Sean Meissner’s race, the Peterson Ridge Rumble in Sisters, Oregon, is maybe the most effective illustration of him as a runner, coach, neighborhood member, and canine lover. The dog-friendly race follows a community of singletrack trails on rolling hills by way of ponderosa pine forest earlier than returning to the center faculty observe for a spherical of burritos — for the people — and pigs’ ears — for the canine. Funds from the race go to the highschool cross-country crew, the place Meissner served as a volunteer assistant coach for 10 years.
With greater than 200 ultramarathon races accomplished himself, and not less than a decade of sustaining 90 to 110 miles per week, Meissner is aware of a factor or two concerning the love for working. Now dwelling in Vermont, he continues to run, race ultras, pet canine, and coach each number of runner. He’s a kind of individuals who’s so embedded within the path and extremely neighborhood, should you don’t already know him, you’re most likely solely separated by one diploma. And if his identify nonetheless doesn’t ring a bell, then come out to Sisters subsequent April, run the Rumble, and say, “Hello.” Higher but, convey your canine.
Sean Meissner and companion Kristina Siladi with Milo and Ardy the doggos whereas dwelling in Flagstaff. Picture: Nico Barraza
Raised in a Working City
Rising up in Spokane, Washington, Meissner was launched to working at a younger age by way of household, faculty working applications, and the city’s robust working tradition. The Lilac Bloomsday Run, a 12-kilometer street working race that takes place each April and might draw as much as 50,000 runners, was Meissner’s first race at age 9 and particularly influential in cultivating his love for working.
Meissner bought began with observe in elementary faculty, and as a highschool and faculty scholar, he specialised in distance occasions — the 800, 1,600, and three,200 meters. On his sister’s suggestion, he tried cross nation in highschool, and it rapidly turned his favourite model of working. Meissner additionally dabbled in different athletic pursuits, together with soccer and wrestling, although admittedly, his favourite a part of wrestling was working laps throughout follow.
Sean racing the Kennebec Mountain Run with Ardy in 2014. Picture: Brendan Trimboli
After working one other native race, Let’s Climb A Mountain, as a part of relays a number of instances all through highschool, the 34.3-mile street race was additionally his first extremely when he did it solo in 2001. Meissner was returning to Spokane for his 10-year highschool reunion and realized the race would fall on the identical weekend. He registered and pulled off a win, although he admits it damage. This expertise, regardless of the struggling, motivated Meissner to discover path ultras. The McDonald Forest 50k — a traditional path race in Corvallis, Oregon, fondly known as “The Mac” — was Meissner’s first path extremely, adopted by the Black Canyon 50k and the Bighorn 50 Mile inside a matter of weeks.
Two A long time of Ultrarunning
After these preliminary path ultras in 2002 — Meissner ended up racing seven that summer time — long-distance path working turned a dominant theme in his life. In 2003, he ran 14 path races, together with his first 100 miler on the Bighorn 100 Mile in Wyoming, the place he positioned eighth general in 29 hours and 6 minutes. Over the subsequent twenty years, he ran a dozen or extra path and extremely races most years, and for many of that point, he maintained a weekly working quantity of 90 to 110 miles per week.
It was all a part of a purpose he set in July 2001 after his first extremely at Let’s Climb a Mountain when he determined to attempt to run 200 ultras in twenty years. In June 2021, he accomplished his purpose on the Laurel Highlands Extremely, now a 46-year-old occasion in southwestern Pennsylvania. Though he had his sights set on the 70-miler possibility, sudden again ache simply 5 days earlier than the race precipitated him to modify to the 50k. “I had skilled actually arduous and hoped to win,” Meissner stated. “I used to be dissatisfied, however I used to be grateful to even be capable of stroll.” At present, Meissner’s extremely racing tally is at 209. His most up-to-date was the Lover’s Lane 6 Hour in his dwelling state of Vermont, the place he positioned second.
