Karim Asrih

Name: Karim Asrih
SCOTT Athlete since: 2017
D.O.B: 21.09.1990
Nationality: Belgian
Hometown: Ghent, Belgium
 
Biography: 
I started running in 2014 on 'doctors order'... earlier that year I had the idea to combine my full-time time job as R&D engineer with obtaining a PhD. A couple of months after starting the PhD, it turned out that combing the two was not my brightest idea. Due to the long days, I had a lot of trouble clearing my head in the evening, which resulted in poor sleep quality. My doctor advised me that if I wanted to continue to combine things, I had to look for a method to relax my mind. Since I had no sport background, he suggested to start exercising. The advantage of being out of shape is that when you do some sports it’s physically exhausting and hence you don’t have time to think about the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Even better, if one persists long enough it’s so exhausting that that you can sleep very well.
To put words into action, I joined an athletics club and started running 3 times a week. Running at the back of the pack and trying to hold on as long as possible turned out to be (mentally) very relaxing. After a while some friends, who were going to participate in the Köln Marathon, challenged me to join them in the race… somehow they did convince me and before I knew what happened I was standing at the start line in Köln. To be honest, I was extremely stressed because I had no idea how to tackle the race, how many gels I should take and whether I could even reach the finish line… initially I had the idea to start slow and see how it goes, but during the sleepless night before the race I switched mindset and thought let’s give it a go and see where we end. For those interested, I finished the race in 2:36:14. 
A bit after the race a local running shop (TRAKKS) proposed to sponsor me. Part of the sponsoring were free bib’s for some trail races. A new world opened up for me, living in the city and only running with the athletics club I never considered trail running. The first couple of trainings and races mainly involved learning what not to do. Belgium trails typically involve many short steep and muddy hills, which resulted in a very inelegant running style where I was sliding all over the place. After trying several brands and shoes I discovered the SCOT Supertrac RC which I really enjoyed. Even the catchphrase "Power is Nothing Without Traction" is right up my ally. Being very enthusiastic about the shoe I got picked up by the Benelux Scott representative who asked me if I was interested in joining the Benelux SCOTT Running team. 
Although I have obtained my Phd, running has remained a big part of my life. I’ve had the opportunity to run races in several countries (including the USA, Italy, France, Austria, Germany…) while visiting some amazing and unique locations and carrying the NO SHORTCUTS mentality along. 
I hoped you enjoyed the short background and see you on the trails 😉 
 

Athlete talk

Achievements: 
7x winner of the SCOTT XTRAILS
1st Alpin Trail De Pichauris (106km - 5600D+)
1st Trail du Grand Ballon
2022 - 2:25:34 Eindhoven Marathon
Marathon Berlin 2023 - 2:23:31

3 fun facts to learn about me:  
1-    Since 2015 I have run about 30,000 km.
2-    The highest "mountain" within a 50km radius around my house is only 33m high... (you can guess why Belgium is nicknamed the 'the flatlands') quite a bit of joy if you are preparing for a trail in the Alps :)
3-    Several times a week I run in a straight line in the city. Typically, these are out-and-back runs. This helps me clear my mind and helps as a recuperation run.

Favourite race: SCOTT XTRAILS France Hautes Vosges
Favourite SCOTT product: SCOTT Speed Carbon RC
A quote you live by: “If you have everything under control, you’re not moving fast enough.” - Mario Andretti
Motivational song: Rage of the Pentahook - Alestorm