One of the best parts about working in the outdoor industry is the chance to be employed by companies who encourage an active lifestyle…but even better is when your company foots the bill so you can go tear it up in some gnarly event!
Such is the case for four employees at beloved Verde PR client, Backcountry.com. Two men and two women at the company won expenses-paid entries to this week’s Gore-Tex TransRockies Run to determine who is the most mountain “Goatiest” in all the company: Marit Fischer and Cathy Sonnenberg (the Goat Girl Brigade) or Peter Eischeid and Will Sladek (the Backcountry Goats) – (click the links for their dedicated Facebook fan pages).
With 20,000 feet of elevation gain, a true goat challenge this is.
These two teams will compete over six stages and 116 miles in the Colorado Rockies. We caught up with the four workaday athletes just before they fled the Wasatch for Buena Vista and stage 1 of the GTTR.
Marit Fischer and Cathy Sonnenberg 
What is your favorite local running trail?
(MF) The Armstrong Trail is a beautifully buffed out little number that rises gradually through an aspen and scrub oak tunnel and opens up on occasion to vast, stunning views of the valley below. It connects with the MidMountain Trail, an artery linking to hundreds of miles of trails. Park City’s Mountain Trails Foundation is an absolutely incredible organization; their work is directly responsible for the quality and quantity of trails in our backyard.
(CS) The Wasatch Crest trail is my favorite for its 360 degree views, high altitude, and the hard work required to get there.
Which GTTR category are you running and who is your teammate?
(MF) Cathy and I are teammates in the women’s Open category. We were one of two teams chosen to represent Backcountry.com in the race after an employee contest. We submitted applications telling why we wanted to do this and the selection team, made up of our executive team, decided from there.
GTTR virgin or veteran?
(MF) Virgin runner. I went to the finish in 2008 and had so much fun cheering in the athletes. That was the year a couple got married at the end. So fun! I’ve always wanted to do this race, and am so grateful that Backcountry chose Cathy and me to represent.
(CS) GTTR virgin!
What are you looking forward to most about GTTR?
(MF) Teamwork is what I’m looking forward to the most. I’ve been an endurance athlete for a long time — running, mountain biking, triathlon — and usually that means you go out by yourself, as your own best friend and companion, and get it done. Now, though, I am only half of a team and we’re going to do this well together. I’m also really looking forward to meeting the other racers, sponsors, and crew. We’re all going to be happy companions on a combined adventure, and that always makes for a great experience.
(CS) I feel like GTTR is the icing on the cake of an amazing journey, getting to know my teammate better through our trail experiences and early mornings, and getting to celebrate it all on the beautiful trails of Colorado, with nothing else to worry about besides running, recovering, eating, and making new friends.
-VS-
Peter Eischeid and Will Sladek 
Favorite local running trail?
(PE) My favorite trail is Desolation trail from the Big Cottonwood side. The other day I saw my first mountain lion in the wild as well as two deer that allowed me to take some great pictures. Then at the end of the trail you run into this beautiful lake that has a great blue/green color to it.
(WS) Of all the trails around Park City, it’s tough to pick a favorite. But if it’s just one, then Flying Dog in the Glenwild area. Such a fun descent!
Which GTTR category are you running and who is your teammate?
(PE) Will and I will race in the men’s Open category.
GTTR virgin or veteran?
(PE) We’re definitely virgins on this front and look forward to making some rookie mistakes.
(WS) Virgin…and probably waaay in over our heads.
What are you looking forward to most about GTTR?
(PE) Can’t wait to see how hard I can push my body and see how it responds. Completing this grueling training schedule is a close second though.
(WS) I’m really looking forward to having a week focusing only on running, recovering, and making new friends!
The battle begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. Who are YOU rooting for?
