I was asked to fill out a questionnaire for a future article in Trail Runner Magazine since I won their "trail fiend" award (going to the runner who ran the most races). Thought it might be of interest to some if I shared my responses, not sure what they will actually print. They asked for a photo too .. so, that would be cool if they opt to include a picture.

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Occupation: Software
I live in Woodland, CA but often work in Cambridge, MA. If a race interested me on the east coast I'd arrange my work schedule so I could travel to the race from Boston - or, when wanting to race in the west I'd schedule a week working from California making race weekend travel easier.

Family life: Married - Shannon Riggs, No Kids. 5 brothers, 2 sisters
I want to dedicate my trophy series competition to my brother Steven. Steven has faced incredible challenges and his strength has been an inspiration to my entire family.

Years trail running: 25 years

What was your favorite Trophy Series race and why?
It's extremely difficult to include just one race. If I had to pick one I think it would be the Land Between the Lakes Trail Run (23K - Grand Rivers, KY). It was pouring at the start of the race; I was completely soaked before we even started. There is something about running in the rain that I enjoy - particularly on a muddy trail. On this run I quickly forgot I was in a race and simply enjoyed tramping through the puddles and weaving in and out of the trees by the lake. This race was extremely well run and introduced me to a beautiful part of the country.

What was your most memorable trail-race moment of 2009?
Hard to narrow this down, there were several great memories. The incredible views (and vertical climb) to the top of Jupiter Peak in Utah; the bird like mosquitoes tormenting me on the trails in Quebec; the crushingly difficult and beautiful Sage Burner 25K in Colorado; to the clear blue ice cold streams offering a perfect numbing bath after the Moose Mountain Challenge in Alberta, Canada.

How did you get started in trail running?
I started running trials along the lake within Iowa's Red Haw State Park when I was growing up and have been hooked ever since.

What do you love most about trail running?
Trail running allows me to forget about time, to forget about everything except being alive in that moment. Many of my favorite life moments include no one but me and the trail.

What is the trail running community like in your area (or is there one)?
I'm very lucky; with minimal travel I can head west and be on the coast running through redwoods with a view of the ocean or head east and run through the pine surrounding Lake Tahoe.

There are two great trail running groups in the area, the Pacific Coast Trail Runs (http://www.pctrailruns.com) and Enviro-sports (http://www.envirosports.com). Between these two groups it's difficult to find a weekend that doesn't offer a great trail running experience.

What motivates you to run?
Sanity.

Tell me about your training regimen:
I will typically race once or twice a week, so - for me most of my miles come at races. I simply enjoy racing more than training. I rarely hit more than 45 miles a week. This season I have worked in more track sessions which has helped bring back my speed.

What is your usual pre-race strategy?
Don't have one except to make sure I know where all the restrooms are located.

What is your race strategy (or do you even have one)?
Don't have one.

What advice do you have for other trail runners about training/racing/motivation?
Leave your stopwatch, GPS, and heart monitor at home and just run.