are lush and green all year round! But my favorite trails are in the Trinity Alps in Northern California for the breathtaking alpine scenery and craggy peaks.
When it comes to training, I think the best advice I've gotten is to "Aim for consistent, not perfect" or put another way; "something is better than nothing." Life can get too busy or you can feel too tired to do that ten miler but even getting out for 20-30 minutes is better than nothing!
When it comes to eating during long races, I believe in finding stuff that tastes good to you even after several hours. I do use sports drinks and some gels, but these get old really fast! So my race day fuel includes a lot of "regular" high calorie/high carbohydrate foods like soda, red licorice, Pringles, canned peaches, fruit snacks, and my favorite: pudding!
For clothing, make sure you have a good pair of new socks to prevent blisters. I always wear a cap when I race, too. On cold days it'll keep a little heat in and keep a bit of rain off your face and on hot days it'll keep the sun off your face and you can fill it with ice for extra cooling.
Joe Uhan
Eugene, OR
Community and Empowerment are at the foundation of both Band of Runners and what I consider The Meaning of Life.
Favorite trails and races to run?
North: Superior Hiking Trail (MN); my hometown trails (River Falls, WI)
South: They run there? I enjoy running along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
West: Western States 100 course; anything/anywhere in Oregon (coastal trails; PCT)
What do you prefer to eat during races?
My favorite: nothing. I’ve gone as long as 50 miles in the mountains without a single calorie.
Trail gear you can’t run without?
Shoes. Rest in Peace to the Pearl Izumi E:Motion line, but I’m looking forward to trying Topo.
Most useful running advice you’ve ever received?
“It never always gets worse” ~ Ann Trason
Brian Ricketts
San Antonio, TX
Trail running has given me so much (experiences and my closest friends), and I want to help give some of that to others. There is no greater hobby than trail running, and I want to share that.
Favorite local trails:
Government Canyon and Hill Country State Natural Areas.
Favorite trails or races to run?
Any trail in the mountains, but specifically trails in Crested Butte or the San Juan Mountains. Favorite races include Hardrock 100, Wasatch 100, and White River 50.
What do you prefer to eat during races?
I try to stick with liquid nutrition as long as possible, relying primarily on Tailwind.
Trail gear you can’t run without?
I love my Ultimate Direction Adventure Pack and feel naked when I don’t have it on a run.
Most useful running advice you’ve ever received?
Keep moving. No matter how bad things get in a race, they almost always get better at some point. You always feel better finishing than quitting.
Rob VanHouten
North Carolina
I never knew my dad. My father went into the Marine Corps as an all American. It was something that every male in our family did. He did several tours of Vietnam and somewhere along the way he got lost. He came back and fought any authority, he was an addict, he was abusive, and ultimately was never a part of my life. I could show pictures of before and after, and no one would believe it was the same person. He never found his way out of the fog that he was lost in. He self-medicated and died fighting memories, he could not let go of.
As a child, I prayed he would pick me (and my brother) over the drugs. That he would "wake up" and realize I was important to him. At 6 years old, it was naive, but it seemed like a simple choice. It never happened. I only wish there was a group, or program or something he could have found to help him. So I decided that if there was ever anything I could do, to help, I would. Even in his struggles he helped shape me to be passionate to make a difference.
I understand what we do helps Vets and Active personal, but I also personally know that help goes beyond the single individual and reconnects families
Favorite trails and races to run?
Mount Juneau to Granite Basin Races- Bandera, Squamish and Pinhoti
What do you prefer to eat during races?
GU espresso love, and GU Energy Stoopwafel Wild Berry
Trail gear/kit you can’t run without?
Altra Superior shoes, Dry Max socks, Squirrel nut butter
Most useful running advice you’ve ever received?
“Be patient, there are no quick fixes. It’s about believing in the plan and executing.”
Ryan Yedlinsky
Lansing, KS
After retiring from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel with five combat tours, Ryan and his family settled in the Kansas City area. As a trail and ultra-runner, he supported Team RWB trail running camps for four years.
Moved by the tremendously positive effects those camps had on Veterans and civilians alike, Ryan jumped on the chance to join the Band of Runners team as their military advisor in 2018, assumed responsibilities as the Board President in 2019, and is still happily in that position today.
Living in a variety of places around the country, Ryan has had the opportunity to race in a variety of areas, but his favorites are in Colorado, Washington State, Virginia...and of course the Texas hill country. They provide very different styles of trails (mountains versus wicked rolling hills), but are all challenging and beautiful.
