Travis Swaim
Melia Coury: Hi, I’m Melia Coury here with Aravaipa Running and Travis Swaim.
Travis Swaim: Hello.
Melia: And you just set a new course record today at our 25K for Pass Mountain.
Travis: Yeah it was pretty awesome. I heard it was held by Jamil so I had to gun for that one. He’s a legend so it’s fun to chase after him.
M: Yeah…so you just signed up this morning is that correct?
T: Yeah, I’ve been having some leg issues and I did Ragnar last weekend. So having to do the quick go and stop but I decided to give today a try. But I think it went well.
M: Sounds like it was really fun out there. Were there any parts of the course you really loved? I know you haven’t been out to the Usery Mountains much.
T: So first time running it. I love the start. You just kind of go and get into that zone. I was dropping low 6’s the first few miles and was a little cautious because I know there is a big climb coming. But once you get past the climb same deal. I’ve got to work for two miles and then come cruising down and so I let it go there. I’ll be hurting tomorrow.
M: Well at least there is a little bit of an oasis of an aid station here at the finish.
T: Yeah, I’m gonna go get all the drink I can and all the stuff to eat. I’m gonna make you guys poor. (Laughter)
M: Yes, I think they have grilled cheese and tomato soup today.
T: All kinds of good stuff.
M: Do you have any post race things that you go to normally?
T: Coconut water. I love the coconut water but I normally do the tart cherry juice too. Just the antioxidants seems to be really good. And the I want to go take a bath in muscle cream. But other than that I was kind of bouncing on the way down there so the stomach takes a little while, should be good to go in a little bit.
M: And you previously ran our Cave Creek (Thriller) 50K last month and set a new course record there, no a new course record here. Do you have a plan for what’s next? What else do you want to tackle?
T: Having some success is always nice; it helps motivate you. But I want to get into the 50 milers that’s where kind of the elite runners are and you’ve got all of these guys out here that are just amazing so I’m just trying to keep up. Hopefully I’ll get a coach soon and figure that out. Just taking it one step at a time. Hopefully the legs hold up.
M: I know you mentioned you recently moved to Phoenix, what was that transition like?
T: So I’m from Colorado and I just started ultra running in 2016. I never ran longer than a 10K until I wanna say April. So just threw myself into the ring. Arizona has been interesting. You know running in 110 degrees. We did a 118 degree day. So with that mental toughness you can do anything. But I love it.
M: What is it for you about ultra running?
T: The passion behind running. I have kind of my own motto it’s, “Run with purpose.” So whenever I’m out here I kind of have to remind myself to just chill out. It’s not necessarily all about racing and competing. But just to run with purpose behind it. Put your heart in everything you do…um I could show that quote but I don’t think you could see it. It’s a Prefontaine quote
M: Maybe Michael Carson can throw up a photo on the screen all fancy like:
“To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” – Steve Prefontaine
T: But (the quote is), “To give anything less than yourself is to sacrifice the gift.” (Steve Prefontaine) So I feel like anything worth doing is worth doing well.
M: I actually have that poster in my room.
T: Of Pre?
M: Yeah, it was one of my brother’s at some point and then they didn’t want it. So I was like, “I’ll have it.”
T: I just need to grow the stash and then I’ll have more of that Pre look down.
M: Re-stage the photo right? Sweet, well enjoy the rest of your Saturday.
T: Thank you Melia, always a pleasure.