10 QUESTIONS WITH... Jenny Quilty

Last August, Fraser Valley, B.C.’s Jenny Quilty smashed the Squamish 50/50 course record. In this, her second attempt at the race, she not only beat the record by 40 minutes but also snagged three podium finishes during the weekend. In addition to her racing accomplishments, Quilty is also an important figure in the local trail-running community; she leads run clinics via Pacific Pine Running Co., which she co-founded, and is race director for the Fraser Valley Trail Races.

1What do you think was the key to winning last year’s Squamish 50/50?

Having excitement about my goal and believing in myself. I think also creating the bank of memories to pull from for laughs or reassurance through my training. I thought back to the challenging workouts, ridiculous adventures and some of the times where I overcame rough days on the trails.

2 Who has been the most influential person in your running career?

They wouldn’t know this, but I have to say Amy and Jacob Puzey. As I look back at my trail racing journey, I realized they operate the race series I f irst raced in, created and directed the first ultra I ever did and also the first stage race and 100-mile week I ever ran. They have created opportunities for many of my adventures and training goals, and led me to meet so many amazing friends.

3 If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would want to sit down with Kat hrine Swit zer [t he f i r st woman to off icially run t he Boston Marathon]. I’d love to talk to her about women’s participation in running. I’m curious about her thoughts on current participation in road and trail running, and the work that still needs to be done to show women they are valuable to the sports scene.

4 What is one thing you can’t live without?

Time in nature. I’m not a city person, and I’m def initely an introvert, so I truly crave quiet time outside.

5 What are your favourite social media accounts?

I love seeing content from Emelie Forsberg, David Roche (or Addie dog), Claire Gallagher and Tyler Turner.

6 What is your dream travel destination?

New Zealand. There’s a trail from end to end, and large predatory animals do not live there!

7 What is your greatest fear?

I have always had a huge fear of ghosts, but I think my greatest and more relevant fear is not taking opportunities to find out what my mind and body are capable of with running. I never want to look back and think I stepped away early or that I stopped myself short.

8Other than running, what do you do for fun?

I love tent camping, snuggling with my dog and cooking great food with my partner, Matt (he’s the better cook).

9 What is one of your guilty pleasures?

Chocolate a nd dad jokes. I unapologetically laugh at all my own jokes.

10 What is your idea of happiness?

Happiness, to me, is having the healt h and wellness to allow me to explore my surroundings, connect with people in meaningful ways and share moments of l au g ht er wit h t hose I ’m closest to.

Melissa Offner is a television and podcast host, the leader of the North Vancouver run crew RUNDISTRIKT, as well as an avid road and trail runner.