Run And Hops Hangout: Sean Mitchell, Victoria, BC
Our newest Hangout profile just qualified this year for Boston, likes his shoes with a minimal drop (IYKYK), as well as a good Run Wild IPA from Athletic.
Name: Sean Mitchell
Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
How did you get started in running?
I ran on and off throughout my 20's and 30's to stay in shape for other sports, but it wasn't until we moved to our current home (Victoria, BC Canada) in 2015 that I started to really get interested in running. I had played other team sports back in Vancouver, but when we moved I lost those connections and was looking for something to keep me active. My wife (bless her heart) suggested I check out a run clinic at a local running store, so I did - and there was no looking back after that. She jokes now that she should have kept her mouth shut... ;)
What is your favorite part about the sport?
What I love the most about running is the community aspect. Victoria is a big running city; there are races and events almost every weekend, lots of run clubs ranging from social to serious and everything in between, and they're all friendly and fantastic. We are a unique collection of personalities, shall we say, but what unites us is our collective love of this crazy sport. I've met and befriended lots of great people through this sport, and it's made my life so much better.
Best race memory?
Oh boy - tough one. I recently completed my first marathon on October 13th here in Victoria, and that was definitely up there. It was a beautiful day with almost perfect conditions, the course was lined with lots of cheering spectators, and I ran a great race, finishing 5th in my age group and dipping under that elusive BQ (Boston Marathon Qualifier time). It was definitely a bucket list moment, and having my family there at the finish line cheering me on made it all the more special. Close second was breaking the 40 min 10K barrier at the Vancouver Sun Run this past April - it's one of Canada's largest mass participation runs, with upwards of 45,000 people taking part. We got the rare opportunity to lead out the VIP section, after the elites but before the first big corral. Running with that many people chasing me must have provided ample motivation, because I lowered my 10K personal best by over a minute.
What race(s) are you currently training for?
I'm taking a few weeks off from serious training before getting back into it with the 2025 Island Race Series. It's a collection of 8 races starting in January and going every two weeks until mid-April up and down Vancouver Island; everything from a 5K to a Half Marathon. Each race is hosted by a local run club, and they all do a great job of putting on first class events. Beyond that, I might aim for a late spring half marathon or marathon, but I haven't quite decided which one yet.
Favorite piece of running gear, and why.
I'm not a huge shoe geek, but I am loving the Adidas Adizero Adios 8s. I have pretty narrow feet so I stick to a few tried and true brands, and these shoes remind me of the 'good ole days' before carbon plated supershoes and their insane price tags took over the shoe racks. Lightweight, low profile snappy trainer with a fairly minimal (these days) 4mm drop that I've used for everything from 10 x 1k repeats to 20 mile marathon workouts.
Favorite non-alcoholic beer/beverage ?
Well, other than strong black coffee, I'd have to say Run Wild IPA by Athletic Brewing - they make some seriously fantastic NA beers, but I have a soft spot for their IPAs and Run Wild is a great option.