Sean (left) on the North Rim of Grand Canyon throughout a 2019 rim-to-rim-to-rim run with Victor Ruggiero, Kyle Curtin, and Dana Sedin (left to proper). Picture: Kyle Curtin
Amongst a depth of ultramarathon expertise spanning greater than twenty years, a handful of races have been 100 milers. Meissner has 4 100-mile finishes: Bighorn in 2003, the Western States 100 in 2005 and 2009, and UTMB in 2015. Nevertheless, Meissner famous, “Tons of haven’t been my distance,” sharing that he has began 9 complete 100 milers. Most lately, he’d hoped to run the 2025 Vermont 100 Mile, however he was coping with plantar fasciitis and couldn’t get the coaching quantity he wished. As a substitute he opted for the 100k distance on the occasion. “I’ll attempt once more sooner or later,” he stated. “I really like going to 100 milers and crewing, pacing, and volunteering.”
General, Meissner is drawn to low-key races with a deep historical past, and he prefers the 50-mile and 100-kilometer distances. “The 100k is enjoyable — it’s an extended day within the daylight. I normally hit a low someplace within the 40-mile vary, however stuff actually will get bizarre round mile 70, so the 100k is over earlier than it will get bizarre.” One among his favourite races is Bighorn in June, which presents a number of distance choices. Meissner has run the 50 miler 4 instances.
Selection is Key to Longevity
Over a few years and hundreds of working miles, Meissner has handled comparatively few accidents and little psychological fatigue. He credit this longevity to a number of elements. Along with having a reasonably resilient physique and good working kind, he knew when to relaxation: “If one thing didn’t really feel proper, I didn’t have any ego in taking a day, or three days, off instantly.” Whereas there could have been some genetics and a few luck concerned, he stated, “The largest factor was that I actually, actually listened to my physique.”
Various the working floor and terrain helped, too. Mixing up his tempo between speedwork and sluggish, straightforward runs, switching between roads, trails, technical terrain, hills, and flatter surfaces, and ranging between brief and lengthy distances all contributed to having the ability to keep a excessive mileage quantity. “The variability in all the things retains my physique from getting caught in a rut and getting an overuse harm or burnout,” Meissner defined.
Sean and Kristina on the Center Teton in 2017. Picture courtesy of Sean Meissner.
Meissner has additionally stayed lively on a motorcycle all through his life. When he was a teen, his uncle began a biking program by way of Explorer Scouts, an offshoot of Boy Scouts. Meissner ended up racing bikes and duathlons by way of highschool and faculty. Though he continued working by way of his faculty years on the College of Idaho, Meissner gravitated towards the biking crew and cherished racing bikes.
In 2022, Meissner achieved a purpose of driving throughout the nation earlier than he turned 50. In a self-supported model, stored mild by staying in lodges and Airbnbs quite than tenting, Meissner and a buddy adopted the self-created, 3,300-mile “Sean Route,” from his favourite spot on the West Coast — Pacific Metropolis, Oregon — to his in-laws’ home in Lewis, Delaware. Alongside the way in which, the duo pieced collectively every part as they went, they usually accomplished the journey in a couple of month.
Sean crossing Teton Go throughout his cross-country bike journey in 2022. Picture: Zoltan Belady
At present, Meissner is in his early fifties and not sustaining 100-mile weeks, partially because of niggling bodily points. That stated, he’s doing his workout routines prescribed by his spouse, Kristina Siladi, who’s a bodily therapist, getting out for runs most days of the week, and persevering with to trip his bike. “I did a 50k a few days in the past, between a future with a buddy and training within the afternoon,” Meissner shared. “And I used to be in a position to string collectively some good coaching for the Vermont 100k [over the summer].”
Teaching Nirvana
Meissner’s teaching profession began modestly in 2002 when he noticed an advert within the native newspaper inviting members of the area people to return run with the Sisters Excessive College cross-country crew. Meissner ran with the crew by way of the summer time after which started becoming a member of their practices and meets as a volunteer assistant coach. Within the meantime, he labored at a working retailer in close by Bend, the place he was ceaselessly requested for suggestions and working recommendation, and he quickly started teaching associates. Finally, his associates prompt that he must be getting paid for his efforts.
