Name: Ryan Scelza

Town: Quechee, VT

Where are you from originally and what brought you to this area?

I was born and raised in the Upper Valley. After high school I went south to Clemson University (Go Tigers!), then lived in and around NYC for a handful of years. I moved back to VT in 2012 and love being back home.

What do you do professionally? 

I am the Director of Financial Systems and Services at Dartmouth College.  My job sits in the Finance division, and partners closely with the IT group and many others across campus. Fun fact: Dartmouth was also my very first employer as I spent a high school summer cleaning dorms!

How long have you been running?

Since 2013, which was the year of my first 5K in Norwalk, CT; along with the first Road to the Pogue I participated in. I began running more than the sporadic 5K in 2017 when I dipped my toes into half marathons, completing my first CBHM, and I haven’t looked back since!

How long have you been running competitively?

“Competitively” is much too strong of a word to describe my current approach to running. I do enjoy the competition of the Upper Valley Running Series, and with 2018 being the first year I joined, that will be my answer. Another fun fact: I have only missed two UVRS races in the four years I have been participating (2020 doesn’t count).  My strategy is much more focused on consistency than speed.

Why do you run? 

Because it’s fun! And I am appreciative of the many health benefits it offers. 

Recent memorable moment while running? 

We currently live on Quechee Main Street and during the 2022 CBHM I was super appreciative to my wife, friends, and neighbors for their efforts in putting together the best unofficial water stop, which included music, a sprinkler, and popsicles! They’re hopeful to make it even better in 2023!

If you like to race, favorite race distance? Why? 

I enjoy half marathons. They’re long enough to make you prepare ahead of time, but doable enough to not have to devote your life to it.

Training partners? 

Everyone at TNT, with a special shout out to the 8:00 and 8:30 pace groups (Helene, Nadia, Abram, and others!), although I haven’t been going as regularly as I would like. I also really enjoy when I can convince my wife to run with me, but that usually takes a really good reason and a fair amount of bartering.

Cross training activities?

If hiking counts, that’s what I’ll go with. We completed the Vermont portion of the Appalachian Trail in 2020 and we’re aiming to finish the Long Trail later this year.

Favorite post run treat? 

I won’t turn down a cold beer on a hot day, although that’s not necessarily post-run specific.

Any notable streaks or other unusual running events?

Early on in the pandemic, Jim Westrich and I attempted to each run 100 miles in a week to raise money for the One Fair Wage Emergency Fund. Jim was successful, I was not, but we still raised money for a great cause and had fun documenting our efforts on a website.

Ever run in a costume?  I have not.

The only running shoe for me is ____________________.

I’m on my 4th and 5th pair of Brooks Adrenalines.

Hot or cold weather runner?

Cooler is preferred. September is usually my favorite month to run outside.

Morning or evening runner?

Has to be at night, I’m pretty good at sleeping in.

I run therefore I ______________________. 

Sweat!

What is your diet like?

I have been a vegetarian for 6 years, but also I enjoy lots of pasta and ice cream.

What is your favorite race?

To run, it has to be the CBHM.  To volunteer at, 100% the VT 100.