 James Bonnett
 Bio: Nineteen-year-old ultrarunning sensation James Bonnett knew almost from the get-go that running would be his thing. At the age of four, when most tots are running simply because they can't sit still, James was actually thinking about running as a sport. He became interested in it from watching his dad run in races, and thought it was something he could do as well. James' first ultra run was the Mount Ord Marathon, a course that went straight up the mountain, down the other side, and then up and over one more time. "I was only supposed to go halfway and then stop," says James, "but I felt good and decided to turn around to go back up. After that I just tried to push myself farther and farther. I really loved it." He backed off of endurance running while in high school so he could compete in cross country and track. It also gave him a chance to make some running friends with kids his own age, an opportunity he couldn't really find in the ultra scene. But, James has nothing but gratitude for those with whom he trained out on the trails. "I couldn't have asked for better people to run and train with in the ultra world. They were all encouraging and made me feel proud of what I did." However, he is most thankful for his family, who "backed [him] up 100 percent" and never once told him he was too young to do what he loved. James say's, ""I like being sponsored by The North Face vs. another company, because they treat us great and the team that they've assembled is amazing."" Birthdate: 8/14/1986 Nickname: Pocket rocket Favorite Destination: California and France Favorite The North Face Product: The Arnuva 50 Boa shoes. They have lasted very well and I love not having to tie my shoes. Proudest Moment: Running the Western States in 19:42. Cause(s): MS. My friend's dad died just recently due to MS and my roommates high school coach just got diagnosed with MS. Also diabetes because of my friend Alex Kula who has it and it has changed his life. Pet's Name/Type: I have a black cat named Gizmo and a dog named Buddy. Buddy is a mutt and a great training partner. My bro named him buddy, but I pretend that's he got the name because he's my running buddy. Favorite Snack: M&Ms Favorite Moment In History: Tim Tweitmeier completing the Western States in less than 24 hours 25 times. Most Humbling Moment: Hanging out with Tim Tweitmeier in France for the Tour de Mont Blanc. Not too many people have a chance to hang out with their idol. Ambition: win western states Weakness: Pizza and running in the dark that's when I slow down the most in a race Three Things People Should Know About Me 1. I love Running 2. I drink a lot of milk. 3. and I don't know what else its kinda a hard question to answer Inspiration Within the Sport: my dad because he showed me the ropes Dream Vacation: I would go to Kenya with my best friends and my g/f and if that didn't work Oregon or California Funniest Story: well mooning the aid station when I was younger as I ran by, and almost dying while crossing a river in Yosemite with my dad 15 miles away from any help that was scary but I survived so now its funny. Career Highlights:
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