Episode 111- Allen Sumrall; Railroad Athletics, PhD Cadidate

This week I had the pleasure to speak with Allen Sumrall. He is a PhD Candidate for the University of Texas Austin. He is also a runner, competing for Railroad Athletics. 

Allen was great to get to know and his story is pretty unique. He talks about joining cross country in middle school at Albuquerque Academy, but quitting due to injuries. He then picked up running on his own before being convinced to join his DIII college team at Bates College.

From there he only got better and continued his running as a graduate student at the University of Texas Austin. He talks about his experience going from a DIII to DI and the challenges of not only moving up, but doing so as a graduate.

We talk about how he got involved with Railroad Athletics, and head coach Hayden Cox. He's had some success, with a 1:04 half marathon and a recent 28:44 10k that should've gotten him into the USATF 10K Championships this past Friday.

With his success, he finds a way to balance his life and makes sure that this is still fun for him. I hope you enjoy our conversation and keep an eye out for Allen. He talks about some of his future goals for you to cheer him on.

The heat continues to roll in and the fires continue to burn. Do your part to keep our wild areas fire free, the ones that are still open that is. Stay hydrated, be considerate, and keep running, New Mexico.