This May, we’re celebrating champions—not just the fastest or strongest, but anyone who moves with purpose, who makes time to care for their body, and who shows up for themselves day after day.

Meet Dane, a former elite triathlete turned ultra-runner, dog dad of three, and proud sproos! ambassador based in Austin, TX. Whether he’s training for a 100-mile race or winding down at home, Dane knows the power of a consistent routine—and a great shower.

We asked him a few questions about movement, motivation, and why filtered water matters.

Where are you based, and what do you do day-to-day?

I’m based in Austin, Texas. My day-to-day consists of me working at a running store downtown, being a dog dad to three very different dogs(one very emotional iggy, one big sleepy Pyrenees, one small old man chihuahua), being consistent with my ultra training, and of course being a good partner to my wife.

Can you share the sports or activities that keep you moving? How did you get into them?

I grew up doing multiple sports as a young kid. A mix of wrestling, cross country, swimming and soccer, so I was always active from the start which I continued with until after college. Going into my 20s was when I took a break without even realizing it. Life kind of took over and it wasn’t until I realized how much I missed community, that I ended up back in sports but specifically triathlon. 

I was an elite triathlete for 8 years with running as my specialty, it was something that just came so naturally to me. Running felt like meditating but also a rush. I ended up retiring from triathlon to fully pursue running and I was always interested in ultras and trail racing so I kind of jumped right it. My first race being the iconic Leadville 100 trail race and I’ve been hooked ever since. The people, the community, and the determination involved in ultras really is the perfect combination for me.

With an active lifestyle, why does filtered water matter to you?

As an athlete, what I put on and in my body matters. Also, being diagnosed OCD/Tourettes, nutrition is definitely one of those things I hyper-fixate on. Tap water can taste off and irritate my gut, so I always use filtered water for my nutrition. But just as important? Filtered shower water. With how often I shower, it’s a non-negotiable—for protecting my skin barrier, supporting muscle recovery, and keeping my hair and skin healthy through training. This is a key factor in having a good race day for me. 

We saw you’re running a fundraiser—can you tell us what it's for and how people can support?

Yes! I am a part of a fundraiser and this is my 13th year raising money for the cause. It is a 21 mile paddle called Dam that Cancer and it raises money for the Flatwater foundation. The FF provides much needed access to therapy for those struggling with life altering cancer diagnosis’ and to their family.  I’ve seen too many loved ones with cancer and this foundation feels essential to process all that one goes through with this debilitating illness. Every dollar helps and I’ll include my link for those interested in donating to the foundation.

What does your post-workout or wind-down routine look like?

I love spending time with my wife and three sweet dogs. My wife and I have curated a very healing environment in our home, shout out to the sproos! shower head for adding to the quality of our showers AND to our water, and its just definitely my favorite way to wind down especially paired with us cooking something new together!

Any personal wins—big or small—you’re celebrating lately?

This is a tough one, does getting married count? We were just married on the 18th of April and we’re still buzzing from spending time with all our loved ones in one place. I suppose I also have a backyard ultra coming up and my training has felt really good so I’m starting to get excited. It’s BPN’s first last man standing which is a 4.2 mile loop on the hour, every hour, until there’s one person left. I will also be returning to race the Leadville 100 again this coming August which I’m very excited about.