FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity. The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability. Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.
This Week: Sean Crandell
Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area?
No. I lived the majority of my life outside the United States. I was born in Ecuador, spent elementary school in Kenya and middle and high school in the United Arab Emirates. My dad is originally from Pittsburgh and went to North Allegheny HS. As a family we made Pittsburgh our base in the summer as we visited family. In the search for Universities, Pitt made sense both due to the health care opportunities in addition to my familiarity with the city. Liked it so much I decided to stay in Pittsburgh and go to Chatham University for grad school!
What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area?
1) Cycling up steep hills and finding different vantage points of the city 2. Walking through our accessible parks 3. Disc Golf
Describe your fantasy movement-focused vacation…cost is not an object…where do you go and what do you do?
Untouched mountains, bicycles, friends, and a place where you can’t get by with the English language.
What is your go-to weekday breakfast? Your weekend breakfast?
365 days of the year: Oatmeal, spoon of PB and a banana. It’s yummy and fits a grad student’s budget.
What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy.
Not a huge foodie (see breakfast response), but I do enjoy the comfort and experience of tacos from Las Palmas in Oakland.
What is the most unusual and/or challenging movement activity you’ve done? Would you do it again?
Early in my cycling career I cycled from Pittsburgh to DC in 23:53 elapsed time via the GAP and C&O trail. The goal was under 24 hours. I did it with pacers to make sure I didn’t end up in the river. I didn’t draft at any point. I wouldn’t do Pittsburgh to DC again, as my business there is done, but I’m sure I’ll find more “ultra” challenges in the future. Currently focusing on being a “fast” cyclist as opposed to a “can go forever” cyclist.
What movement activity/event are you looking forward to in the next year?
Although I spend the most time on a bicycle, I am looking forward to pacing my friend Tyler Quinn during the Leadville 100 run in August.
Would you rather go scuba diving or skydiving?
No answer.
What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice?
A walk in the park.
What is the one place visitors to Pittsburgh “must” see?
Mt. Washington overlooks are ‘pretty neat’. They’re even more rewarding if you get up there under your own power!
Contact info for Sean Crandell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclingmvmt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmvmt/
Website: http://www.cycling-movement.sitew.us/#Welcome.A
