A note from Freetrail: You know Ellie Pell from the Rest Day Pod, but did you know she has an insatiable need to get to know you, and I mean REALLY get to know you? “You Made it Weird” is Ellie’s brainchild because while she loves that these athletes are mega-talented she also wants to know what ELSE IS THERE?! Look for You Made it Weird every Friday.
You Made it Weird With Noah Dusseau
Though I have moved across the country, I keep at least one foot firmly planted in the Beast Coast trail running community. I was looking up the triple crown PA trail challenge for some reason (Hyner 50km, World’s End 100km, Eastern States 100-mile) and saw a name I’d heard before had signed up for Hyner. And sure enough the cow shorts wearing, Aerospace Engineering man at the top of the entrants list lives in Seattle. I decided to go down some rabbit holes, because why not, and now I get to bring you this incredibly talented human. Noah Dusseau has top finishes at notable events like Black Canyon 100km, but also has some smaller races on his resume that are close to my heart, and to those who reside east of Colorado. His instagram might be a thirst trap, but I will let you decide for yourself.
Find Noah on Strava, Instagram, and Ultrasignup.
Who are you and what do you do?
Hello! I’m Noah Dusseau and I’m a trail runner, explorer, engineer, and a friend 🙂
I grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania running track and XC until recently when I moved to Seattle to start my full-time job as a structural engineer for Blue Origin. I have since dove head first into the Washington trail scene and have begun to make strong connections, give back to the community, and start my career in competitive trail running. I’m always working to improve myself and find ways I can help those around me!
Do any of your group chats have names? If so, what are you willing to share? How did they get that name? What is a major topic of discussion in them?
One of my favorite group chats is titled “Is the mountain out?” – we mainly keep eachother up to date on if Mt Rainier is “out” and visible from Seattle.
If you could change one thing about your favorite social media platform, what would it be?
I wish instagram would automatically resize my photos when I try to post a bunch of different sized pictures. Would save some time.
What is a book of fiction that you really enjoyed, for no other reason than you liked it?
Ender’s Game is one of my favorite sci-fi books, and the whole series is pretty addicting as well.
What is one song you’ve been listening to on repeat recently?
Loving you – Her’s – such good vibes.
What is one trend that started in 2020 that you love?
I honestly love the privilege of WFH [Work From Home], it allows a lot of flexibility in working hours and helps me get in some trail runs during the week.
What is one trend that started in 2020 that you hate?
Less traveling, being stuck at home for months was a blessing and a curse.
What are the last three emojis you used?
🐑🐮🤘
What is the last thing you bought online?
A white noise machine…. Gotta get those Zzzzs
What is your most controversial food opinion?
Cereal should not be soggy, also fried SPAM is a delicious breakfast item.
What three videos are at the top of your YouTube recommended homepage?
Geology Hub (for my fascination with cascade volcanoes), Breaking Bad Clips, Barkley Marathon Documentary
Which Allie is your favorite?
Allez!
What argument in mass media do you not understand or think is a worthless issue?
Adding more lanes to a highway, which actually creates more traffic in the long run… this is my roman empire.
When you go home for the holidays, what is the food or tradition that it wouldn’t be the holidays without?
The most hyped holiday food at the Dusseau table are the pierogies, basically dough pockets with cheese and potato.
When I say in-seam you say…?
The shorter the better, it gets hot in Washington 🥵
When has your ego caused you to do something you sort of regret but also would describe as wild and worth it?
I used to drive from my hometown in Pennsylvania to school in Atlanta in one go (about a 12 hour trip), only stopping 1-2 times for bathroom breaks. It was always such a miserable drive but to me it was worth it to just get it done.
What was your worst running fuel decision? What was the surprising best?
My worst mistake is definitely not eating before a run and then feeling dizzy a few miles in… and surprisingly, four beers within the span of a mile is great fuel for a fun night.
What is your death row meal?
$5 hot n ready from Little Caesars (with crazy bread)
Out and back or looped course? Why?
Looped. I love making looped runs, it adds more excitement not knowing exactly when the run ends and then all of a sudden you’re back where you started.
Barkley or 24H track race? Why?
Barkley – Probably one of the first ultra races I learned about and I love the idea of finishing or “success” not being guaranteed or even likely for most people starting the race. The concept of trying to find the limit of human endurance is also fascinating – the race is dynamic and evolves as the sport changes.
When I say PTRA you say?
Pro Trail Runners Association? Sounds cool.
What is one thing that absolutely scares you? Why?
I’m scared of losing my ability to move freely and under my own power. While I know that being healthy and having the ability to run is a privilege, it still is scary to think of my life without all the great friends, memories, and adventures I have had because of my ability to move. I try to cherish what I have while also taking smart risks in choosing what I do with my body.
What is a time you felt you didn’t measure up? How did you get through that?
This summer I was training for my first 100-mile race, Javelina Jundred. I was so excited to step up to that distance and see where I would place among the competition. I had the support of my family and friends going into training, knowing I would be in the best shape I had ever been in. Summer weekends of adventure melted together with high mileage and serious training.I ended up sustaining an injury that took me out for a good bit of time, 3 weeks of which I wasn’t running at all. This was devastating and probably the longest time I had taken off since I started running in highschool.
I had to make the difficult decision in September to withdraw from the race, just a month away from the actual race day, after talking with my coach. It was the first time I felt like I had to step back from a huge goal I had with running, knowing that the long term goals are far greater. I discovered that a lot of my self worth was tied into running and leaned into other aspects of my life. I started reading more, riding my bike, went out with friends, and explored other passions. I ended up going to Javelina Jundred to pace my friend Joe and hang with fellow Seattle runners – I had a great time.
Who is another runner that flies under the radar that we should all get to know?
My friend Caroline Alcorta is a super talented and humble runner who has started doing more trail races. I’m excited to see where she races next (hopefully more trails!).