We’re proud of the staff at Independence Run and Hike,
and our place in the running community in Carbondale
We are a team of dedicated and passionate experts ready to help with running shoes, trails, and outdoor adventures. If you are interested in joining our staff, fill out an application. We’d love to hear from you.

BRION AFTER, OWNER
Hometown:
Grew up in Rochester, NY but have lived in the valley since 2000!!
How long have you lived in Carbondale?
Carbondale- Since 2013, Basalt- 9 years, Aspen 4 years
Favorite aspect(s) of Carbondale:
Just constantly running into friends, its such a nice small town, I feel like everyone is my neighbor! Also, (of course) access to the great outdoors and more laid back vibe than other towns in the valley.
Activities/Hobbies:
1. Golf
2. Run
3. Hike
4. Tele Ski
5. Skate Ski
6. Mtn Bike
7. Throw touchdown passes to my son
8. Hug my daughter
7. Jam out to Phish
8. Obsess over the Buffalo Bills finally winning a Super Bowl!
(couldn’t limit it to 3)
Describe yourself with three adjectives:
1. Boring
2. Old
3. Dad
4. Most of the time
(are #3 & 4 adjectives?)
Favorite Shoe:
Changes every week! Right now… Asics NovoBlast… last week Speedgoat… when hiking Ultra Raptor
Favorite Local Trail:
EAST CREEK!!!
Favorite Piece of Gear for Outdoor/Run:
My new (old) camper…
or my Dri-Clime windshirt,
or my Aftershokz,
or my new Tele Skis,
or any piece of wool clothing…
Gels, Chews, or Bars:
Gels
No-Show or Crew:
No-Show
Favorite Movie:
Big Lebowski or Say Anything
Post-Adventure Meal:
PB&J (lots of PB) & Ramen (salt!!)
(hopefully too tired for anything else)

KYLE JONES, MANAGER
Hometown:
Austin, TX
How long have you lived in Carbondale?
Since June, 2021
Favorite aspect(s) of Carbondale:
The sense of community, the milder weather than that of a true mountain town, and its proximity to so much wilderness on all four sides.
Activities/Hobbies:
1. Running
2. Mountain and gravel biking
3. Recovering
Describe yourself with three adjectives:
1. Extroverted
2. Introverted
3. Passionate
Favorite Shoe:
Hoka Speedgoat EVO
Favorite Local Trail:
Silver Creek (out of Marble)
Favorite Piece of Gear for Outdoor/Run:
Trucker hat
Gels, Chews, or Bars: ALL!
-Gels: Maurten
-Chews: Clif Blocs
-Bars: Pro Bars
No-Show or Crew:
Crew (must maintain tan line!)
Favorite Movie:
Fletch
Post-Adventure Meal:
Any and all pastries, including Pop-Tarts!

JEFF STEPHENS
Hometown:
Park City, Utah
How long have you lived in Carbondale?
16 years
Favorite aspect(s) of Carbondale:
It’s the nearest town to Mount Sopris. 6160 is the ideal elevation and population.
Activities/Hobbies:
1. Trail running
2. Canyon rambling
3. Looking at maps
Describe yourself with three adjectives:
1. Curious
2. Hilarious
3. Awkward
Favorite Shoe:
Hoka Torrent
Favorite Local Trail:
Carbonate Creek
Favorite Piece of Gear for Outdoor/Run:
Maps!
Gels, Chews, or Bars:
Chews
No-Show or Crew:
Crew
Favorite Movie:
Michael Clayton
Post-Adventure Meal:
Burrito

ELLERY SCHNEIDER
Hometown:
Sarasota, FL
How long have you lived in Carbondale?
7 months
Favorite aspect(s) of Carbondale: Unbeatable access to special places and a community of like-minded people.
Activities/Hobbies:
1. Running
2. Backpacking
3. Snowboarding
Describe yourself with three adjectives:
1. Deliberate
2. Curious
3. Vigorous
Favorite Shoe:
New Balance 1080
Favorite Local Trail:
Capital Creek
Favorite Piece of Gear for Outdoor/Run:
Standard ball cap
Gels, Chews, or Bars:
Chews all day
No-Show or Crew:
Crew
Favorite Movie:
Burn After Reading
Post-Adventure Meal:
Scramble and pancakes

TISH O’KEEFE
Hometown:
West Wardsboro, VT
How long have you lived in Carbondale?
7 months
Favorite aspect(s) of Carbondale:
What I like about Carbondale is the access to great skiing, hiking and biking. Plus the weather is great.
Activities/Hobbies:
1. Hiking
2. Skiing
3. Biking
Describe yourself with three adjectives:
1. Dependable
2. Honest
3. Sensitive
Favorite Shoe:
Asics
Favorite Local Trail:
Mushroom Rock
Favorite Piece of Gear for Outdoor/Run:
Cotopaxi Fanny Pack
Gels, Chews, or Bars:
I don’t really eat either
No-Show or Crew:
No-Show
Favorite Movie:
Something about Mary
Post-Adventure Meal:
N/A