The Run Down’s elite runner of the week.

Name: Krissy Moehl

Favorite cartoon character: W.E Coyote, poor guy never gives up.

Eat healthy or whatever? Try to eat healthy, but I am known for my sweet tooth. Dessert just isn’t dessert unless there is chocolate (preferably dark).

Lima beans, soy beans, pinto beans or couscous? Pinto beans & couscous!

Pizza topping? Lots of veggies.

You find a diamond ring on the trail. What do you do? I probably wouldn’t see it.

Clean car or messy car? Try to keep it clean… hard when living in it on the road with no access to the vacuum.

Who has the best looking legs you’ve seen? Too shy to say.

PC or Mac? PC.

Hometown: Bow, WA.

Family (spouse, kids, etc.): just me.

Running motto/quote: always changing… I still like “those who wander are not lost” – JR Tolkien.

Running PRs: 5K: 18:50; 10K: I think around 38 min; Marathon: haven’t; 50 km: 3:51:48; 50 miles: 7:02; 100 km: 9:16:32; 100 Miles: 18:41:15; 24 hours: haven’t.

Average miles run per week: 50-75.

I run in the morning, afternoon or night? Whenever is convenient – prefer mornings.

Favorite place to train: trail: dirt, rocks, roots, stream crossings. The further away the better.

Ultras per year: 10-16

Number of completed ultras: 60+

Can you sleep the night before a race: depends.

Most memorable ultra performance and why: Wasatch 2004 – Starting January 1 of 2004 I wrapped my head around this race, put a lot of time, energy, thought and planning into it. It was amazing to see the results, the benefits of all the visualization and to achieve the end goal of breaking 24hrs.

How many times have you DNFd (feel free to expand): 1 – a bit of a story… Full moon, temperamental car, lost chip (chip timed event)… it just wasn’t in the cards. I came into the finish line in 3:30 for a 50k and realized I’d missed a loop…had to disqualify myself.

Favorite food/drink during an ultra: I live on Clif products (during ultras and in everyday life) –  LOVE shot bloks. Salted avocados are a total treat… Drink I keep it simple with water and nuun.

What’s in your iPod or MP3 player: I’ll never tell (just because you’d think I’m a nut, I like goofy music). The Run Down comment- we like The Wiggles.

Pet peeve: “I can’t” I don’t like it when I say it or when others do – we should always at least try.

Favorite web site: www.patagonia.com

Favorite ultra: I’ve got a soft spot for my first –  Chuckanut 50k (which I now RD), but in having raced around the world it is hard to pick a favorite.   I might say Tour du Mont Blanc because to date it was the most challenging experience (weather, body, distance) that I had to endure. Hardrock is this weekend so that might all change.

I run because: I find a sense of peace, balance and self while running. I find strength and feel more in touch with self and surroundings. I like to say there aren’t many “issues” that a long run can’t solve.

If I couldn’t run anymore I would: definitely need to find another outlet. In the few times I’ve had extended injuries I’ve tried biking, swimming and other activities but nothing does it for me like running. It would be a tough adjustment if I wasn’t able to run.

The running world needs to: keep it clean, tread lightly.

Other hobbies: exploring, traveling, biking, reading, cooking and knitting (winter).

Personal philosophy: this seems to change and evolve as I grow and move through the years, but it always comes back to the basics of enjoying each moment, not regretting decisions, being open to new things, learning, exploring, loving…