If you know Lucia—my business partner, cofounder, and ECD here at Walden Hyde—you know she’s one of the most down-to-earth and humble people around.
In an industry dominated by men with loud opinions and large egos, she’s all about delivering the very best creative with none of the bullshit.
But did you know that she’s also a badass when it comes to running? I’m always amazed at how well she balances her life of running a business, momming two kids, and putting in the miles on the trail.
In 2018, Lucia set the self-supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Oregon Coast Trail. She ran by herself for 428 miles, eating at gas stations and crashing in hole-in-the wall beach motels along the way.
Lately, Lucia has been exploring the mountains near her home, volunteering at Colorado ultras, and racing with her eldest daughter, who is about to ship out with the Army.
Our Head of Insights and Strategy, Katie Dunn, has joined Lucia for some of these races, including two Red Hot 33K trail races in Moab, UT. Katie has also run from Crested Butte to Aspen in the 40-mile Grand Traverse and paced a good friend for 30 miles of the Bryce 100 ultramarathon.
This summer, they’ll be hitting the trails together to train for their own big races, both in September.
Lucia will attempt the Grand to Grand Ultra, running from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
• 6 stages
• 171 miles
• 21,000 ft of elevation gain
This notoriously hot and challenging event races through sand dunes and slot canyons, open desert and hidden arroyos, all under the blazing Southwestern sun.
Katie is taking the easier 😉 route as she plans to run the beautiful and grueling Sawatch Ascent.
• 33 miles
• 7,000 ft of elevation gain
• 13,100 ft high point
The Sawatch Ascent starts and finishes at the base of 14,197’ Mount Princeton and climbs 7,000 feet through wildflower meadows into the high alpine with an extremely competitive field.
Off to the Races
So what does all of that have to do with brand strategy and creative at Walden Hyde?
Let’s just say Katie and Lucia have inspired us to run with a wild idea.
We’re gearing up for an offer you won’t want to miss. Five spots, one chance to get in on the fun.
Stay tuned for our next newsletter, where we will announce a great deal for a few lucky brands.