Tucked away near the Idaho border in Eastern Oregon, the Leslie Gulch area of the Owyhee Canyonlands is a bucket list place to trail run.
Dramatic rock towers, slot canyons, juniper-lined trails and Jeep roads, limited cell service, a mix of flats and hills, and one of the most remote places we've ever been. (We helped advocate for the permanent protection of these public lands 10 years ago during our Live Monumental tour.)
We roadtripped there again earlier this summer with a few KEEN Originals, including Mileshka Cortes and Kam Casey, for a photoshoot to show our new Seek trail runner in action. Kam and Mileshka aren't just models, they're runners who log up to 70 miles per week and race 50Ks on a whim (!!!).
Here are some of our favorite photos from the trip, plus some trail running intel from these rad Seekers.
What did you love most about running in Leslie Gulch, Oregon?
Kam: First was the company, a fun group of people to be out on the trails with. Second, for sure, was the scenery. When we got to the top and were just looking over the valley and the river, I was really like, “damn, this is what it’s all about.”
Mileshka: Everything, I loved everything about Leslie Gulch. It was such a beautiful mix of terrain, from the big rocks that seemed to belong to somewhere in Utah to the top of the mountain where everything seemed green. A stunning sunset was waiting for us, and the team made the whole experience exponentially better.
What’s your trail running story?
K: I’ve been trail running since I began running almost 20 years ago. My mom would take me to trails around Indiana to run; she was big on not always running on the pavement. I love running places where you aren’t surrounded by cars and having to stop at intersections all the time. It’s nice to get to a trail, get into a rhythm, and go.
M: I started running on Sept. 30, 2023 (Saturday). This was not a smart decision taken around 2 am on Sept. 25, 2023 (Monday), when I signed up for a 50K happening five days later without training or simply running in years. It was not easy, it was painful, and I wanted to start running to redeem myself. Now it is something I enjoy. I love the freedom, the time that I take for and with myself, and the possibilities of what I could be capable of.
“I am not out there to win gold medals but to enjoy what my body is capable of and test its limits.”
- Mileshka Cortes
What does training look like for you?
K: Right now, I’m running around 70 miles a week, slowly creeping toward 100 for the big section of the training block I’m in currently. Right now, a typical week is easy miles on Monday with some strides following the run to work on turnover. Some tempo or threshold workout on Tuesday, usually followed by a weight lifting session in the afternoon. Wednesday is a recovery day, so I’m running easy or cross-training in the pool or on the bike. Thursday is miles and strides. Friday is a fartlek (in a few weeks it’ll be a track session). Saturday is our long run, and Sunday is easy recovery miles.
M: For the most part, my long runs happen on Saturday or Sunday, with 4-5 easy runs during the week plus maybe a speed workout, 2-3 strength training workouts, and some bouldering or cycling. I am not out there to win gold medals but to enjoy what my body is capable of and test its limits.
How do you fuel your runs?
K: Usually, before workouts and long runs, I’ll eat two frozen waffles with peanut butter and syrup. Going longer, I might have one of the Cadence bars. I’m usually drinking LMNT for hydration, but when training picks up more heavily, I’ll use the Flow Endurance mix, three scoops is like 90 carbs and 500mg of sodium, so good electrolytes and carbs. In general, I’m just trying to get calories in and hydrating with water or electrolytes at all times.
M: I am still trying to find a sustainable nutritional strategy that works for me, but at the moment I try to at least eat a banana or toast before my runs. During the run it is difficult for me to use gels, so I often just carry salt tablets for better hydration, and gummies, bars, a banana, kiwis, and/or energy waffles (I am obsessed with them) for nutrition. But all that is mainly during my long runs.
Where are your favorite trails to run?
K: I think my two favorites are Griffith Park and the Arroyo Seco Trail. In 10 minutes, I can drive to either one, which I’ve never had before. Growing up in Indianapolis, a good trail was 30 minutes or more away, and then when I lived in Chicago, it was easily an hour or more out to the trails. At this point during the week, I spend more time on trails than roads, which is a first for me.
M: My favorite trail is the one I have only done once, where everything started, in Sanborn County Park. The route connected San Andreas trail, Sanborn trail, Skyline trail, Saratoga Gap Trail, and John Nicholas trail with a total ascent of 6,132ft and beautiful views in every corner.
“I love running places where you aren’t surrounded by cars and having to stop at intersections all the time. It’s nice to get to a trail, get into a rhythm, and go.”
- Kam Casey
Any must-bring gear and snacks?
K: For a full day of trail running, my biggest thing is some real food, usually a sandwich. I’ll put ice in my hydration vest bladder to keep it cool early in the run. Then I’ll have two flasks of electrolytes or carb mix, some energy chews (or nerds gummy clusters), and maybe a bar or two. In terms of gear, I definitely need sunglasses, a hat, my hydration backpack, and some trekking poles if there’s a ton of vert. I also probably need a fresh pair of socks and sunscreen.
M: My must-bring gear list is not too long because I think the beauty of running is about how accessible it is, and the only thing I need is a good pair of shoes that will help me to get from point A to B. Everything else are “wants” instead of “needs.”
How did the Seek trail runners feel on the trail?
K: They felt great and are still feeling amazing a few months out. I’ve been running in them a ton since the shoot, and they’re my favorite trail runners to date.
M: The Seek trail runners felt comfortable and secure thanks to the combination of the laces and the heel collar. And great traction. But what I liked the most was the feeling of the midsole. It made the ride comfortable, responsive, and stable while we were running and jumping between rocks. And as a bonus, I love shoelaces that I don’t have to tie two times – because after a run the last thing I want is to be fighting with my shoelaces especially if they end up full of mud. With these laces, I am able to just tie them once, tuck them in between the tongue and the laces, and go.
