A Warm Welcome to Jess Walhof

We want to give a warm welcome to the newest member of the 605 Running Company team!

Jess Walhof has been a dedicated member of the Sioux Falls running community for a number of years, especially when it comes to hitting the trails. Jess specializes in trail running and can give you recommendations and advice on which ultras and trail races are sure to give you a challenge.

Many know this but we wanted to dig deeper, so we asked Jess a few questions to help us get to know her. Below you will find her answers.

Where would you recommend to run in Sioux Falls?
Good Earth State Park has over 10 miles worth of trails with scenic river views and rolling hills just graded enough to challenge you or you can opt for some pleasant flat routes. It’s a great place to get out in nature and just be.
 
What is your favorite thing about running?
I love getting out in nature on the trails, and even more so when I can do it with my friends! I also like the opportunity to test myself, whether in speed or distance, and explore my limits.
 
Do you have a favorite hobby outside of running?
Somewhere in the past couple years while in some meditative state while running, I started creating something that resembles poetry. I began scribbling those ideas and thoughts down and sharing them on social media. I found myself with excess extra time the past few months and gathered all of those small works and published a book, “Wandering Wonderings: Poetic Ponderings Transcribed on the Trail.”
 
What is something you are most excited to do this year?
I am hoping to do another round with the Black Hills 100 this summer!
 
What is your favorite post-race food?
If it’s been a hot race (which it usually is), I crave something cold, sweet, and refreshing like a mountain dew and/or popsicle – I have become famous for sharing post-group run popsicles in the parking lot at Good Earth State Park in the summer!
 
What is your favorite running quote?
“When you realize failing doesn’t make you a failure, you give yourself permission to try all sorts of things.”
“The thing about a long, grueling journey is that it strips away who you’re not and allows you to discover what’s left – or who’s left. One damn good reason to pursue endurance – and choose suffering – is to get to know yourself inside and out. When you reach that moment where you gave more than you thought you had and accomplished more than you thought you could, it’s clear who you are.”
-          Jennifer Pharr Davis, “The Pursuit of Endurance”
 
About the Hoka Skyflow:
As an avid trail runner, I’ve struggled for years to find a road shoe to fall in love with, but the HOKA Skyflow might be a perfect match! The structure promises for a smooth ride with just enough cushion to give absorb impact and spring forward. I’m looking forward to logging some longer runs in this shoe when I’m unable to get to the trails!