Race Team Member Matt Sims
Matt Sims
Age: 38
Occupation: Sales Rep for Patagonia
I really strive to be constantly growing as I walk through life. Life is a gift from God, I believe we should treat it as a gift. Run when you want, give others quality time and be willing to sacrifice your own personal needs for the sake of others. Don’t make much of the little things and be aware of how you impact others on a daily basis. Work hard and play hard. Don’t waste your time doing Yoga.
What's your favorite race:
I really love the Cheaha 50k in Alabama. The 3 day Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race is a favorite too.
My favorite training trail:
My favorite trail to train on is out my front door. A series of trails that will take you into Falling Water Gorge or as far as North Chicamauga Gorge is pretty sweet.
What I like most about trail running:
Running in and of itself is awesome. Trail running brings me to the place I like most which is in the woods. Crossing creeks, getting off trail, exploring around the next corner, makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. Views from the trail change season to season so I never get bored on the same trails. I love putting on running shoes and heading out the door with no agenda.
"The beauty in trail running lies in the sports simplicity. Anyone can enjoy it and anyone can become an accomplished runner. Keep it simple."
Tips for other runners: I think the biggest thing is to know when to say enough is enough. I don’t make myself run when I’m not motivated. Find something else to do. Your body needs a break and it is much more fun to run when your body says “go run”.
Life Long Running Goals: I hope I am able to participate in running events till I’m 60.
Races or Other Significant Accomplishments:
2009:
Black Warrior 25k- 1st place and CR
Oak Mountain 50k- 3rd overall
Scenic City Trail Marathon- 1st place and CR
3 Day Mountain Stage Race- 1st place overall
Gore Tex Trans Rockies Trail Race (6 days, 113 Miles)
I had the pleasure of pacing my wife from mile 50-76 at the Tahoe Rim Trail 100
2008:
Stump Jump 50k 7th place finisher
Wild West Relay Ft. Collins – Steamboat 1st place 6 person co-ed team
Rock Creek 3 day stage race 60 miles- 1st place
Sweetwater Half Marathon – 1st place
Mt. Cheaha 50k -4th place
Red Top Rumble 11.5 mile Trail Run – 5th place
River Gorge Race – 7th place
Previous:
1st Place - 2007 Scenic City Trail Marathon
2007 Mtn. Mist 50K in Huntsville, AL
Big South Fork 17.5 mile Trail Run
Rock/Creek River Gorge Race-Former Race Director and Participant
Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K Trail Run-Former Race Director and Participant
Mt. Mitchell Challenge 40 mile trail run
NOC/Subaru 21 mile Endurance Run
Ocoee River Autumn Trail Run
Mount Cheaha 50K in Alabama
Read Matt's article, "Training for Your First 50K"
Sign up for the race Matt created, the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K
2010 Race Calendar:
I’m hopeful for a great year of running.
I aspire to win the Scenic City Trail Marathon again. I think I can do it, if no one fast shows up
I plan on running the 3 day Stage Race here in Chattanooga
In July we go out to the Tahoe Rim Trail. I’m going to do the 50 miler- I think I will train hard for that in hopes to kick some California booty. We’ll see I guess
In a moment of weakness I signed up for Ironman Florida, so I guess I’ll be doing that in November
Matt's Favorite Winter & Spring Trail Running Gear:
Here's what Matt has to saw about his gear:
Waist: Feels true to size
Inseam: Feels true to Length
Pros: Wicks Away Moisture, UPF 15, Smooth Finish, layers well
Best Uses: Outdoor Activities, Under Clothes, Under a cycling jersey, Running all year around
Describe Yourself: Comfort Driven
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
If you need a strong light but need to conserve batteries for the long haul then this is the light for you. The LED setting will go all night on a single set of batteries, but having the Xenon bulb will get you out of a jam when necessary.
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Fit: Feels true to size
Sleeve Length: Feels true to Length
Pros: Breathable, Comfortable
Best Uses: Trail Running, Cycling
Describe Yourself: Competative Athlete
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
The Nine Trails Jacket lives on my floor right next to my trail shoes. In the winter time, it goes on the body for almost every trail run. The lightweight fabric is highly breathable, repels water and fits into your back pocket with ease. I love the stretch woven fabric on the back. It really creates more mobility in the garment and helps it to breathe. Don't leave home without it!
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Fit: Feels true to size
Sleeve Length: Feels true to Length
Chest Size: Feels true to Size
Pros: Lightweight, Comfortable, Warm, Windproof, Breathable
Best Uses: Cold Weather, Casual Wear, Wet Weather, Hiking and Camping
Describe Yourself: Outdoor Professional
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
The Nano Puff is indeed light, warm, compressible, etc. I also like to wear it running in cold temps. The Nano Puff heats up quickly, so running temps for this piece are single digits to teens. I normally wear it when I'm running at or below base pace, anything more and it would be too warm. It has great wind protection also for those cold, windy runs.
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