We sit down with our newest addition to the Darby Team, Mindy Smith, to learn more about what makes her unique and some of her passions! Her expertise in marketing and the outdoors makes her a perfect fit for our team and we’re thrilled to have her on board!
What clients will we find you working on at Darby Comm?
Astral, SylvanSport, Ultimate Direction, and working on a project for Shira Forge
Where did you grow up and what brought you to Asheville?
I am actually from this neck of the woods! Technically, from just a smidge east of here, but I’ve been in AVL for too long. I want to stay in Asheville because these big, beautiful, rooty, luscious mountains are my home, one of my forms of therapy, and provide me with a sense of comfort every day.
We heard you kind of like running…how did you get into the sport and when did you run your first 100?
HA! I DO love to run! I got into the sport about 14 years ago and *really* got into the sport about eight years ago when I found trail running was a thing. I ran my first hundo in 2018 and am excited to go after my first two-hundo this year, assuming the stars align. To me, getting into the woods, whether it’s my routine trail right here in the city limits or heading off into the “big boys of Appalachia”, sets my soul on fire and reminds me that all of those challenges, those struggles of life- they’re a gift. Plus, the community is just top-notch; I couldn’t ask for some of the closest, most dedicated friends that this sport has brought into my life.
You’re training for the BigFoot 200 miler in August. Tell us a little bit about what training looks like for a race that long.
I have learned I can focus for about three-four months, max (that’s following a training plan, with a coach (hey coach Tera Pruett!)) coupled with life/work/volunteer commitments. I will work my way back up to running about five days per week with two of those days being super easy (about one hour tops), one day is dedicated to speed or hill workouts crafted just for me, and two of those days being LONG days in the mountains (3+ hours of running/hiking/backpacking). This type of event is all about mind-over-matter: showing up for training when I don’t want to, or I am too tired or too sore. There’s a fine line of knowing when I am getting sick or truly needing rest versus ‘not wanting to do it – I have definitely learned that. It’s equally as much about not falling out of love with the sport. I want to show up to BigFoot trained, ready to kick butt and be in shape mentally and physically. 😊
You worked with the WNC Girl Scouts for many years, so tell us what’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie flavor?
Ha- depends on the day, but usually, I grab Peanut Butter Patties! 🍪
If you had unlimited time, what’s one hobby you’d like to take up?
Baking!! I love to bake, and while I am not very good at it, it’s fun to dirty up a kitchen and make sweet treats for others!
Tacos or Pizza?
Tacos. All. Day. Long.
Favorite spot in WNC to get away from it all?
There is this thing called: not tagging. This is a secret but I can guarantee it’s in Haywood County, haha!
Beverage of choice
Coffee. Always coffee. Especially Victoire’s coffee (locally-roasted).
Favorite piece of gear?
My Black Diamond Carbon Z’s (trekking poles)- they have gotten me through a LOT of miles.