Michael Orcutt pivots to running after lifetime of cycling, skiing

Tell us more about your introduction to running.

I started running during the first quarantine. I was a competitive cyclist through college and ended up breaking my wrist in a bike accident in 2020. I started running to stay in shape and never looked back. I found such a welcoming community in running at a time when I really needed that support.

What keeps you motivated to keep running?

I learned early on that prioritizing relationships and exercise made me a happier person. Running checks both of those boxes! Medical school has forced me to be intentional about setting aside time to train, but it has made me a better student and athlete.

You’re a medical student on rotation. Tell us an interesting piece of medical trivia.

Orthopedic fun fact: I've had to learn to walk again three times as an adult after undergoing hip and pelvis reconstructive surgery! I'm still learning how to run…

Why did you join RCTC?

I joined RCTC because of the inclusivity and the mission of the team. The team is an amazing group of diverse people and spending time with some of them has really brightened my life.

In what aspect of your running do you feel you could use the most support?: 

FORM. I was a cyclist and skier for most of my life. I got into running because I like to work hard, but my success has been limited by deficits in form and knowledge of the sport. I would also like to learn more race strategy.

You have numerous tattoos. What’s the backstory behind one of them?

I got the trail peg tatted on my vastus medialis this spring! It's the first shoe I ran in after my last hip surgery. I love keeping it close as a reminder of how far I've come. I even met the designer of the trail peg on a RCTC Friday food run!

Care to share a fond running memory?

My first ultra was one of the best experiences of my life. I realized at midnight the night before the race that I had forgotten my shoes. I ended up running the first 13 miles in a pair of Altra Lone Peaks my buddy through hikes the PCT on, and then bought a pair of shoes (after a lot of haggling) off a guy who was running the trail half marathon.

My pacer picked the shoes up off the guy at the finish line and drove them to me on the trail. It was absolutely perfect. I attempted my first hundred mile only four weeks after the 50 mile and was just over cooked. I learned a lot about ultras and am looking forward to racing a few next spring (hopefully in my own shoes).

Anything else you want to share?

I’m super grateful for the opportunity to join the team, and I am going to stay as involved as I can despite traveling for school most of this fall and winter.