Experience has taught him that once you have figured out what works best to get you through a long, tough race, you will realize you're wrong because you or the conditions will change and you still need to plan, prepare, and rehearse...regardless of how well you think you know yourself.
Doise Miers
Austin, TX
I enjoy making connections one-on-one with others and being part of building a supportive community build around physical activity and nature. I hope that someday Band of Runners will be an international community of runners that mentor, support, and encourageone another in both daily struggles of life and also in physical activities such as trail running. I have personally benefited in so many ways from the trail running community and want to be part of giving back to and encouraging others, even though I feel it's just a tiny portion of the benefits I've received.
Favorite trails and races to run.
My favorite trail in Austin is Forest Ridge. It’s closed to many people for half the year because it’s an endangered bird habitat so I enjoy the quiet, unique environment out there. It’s a beautiful place, especially when it rains and small streams are flowing. It’s also quite hilly and rocky so provides good training.
I’ve not traveled outside of Texas to do many races and there's great races close to home so why leave? My favorite race is Cactus Rose 50M. 50 miles is a good distance for me and I love the self-supported aspect of Cactus. It’s a lower key race and part of what draws me to trail running is the quiet and comradery and Cactus has not outgrown that. I also like Rocky Raccoon. That course was my first ultra and I’ve had good days and bad there and am happy when I get to run there on a softer, flatter course with the pine trees and lake.
What do you prefer to eat during races?
Pretty much anything. I’ve taken tacos, avocados, apples, and candy bars into the Grand Canyon and have eaten pizza and hamburger during races. When I'm more serious about race nutrition I'll use gels and Carbo Pro with some real food mixed in later in the day/race. I get sick of sweet stuff all the time so need something salty, with substance later on. A few salty potatoes usually hit the spot.
Trail gear you can’t run without?
Lip balm, I seriously can't even run a short loop in my neighborhood without it. Drymax socks, La Sportiva shoes (Bushidos right now) and a good sports bra are all essentials for me. Gear can be hard to find and can be an experiment because it's so different for everyone. I use a handheld water bottle for shorter runs and a hydration pack for longer stuff or when it's hot. Which is like 8 months of the year in Texas.
Most useful running advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve received so much advice I don’t even know where to begin! I was so fortunate to have people like Joe and Joyce Prusaitis, who basically started trail running and races in Texas and other ultra vets around when I first started running trails and ultras. I received so much wonderful advice when I started so I pass on all I can. I think it’s important to keep in mind that not everything will work the same for everyone – you have to experiment what works for you as far as shoes, gear, nutrition, hydration. Also, remember to stop a minute and take in the view. We’re so fortunate to be able to enjoy the outdoors, trails, and one another’s company so be sure to take this in. Also, wet wipes, not toilet paper : )
Mike Ehredt
Hope, ID
Most of my running is on the trails surrounding me in the Cabinet and Selkirk Mountains.
I have witnessed the compelling, positive effect running and nature has had on our Veterans and families through Band of Runners. Bringing together such a diverse group of individuals and sharing my/our love of running trails and how empowering it can be, is very rewarding.
Having been on the dirt now for 20 plus years and having raced all over the world, I can truly say my favorite event is the Hardrock 100 which I have completed 4 times. My favorite trails have been the ones I am now on that particular day. When you love dirt it is good wherever you are at!
My favorite food when I run?? Hands down, Bacon. When I race I live on VFuel peach cobbler and actually did 40 of them in a 100 mile race! The one piece of gear I never leave home without is my buff. It’s my cap, my neck gator and my sweat rag.
The best advice I was ever given: If you can shuffle you can make it!!
Ellie Greenwood
North Vancouver, BC, Canada
As a trail runner the community aspect of the sport is very important to me. Although I mostly got into trail running for the physical challenge and the ability to explore the natural world on two feet, I soon found that the people I met along the way became a huge part of why the sport is important to me in my daily life. There is so much to be gained from trail running - a sense of confidence, a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and the power of forming many solid friendships - I feel this is something that so many other folks can benefit from so I am always happy to share our sport with others.
Favorite trails and races to run:
I love Chuckanut 50k held in Bellingham, WA each March. It's classic PNW with some fast and smooth trails mixed in with some technical rooty and rocky trails in lush, green forest. It's a great first time ultra runners event and yet it can also be challenging for more experienced runners who are looking to try run a fast 50k time. Plus there is a great community atmosphere at Chuckanut so I enjoy seeing friends there each year.
