What clients will we find you working on at Darby Comm?
I work with Appalachian Gear Company, Lifesaver, Old Town Watercraft, Outdoor Eats, and Shimano.
Do you have any nicknames?
My name occasionally appears as Jim Gooney on some parts of the web.
What is it you are most excited to do here at Darby?
I love making connections and coming up with creative story angles.
Where did you grow up and what brought you to Asheville?
I grew up in New Jersey and then transplanted to the Western Slope of Colorado for a few years. I’m in Asheville to access the amazing trails and live closer to family.
We’ve heard you’ve got some cred in the ultrarunning realm. How did you get into the sport and what is your proudest accomplishment (permission to brag here!)?
Oh jeez, yeah, I run a fair bit. I recently set the course record on Hellbender 100 Miler and have been chipping away at some of the more competitive Fastest Known Time routes around Western North Carolina. I started jogging as training for alpine rock climbing. My focus shifted towards running as a pursuit when I began enjoying consistency and community. I like to categorize my proudest moments in terms of if they would impress my 10-year-old self. So through that lens, I’m proud of clinching a few sponsorships and entering into the elite race category.
If you could meet anyone from the past, present, or future, who would it be and why?
I would love to sit down and riff with Kurt Vonnegut. The cadence of conversation and topics would keep me on my toes and have me in stitches.
What’s a bucket list item high on your list?
I want to go to Patagonia to climb Chairo di Luna (Grade V, 5.10+), I’d also love to do an extended trip around Hokkaido, Japan.
Tacos or Pizza?
Pizza hands down. Half Pineapple, other half Mushroom. I’ll die on that hill.
What podcast do you recommend we all check out?
My absolute favorite is Literature & History by Doug Metzger. I can get really in the weeds in the endurance space, but Science of Getting Faster and Evokecast are stellar.
Beverage of choice?
Love a clean cup of coffee from either Costa Rica or Mexico. Washed or natural, I’m not too picky.
Favorite piece of gear right now?
I’d be lost without my Ultimate Direction Utility Belt and Shokz headphones.
Something random nobody would ever guess about you?
I’ve spent a decade’s worth of seasons working as a sailing instructor.
What Instagram/TikTok creators do you like to follow?
@jackkuenzle’s Instagram probably has my favorite sardonic takes on the trail running scene, but also an overly fastidious self-reporting for his FKT attempts, which is fun. Otherwise, I really spend most of my time on Strava.