A typical guy may begin to something a little more challenging when he turns 30. Sean Lehmann isn't your typical guy.
The Carson City podiatrist turned 30 this past summer and his idea of doing something more challenging is running 100 miles. Lehmann will compete in the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run on Sept. 7 in Salt Lake City.
The event is known as the world's toughest 100-mile run and for good reason since runners make a 27,000-foot climb through the Wasatch Mountains while covering the course. "That's the big thing about this one," Lehmann said.
Lehmann, though, does have a home field advantage, so to speak, since he grew up in the Salt Lake City area and ran for the University of Utah cross country and track teams. He hiked many of the trails that are going to be featured on the run.
Lehmann also has the advantage of training in the altitude of the Lake Tahoe area, which he said has helped.
Among his training runs for the upcoming 100-miler was a 40-mile run over a 9,000-foot climb on the Tahoe Rim Trail. "That was a good little training run," Lehmann said.
On the same day, Lehmann also did a six-mile run for a total of 46 miles.
"I felt really good," said Lehmann about his 46-mile run as a measuring stick for the 100-miler. "I was way ahead of schedule. I felt like I could have done more."
Lehmann's training has also included running a marathon, several 20-mile runs, a large number of bicycle rides and "lots and lots of little runs, too."
After turning 30, Lehmann figured he wasn't getting any younger, so there was no time like now to do a 100-mile run.
"I turned 30 last summer, that's what it was," said Lehmann about why he's doing the 100-mile run. "I always wanted to do it my whole life. It's something I've been thinking about for a while.
"I want to do it once in my life. I figured I would do it sooner than later."
But Lehmann said he doesn't think he'll attempt to run 100 miles more than once.
"I'll have to see, but I have to say if I can do one, that's enough," he said.
The Silver State Marathon is his other major running goal, Lehmann said.
"I'd still like to run the Silver State Marathon," he said. "That's actually the last big goal I can think of."
Lehmann is an experienced marathon runner, who has been running marathons since he was 10. His best time in a marathon is two hours, 39 minutes, 39 seconds.
He began running when he was five to literally follow in the footsteps of his father, Limm. "I was trying to be like him," Lehmann said.
Runners are allowed 36 hours to complete the Wasatch run. Lehmann said he hopes to do it in less than 30 hours. "To be honest, I'm just hoping to finish," he said.
Lehmann earned his bachelor's from the University of Utah where he received the President's Award for academic excellence. He graduated from Des Moines University with a doctorate in podiatric medicine and master's in health care administration. Lehmann completed his surgical residency at Lakewood Regional Medical Center in Long Beach, Calif.
An avid hiker and outdoorsman, Lehmann moved with his wife, Michelle, to Carson City for it surroundings. Lehmann also volunteers as a reserve member for Douglas County Search and Rescue.
Lehmann spends most of his time with his practice in Carson City, but also serves patients in Fallon, Lovelock and Minden.
Charles Whisnand is the Nevada Appeal Sports Editor.
