Richard "Rick" Nef

 

 

Rick is 40 years old and is very happily married to his beautiful, patient wife, Carol. Rick is a Production Manager for a plastics injection molding company in Ogden.  Rick's Hometown is Layton, UT.

 

Here are a few facts about Rick when we asked him about running:

 

Years running:  I use to bike a lot and needed a change so I challenged myself to complete a marathon.  I did my first one in 2002 and that started my love-hate relationship with running.  So, I guess about 8-9 years.

 

Weekly mileage:  It will vary depending on the event I'm training for.  I use to record faithfully every inch I did on the bike, trail or road running in a journal.  My focus has changed over the past few years.  Now, I know roughly what I need to do to and how my body will handle certain events.  I feel like I train surprising little so I try to enjoy the miles rather than focus on counting them.

 

Favorite race distance or race:  I never thought I would do a marathon but that might be my favorite distance.  It is a challenging length but doable.  Utah has some great marathons (i.e. Ogden, Park City, St. George).  Boston was amazing.  I did a trail marathon, Timberline, in Oregon, this summer.  It was beautiful and I would love to go back.  I also did the Ibigawa, Japan Marathon a few years ago.  That was something I will never forget.  The aid station at mile 13 had sushi.  I also really love the OV50 and the Wasatch 100.

 

PR's - or proudest running accomplishment:  Top of Utah Marathon 3:12:47, 2x OV50 8:49:22, 2x finisher Wasatch 100 28:46:00.  (First finish for Wasatch will always be special.)  Tempe Ironman '09.  3x LoToJa sub 10.

 

Favorite training run:  Shoreline trail and sections of the WF100 course.  It is amazing what we have in our backyard.

 

Why run - (motivation, inspiration):  I run for my own mental well-being, and because I like to eat.  I also run because I can.  I run for those I know who can't run and I run for those that can and don't think they can.

 

Goals: Try not to break anything when I fall.  Ahh, so many races and so little race funds.

 

Favorite music to run to:  I never really listen to music when I run.  A race or run usually has it's own soundtrack.  But I am a big Tom Waits fan.

 

Favorite running gear - (shoes, apparel, etc.):  I have a blue hat (Brooks), and a blue, long sleeve shirt I seem to always grab. 

 

Best advice you've been given as a runner:  I'm not sure.  I've been told, "Start slow and then taper," but I also was told, "you weren't trying hard enough if you don't puke at the finish line."

 

Best motivational quote:  "It is a great day to be alive."  A good friend, Jeff, said this to me after he had been involved in a bad bike accident.  He is a cancer survivor and lives like it is a gift.

 

Your role model:  There are many who influence me.  My family, biking and running clubs, and the hundreds I have met during races and events are all people I draw strength from and look to.  Jean and Amanda motivate me.

 

Favorite food:  I like all food.  Sushi to sugar cereals. Steaks to Big Macs.  Throw in a Mountain Dew and I am happy.

 

Hobbies or interests other than running:  Skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.  Tri's, rock climbing, and biking in the summer.

 

Anything else the world might want to know about you:  I play sax in a pirate band.  That's right a pirate band.  Rrrrrrrrrrr!!!