Though his teaching function at Sisters Excessive College was all the time a volunteer one, his particular person teaching enterprise grew. In 2011, he joined iRunFar as a coach, taking on the duties from iRunFar’s founder, Bryon Powell. He and Bryon had met by way of working for Montrail and had turn into quick associates. Finally, Meissner turned an official iRunFar worker when he began managing the positioning’s on-line retailer, which he did for 3 years earlier than iRunFar determined to shut it. “That was actually enjoyable, and infrequently overwhelming, to have a room stuffed with trainers, packs, garments, and transport provides to ship to clients.” Though the shop administration duties had been comparatively short-lived, Meissner credit Bryon and iRunFar with laying the muse for his teaching profession.
Sean with Bryon Powell in Moab whereas working the iRunFar on-line retailer. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
At present, Meissner coaches a variety of runners, together with the center faculty cross-country crew close to his dwelling in Vermont, the collegiate cross-country crew at Landmark School, and about 15 grownup people who embody seasoned ultrarunners, shorter-distance runners specializing in the 5k and 10k distances, and runners who’re newer to the game.
Much like his love for selection in his private working, Meissner loves the variations among the many athletes he coaches, whether or not it’s model new runners or extra skilled athletes who’re getting out of their consolation zone and attempting one thing completely different, like switching from roads to trails or stepping as much as an extended distance. Meissner derives pleasure from his athletes’ accomplishments. “I really like getting texts on Saturday and Sunday mornings, particularly after I’m on the West Coast and getting early morning texts from runners on the East Coast.” Getting information of a private document is especially thrilling, particularly when the runner wasn’t anticipating it. “I encourage individuals to go for it after they’re ‘having a day,’ even when it’s a B or C race. Typically, there’s much less strain, so in the event that they’re feeling good, they need to go for it.”
The Flagstaff Festivus Brewery Run, one of many many working communities Sean has been part of. Picture courtesy of Sean Meissner.
Principally, Meissner loves serving to individuals open up alternatives for themselves, whether or not they’re new to working and discovering simply how far or quick they’ll go, or runners at any stage discovering their strengths throughout distances and working surfaces. Not too long ago, Meissner’s teaching worlds collided in the absolute best approach at a neighborhood 5k when his collegiate crew, his middle-school runners, and one among his particular person athletes all ran the race. “It was teaching nirvana for me.”
Race Directing and the Peterson Ridge Rumble
Along with teaching, Meissner directs a number of races close to his present hometown of Perkinsville, Vermont, and his former hometown of Sisters, Oregon. Income from the races go to the respective native cross-country groups at Springfield Excessive College and Sisters Excessive College, in addition to different beneficiaries equivalent to Sisters Path Alliance, Springfield Meals Financial institution, and Weathersfield Meals Shelf.
Meissner’s Peterson Ridge Rumble, also called the Rumble, is a much-loved path working occasion that takes place each April and has been happening for 22 years. The occasion has seen minor evolutions over time, as new trails are constructed or expanded, and it at present presents three distances: a 20 miler, a marathon, and a 40 miler. Occasion finishers obtain a singular pair of socks, which had been designed by ultrarunner and former Bend resident Jeff Browning and have Meissner’s former furry working companion, Sascha.
Sean and Sascha on the summit of Black Butte in Oregon. Picture courtesy of Sean Meissner.
Maybe the most effective factor about this race, nonetheless, is that it’s dog-friendly. The help stations have water bowls and treats for four-legged runners, and canine obtain a pig’s ear deal with after they cross the end line. High canine finishers additionally obtain a particular goody bag. “It’s a canine race and all the time can be a canine race,” stated Meissner.