What do you prefer to eat during races?
Generally I like to keep it simple with gels, energy drink and maybe some chips grabbed in passing from aid stations. Plus there is nothing better than some flat coke towards the end of an ultra and you need that extra kick! I definitely stay away from anything with cheese at aid stations as that would wreak havoc on my stomach.
Trail gear/kit you can’t run without?
Again, I like to keep it pretty minimal and have a simple set up that works for most adventures but living in Vancouver we get a lot of rain in the winter so my HOKA waterproof jacket is a life saver - I've yet to find a jacket that is 100% waterproof for hours in torrential rain but this one does a pretty good job and the fit is just perfect. I also run commute quite a bit so a compact running pack is invaluable - right now I wear the Gregory Navarino pack - it's about 8 years old and still going strong - it's just big enough for a full change of clothes, money, water bottle and a few other essentials, and it's a comfy fit even when stuffed full of gear.
Most useful running advice you’ve ever received?
Have confidence in your training. Too many folks run a sub par race because they simple start to loose confidence and talk themselves out of doing well before they have even got to a start line. It's easy to dwell on what training runs you haven't done and how everyone else has done so much more, but instead it is better to look at what runs you have done and run your own race. Yes, races are by default setting us up to compare ourselves with others but that is not helpful or realistic in the weeks leading up to a race and on race day itself. Do the basics in training, remind yourself in race week of all the training that you have done, and then have the confidence on race day to know that you can do well. If you are confident on race day then you will stay relaxed and make smart decisions and that will set you up for having YOUR best race.
Chris Russell
San Antonio, TX
I primarily run at Friedrich Park, Helotes Powerlines, Government Canyon State Natural Area in San Antonio and Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera, TX.
How/why the mission of Band of Runners resonates/connects with you?
I’m an Air Force vet who was deployed twice and observed first-hand the effects deployments can have. Additionally, I first got into trail running in 2004 to help my mental health. It has been very therapeutic and has allowed me to see some incredible places and make some great friends.
Favorite trails and races to run?
I love the South Kaibab trail in the Grand Canyon and Panorama trail in Yosemite. Locally, I enjoy running the trails at Hill Country State Natural Area. Two races I have enjoyed the most are Canyon De Chelley 55K in Arizona, Cactus to Cloud 50K in New Mexico, and Never Summer 100K in Colorado. Locally my favorite race is Cactus Rose at Hill Country State Natrual Area.
What do you prefer to eat during races?
I mainly rely on gels and will augment it with solid food I can get at aid stations. Typically, I like PBJs or Quesadillas. Pickles are great when it is hot.
Trail gear you can’t run without?
My 100oz hydration pack. It gets hot here in Texas!
Most useful running advice you’ve ever received?
Start off slow. You hear this a lot when first starting but it is so true. If I start off slow and keep heart rate down then the rest of the race (especially for an ultramarathon) generally goes well. If my heart rate climbs too fast too early….things don’t end well.
Roy Pirrung
Plymouth, WI
As an army veteran, I know how important it is to give back to a community I still belong. This year I will reunite again, with the guys I served with 50 years ago. They are like brothers and every serviceman should feel they are part of this family.
Favorite trails and races to run?
My favorite trail to run is in a game preserve. It is about 800 acres that wraps around two 18-hole world class golf courses and the meandering Sheboygan River. I enjoy races from 5k to 6 days and especially those designated as national or world championships. I also am pursuing running a marathon or longer in every state and D.C. Memorable races include, 48-hours of Surgeres, France, Spartathlon in Greece, Torino-Roma non stop in Italy, Ultra Gobi in Mongolia, Western States 100 and Tejas Trail races, along with my "home" course, the Ice Age Trail 50.
What do you prefer to eat during races?
A variety of foods, mostly carbs, but simple sugars too. I use SUCCEED sports drinks and S-caps for electrolyte replacement. During cold nights I like warm broth or ramen noodles and also mashed potatoes.
Trail gear/kit you can’t run without?
I wear clothing by CW-X and HOKA One One shoes.
Most useful running advice you’ve ever received?
"Listen to your body". It took awhile before those words clicked, but once I understood the phrase things improved. I believe the strongest part of the body is the mind. It has enabled me to break over 50 American Records and earn 86 national championship titles and also world ranked performances.