Andrew Gast

FAVORITE RUNNING OR RACING EXPERIENCE: 

So far- the first time I ran the SOB 50k course. Did it solo, and totally bonked. But every turn was filled with beautiful views, bear grass, and excitement. It was one of those runs that were wonderful, awful, and inspiring all in one. And I immediately thought, “I want to do that again.”

FAVORITE PLACE TO RUN: 

I love the Ashland watershed. It’s my go-to for most runs and love to do a double-climb up the Wonder side and then up Bandersnatch side.

FAVORITE POST-RUN EATS/DRINKS: 

Right after I’ve always got a Hammer Recoverite shake. But then I love a Caldera Pilot Rock Porter and some huevos rancheros.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU'RE NOT RUNNING? 

I love skiing, too. I use alpine touring as cross-training and try to log at least 80 days on skis between skinning and lifts.

YOU CAN ONLY HAVE ONE SONG ON YOUR RUNNING PLAYLIST.  WHAT IS IT? 

So tough...Everlong by Foo Fighters or BOB by OutKast are at the top

DREAM RACE OR RUNNING ADVENTURE: 

If I’m dreaming- running Transvulcania would be the one I’ve fantasied about. More realistic is Georgia Death Race- I grew up there and have backpacked those trails, but want to take on that challenge.

CURRENT RUNNING KICKS? 

My favorites are some old Salomon Speedcross 3’s but my go-to are a pair of Salomon Sense Ride 2’s that have logged over 500 miles and still going.

WHAT DOES THE WOODLANDS ENDURANCE TEAM MEAN TO YOU? 

It’s a chance to showcase our awesome running community and easy access to amazing trails. And to show that ordinary people can do incredible things.

YOUR 2021 RACE CALENDAR (WHAT/WHEN/WHERE ARE YOU PLANNING TO RUN OR RACE?): 

Tar N Trails virtual (3/20); Bishop High Sierra 20M (5/22- Bishop, CA); Bighorn Trail Run 52M (6/18- Sheridan, WY); SOB 50k (7/10- Ashland, OR); Continental Divide 50k (8/21- Steamboat Springs, CO); Whitefish Legacy Trail 50k (Oct. ‘21- Whitefish, MT); Sky to Summit 50k (11/14- Sky Valley, GA); Avalon 50M (1/8/22- Catalina Island, CA)

ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU? 

I started running to lose weight, starting at over 225’ and couldn’t go 60 seconds without stopping in 2017. I’ve tried to be a runner and quit so many times, but when I started running trails a switch flipped and I haven’t looked back.