Rock/Creek

JOHN WIYGUL

–

Age: 22
Number of years running: Running ultras for 7 years
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Occupation: Student at UTC

–

Favorite Trail Race(s):
Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race, Stumpjump 50k, Upchuck 50k, Lookout Mtn. 50 miler

Favorite trails to train on:
Cumberland Trail, Sunset Park, Lula Lake Land Trust

Favorite trail running shoe(s):
Salomon SpeedCross 3

Lifelong running goals:
Be the best I can be.

Biography:
I have lived in the beautiful city of Chattanooga most of my life. I am 22 years old and go to UTC. My major is Business Management. I did my first 50k trail race in 2005 and have been hooked ever since. I have competed in numerous triathlons, marathons, ultra-marathons, and finished four Ironman races, as well as, gone to the 70.3 Triathlon World Championship this past year.

When I’m not training for triathlons or trail running, I enjoy rock climbing. It is the first sport I found a passion for. I am fortunate to live in a city that offers some of the best rock climbing in the country. Endurance sports are what I live for in life. The times I feel most alive are when I push myself farther than I ever possibly thought.

Being part of the Rock/Creek race team has been a privilege; the team has kept me excited in improving my running, as well as being a representative for the sport.

2011 season summary:
This past year I ran 8 trail races. My most memorable trail race was the Stumpjump 50k. It was the 7th consecutive time I have run it, and I came in 7th. I have been steadily improving over the past year gaining more speed to my endurance base. I didn’t have a chance to volunteer at any races this past year, but I look forward to it this next season. I have helped create some new trails this past year around the Chattanooga area, such as Deep Creek.

Proudest running accomplishments:
My proudest achievement this past year was going to the 70.3 Triathlon World Championship in Las Vegas, placing in age group (18-24) 17th in the world and 7th in the nation.

• Winning the inaugural Dickson Endurance Triathlon
• Winning the inaugural Storm the Fort Triathlon
• Placing 2nd in the Guts Reactor Run 50k
• Placing 7th in the R/C Scenic City Trail Marathon
• Placing 6th in the HalfRev Knoxville Triathlon
• Placing 7th in the R/C Stumpjump 50k
• Placing 3rd in age group (18-24) at Ironman Florida

Planned races for 2012:
Birmingham Mercedes Marathon
Powerman Alabama Duathlon
70.3 St. Croix
Eagleman 70.3
Scenic City Trail Marathon
Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon
Storm the Fort Triathlon
NashVegas Half Triathlon
R/C Stumpjump 50k
Upchuck 50k
Lookout Mtn. 50mile