Posted by & filed under 2019, Contender.

Hi all! I’m excited to be an ultimate contender this year.

Antoine Gauthier is relatively new to Run Waterloo, but in that time has become a strong member of the community, including with ENDURrun, Running Rarebits, Happy Trails, etc. Welcome Antoine!

What is your runner profile? I was a hiker in my past life (until 2017, I love the Adirondacks and the Whites). After moving to Waterloo, I needed a new challenge and compensated elevation with distance. I decided to run my first ultramarathon 5 months after starting to run (The Beav in Nov 2018). 2019 will see lots of trail races and training runs on dirt roads.

How did you find out about ENDURrun? When I moved to Waterloo in April 2018, I discovered Run Waterloo and all the races it organizes. I raced as much of its races as I could, including two ENDURrun stages.

What convinced you to take the plunge? Sometimes its better not to ask any questions and just do it 🙂 Despite being hard stages, I had so much fun at Bechtel and Chicopee I had to sign up for the whole thing. ENDURrun has everything of a world-class event: amazing organizers and volunteers, great courses and the best post-race food!

What exposure did you have to ENDURrun 2018? I participated in two stages, Bechtel and Chicopee. I followed online from work the other days.

What advice have you been collecting? Dave Rutherford and Jack Kilisian post enough on Facebook/Instagram that you don’t need a coach, LOL. Just do whatever they do.

What are you still hoping to learn by August? To not give all I have in the half-marathon, otherwise it will be a LONG week.

What are your ENDURrun 2019 stories? 2019 is a big ultramarathon season for me with several 50km to 50mi races lined up from May-November. I see the ENDURrun as an ultra, but also as a training camp. I would like to beat my times from 2018, but I will not be disappointed if I don’t. All I want is to come out stronger.

What can we follow-up with you about in August for a profile part 2? Make sure I sign up for 2020!

What are you most looking forward to about ENDURrun 2019? Joining the ENDURrun family and finally wearing the 2018 t-shirt I got as a guest runner (although I did secretly wear it in Champagne, no chance of seeing another ENDURrunner there)

What are you nervous about, if anything? Nothing. It’s not about overconfidence, but knowing anyone can overcome any challenge, no matter how big.

Can you share any details of your training? I run as much as I can.

Anything else? I ran a few ultramarathons, but the ENDURrun marathon will be my first!