Runner Spotlight: Ayush Sobti
I have been coaching Ayush since Fall 2020. He has taken on several challenging half marathons and countless other outdoor adventures throughout this time. I feel his consistency with running and cross-training keeps him diversely prepared for the experiences that he is looking to have in life. I recently sat down with Ayush to answer why he runs and what he plans to do in the future. I hope you find motivation his answers to my questions below.
What got you out running/walking for the first time?
I’ve been an avid hiker, backpacker, and mountaineer for several years now, and I started dabbling in running primarily as a way to stay fit but also to be able to cover more ground faster. Once the Covid lockdowns started and I no longer had a commute, I took running more seriously.
Why do you run?
- Fitness
- Recreation
What is your dream race or location for a run? Why?
Oh, there are so many dream locations and runs on my bucket list! I am not very motivated by racing, but more so by exploring new places or physically pushing myself. Some runs that I would like to do are Timberline Trail around Mt Hood, Rim2Rim(2Rim?) in Grand Canyon, the Presidential Traverse, Trans-Catalina trail, and Zion Traverse.
What is your favorite trail or route to run? Why?
I love running at Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore because it’s close to me. The trail has enough surface and elevation variety to keep things interesting.
I’ve also really enjoyed running the Cottonwood Marble Canyon loop in Death Valley (Strava Route Link Here) and Eagle Creek Trail in Oregon (Strava Route Link Here).
What do you enjoy doing when you are not running?
I love most things outdoors – weekends that I am not running are spent hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, or ice climbing.
Who are your running heroes? Who inspires you?
- Courtney Dauwalter, because who isn’t inspired by her.
- Karel Sabbe for the absolutely insane things he has accomplished despite having a regular full-time job.
- Kaytlyn Gerbin for being not just a badass runner but an all-around fantastic mountain athlete.
- Ethan Newberry (The Ginger Runner) and Jeff Pelletier make incredible Youtube movies that make anyone want to get up and start running.
What races or events are coming up for you in the next 6 months?
I’m running the Ancient Lakes 50k on Apr 9 in Washington.
What are your goals for the next year?
I don’t have any definite racing goals for 2022 after Ancient Lakes 50k, but I have some other plans and goals that involve running in some form or the other.
- I want to backpack, run or fastpack the Timberline Trail.
- Depending on whether I get permits or not, I want to make a backpacking trip in either Glacier National Park or in the Wind River Range in WY.
- Traverse the Enchantments trail either in a day or overnight (if I get a permit)
What would say to someone that is getting into running?
It doesn’t have to be fun to be fun 🙂
What motivates you to go out for a run?
The thought that I don’t have to run, but that I get to run.
