Fast Five: Dave Dutro

Meet Dave Dutro, a 48-year-old man who enjoys trail running, mountain biking and just about anything active that involves being outside. He is self-employed and happily married to Kelly Dutro. And he doesn't like to talk about himself.

Generation:

I'm definitely a Gen X kind of guy.

Career and community involvement:

Founder and race director for Trail Maniacs. Trail Maniacs hosts several trail race events each year. I also took a big leap and started a side "gig" this last year and make soft goods for Sprinter conversion vans. The business is called This Van Life, sells nationwide and has even had a few overseas orders.

1. What was the motivator for you to start Trail Maniacs?

I started out doing a few road triathlons, but I always hated running on the road. Let's face it — pounding pavement hurts. I did a few off-road triathlons, and one year I joined a group of friends at a trail race. I quickly fell in love with trail running. Trail running is visually and mentally stimulating. I loved the simplicity of trail races, and I wanted to bring that same low key concept of trail racing here to the Inland Northwest.

2. Where is your favorite place to get out into nature?

So many places and not enough time to visit them all. Tubbs Hill, Canfield, Blue Creek, Fourth of July Pass and Farragut are a few local favorites. I love exploring new areas and I am fortunate that my wife likes running and biking as much as I do. Our vacations always revolve around where we can run or ride our bikes, which is why we like our van so much. We can pack our bikes and running gear and camp out wherever we land. We like to call it "stealth camping."

3. Why is running such a community activity?

Running is something that anyone can do. You don't have to run fast. In fact, some fast hikers can keep up with a runner no problem. I also like that you really don't need to have special equipment. You just have to keep moving forward.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I'm really not that social.

5. What gets you out of bed each day?

Coffee and the dog.

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Devin Weeks can be reached by email: dweeks@cdapress.com Follow her on Twitter: @DevinCDAPress