Peter Fain

Age: 38, Years running: 25, Hometown: Truckee, California, Favorite product: C-LITE

What are some of your lifetime running goals?

Life is full of twists and turns so I look to my lifetime goals as only seasonal. There may come a season where my body says no more, but I hope that day never comes. That being said, more course records, the entire Pacific Crest trail (aided), and some European races, particularly in Norway.

Do you have a claim to fame?

I've been fortunate to win the Tahoe Rim 50km three times in a row, the 50 miler last year and also won the United States Snowshoe Championship in 2009. That was pretty cool and unexpected.

Do you have any vices?

Coffee seems to be a no brainer, come to think of it, I would never give it up. Mocha Java is my current blend of choice.

What makes you tick as a runner and in the real world?

Running is what gets me through the real world. I'm an anxious and awful person to be around if I'm unable to run. The intense workouts are the ones I really enjoy. To quote Bernie: "If you don't run fast, you won't run fast."

What drives you to run?

I run to stay sane, otherwise I would probably look to something else to be addicted to.

What is your favorite movie?

Since I went to film school, and both my parents worked either in Television or Film, I have a very cynical view of movies. I'd rather choose directors. Take Martin Scorsese and David Lynch put them in a blender and I'm sure my favorite movie will come out.

Do you have any nicknames? Explain:

I just learned of one recently from someone I raced against in college. "The Rocker" . The reason was back then my hair was to my mid back, I had a beard and listened to Grunge and punk very loud. More recently I'm called gazelle every now and then because I'm tall and skinny.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? Why?

That would have to be when I was in the Army. We did many exercises with sleep deprivation. I know I went 60 hours in basic training. I'm not a fan. I like to sleep.

If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?

California. Everyone seems to pick there home state and I'm no different. Diverse in many ways and you never know exactly what your going to get.

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

Huevos rancherous (well brunch) I was at work. Today I had a big bowl of Chili after a snowshoe.

If you could hook up a thought monitor to your head, would you see pictures, hear words or would music be playing?

Pictures for sure.

What really scares you about trail running?

I rarely run in the dark, not a fan. But I have been scared on a run I did Napa one year. I through this one area and I constantly felt like there was a big cat in the trees above my head ready have some lunch. There had been a mountain lion attach recently so it was fresh in my mind.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

The unusual tale of life, art, drugs, and love through the eyes of a running addict.

Where would you live if it could be anywhere in the world?

I grew up on my grandparents farm in Norway. Some of the best memories of my life. I would love to have more than one home base. One in Norway and one in California.

What’s your worst encounter on the trail?

Drunk hunters at a trail head when I was finishing a long run. Long story short, side arms were pulled from holsters and I walked backwards to my car. Needless to say I drove straight to the sheriffs office.