The Rumble began in 2003, only a yr after Meissner moved to city and found a enjoyable 17-mile loop within the Peterson Ridge path system. Meissner charged a $10 entry price and let individuals camp in his entrance yard, the place the race began and completed. “We had 31 individuals and 6 canine that first yr,” Meissner recalled. He misplaced about $300 however determined to keep it up, including a 34-mile distance in 2004. He additionally moved the beginning/end from his home to the Sisters Athletic Membership. The second yr had a turnout of 200 runners, which was an excessive amount of for the Athletic Membership, so from the third yr on, the race has completed on the Sisters Center College observe and is characterised by canine romping freely or sprawling out on the observe’s infield whereas runners get pleasure from fresh-made burritos.
A snowwoman stored a watch on one version of the Peterson Ridge Rumble. Picture: Sean Meissner
Through the years, the race continued to develop, peaking at about 500 runners per yr earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic. The largest turnout for canine reached 100. “The beginning line was pandemonium,” shared Meissner with a smile. As a race director, Meissner strives to supply well-organized occasions which can be low-key, family- and dog-friendly, reasonably priced, and with good post-race meals and a enjoyable environment. “It is extremely a lot a mirrored image of me and what I personally like in races,” Meissner defined.
Working Canines
Alongside working, canine have been a continuing theme in Meissner’s life. Upon transferring to Sisters in 2002, Sascha, a husky, rapidly joined Meissner’s life as his working buddy and finest buddy. From the native trails to the Three Sisters Wilderness and even on the observe, Sascha was there. “She’d run laps with me, after which hang around for some time, then run some extra laps with me,” Meissner recalled. “She was excellent at maintaining me sincere.” Sasha handed away whereas Meissner was nonetheless dwelling in Sisters.
When he moved to Durango, Colorado, Meissner met his now-wife, Kristina, who had an enormous Rottweiler combine named Milo. At 85 kilos, Milo was an sudden working buddy who cherished to run. “It was superb how good of a runner he was,” Meissner stated, saying Milo might run for 13 to fifteen miles at a time.
Sean and Kristina with Ardy and Juniper. Picture courtesy of Sean Meissner.
After the trio moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, and one other furry companion quickly joined their household. Meissner went to Phoenix for a street working race, which was additionally a canine adoption occasion. Perusing the “working canine” part, Meissner noticed a border collie mendacity quietly in its kennel. He took the border collie out for a stroll after which examined it with a brief jog. He was rapidly reprimanded by the rescue group employees, who frightened he was attempting to steal the canine. Regardless of the confusion, Meissner returned dwelling, stuffed out the adoption paperwork, and picked up one other working buddy — Ardy — just a few weeks later.
Ardy turned quick associates with Milo and a staple in all issues working. “He was there with us by way of all of Flagstaff, working on the superb trails there,” Meissner defined. “Again to Durango, he was my San Juan Mountains working companion, and he helped me practice for UTMB. He ran the Rumble 5 instances with my spouse, and he would assist mark the course.” Through the years, Ardy ran dozens of races. “He was High Canine in all however one, and that one was my fault,” stated Meissner. “He actually, actually simply cherished to run.”
Ardy the border collie was a part of all outside actions. Picture courtesy of Sean Meissner.
Meissner defined that Ardy didn’t have an agenda, and he didn’t care how far he bought to run. He’d perk up on filth roads, and his face would present pure pleasure. Ardy handed away in June. He’d outlived Milo and had overlapped with one other canine that joined the household: a corgi-and-beagle combine named Juniper. Meissner admits Juniper doesn’t like to run, however she’ll put up with just a few miles. “I name it a Juni Jog,” Meissner stated. “If I can get her to go three miles, it’s nice.”
Maybe the most effective classes any of us can take away from Meissner’s lengthy working profession are actually these he realized from his furry working friends: Run as a lot as you may and with out an agenda. Relaxation whenever you want it. Run with pleasure. Smile whenever you attain a dust street. And three miles at a time is usually good.
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